Middle East Cruises
When people think cruising, the Middle East does not at first come to mind. With all the problems that have been occurring in that part of the world, it would seem to be the last place someone would want to travel to by cruise ship.
The fact of the matter is though, that the Middle East, which is generally defined as those Arabic countries bordering the Arabian and Red Seas and the South-eastern Mediterranean Sea, are enjoying a resurgence as a cruise destination, especially for the more adventurous “been there, done that” sort of traveller.
Not very many cruise lines visit this part of the world, and generally you have to seek out the smaller niche-type lines to get you there. A handful of cruise lines make voyages there, including Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, Crystal, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, operators in the luxury cruise market. Holland America also sailed this region when it sent its smallest ship, the MS Prisendam the “elegant explorer” to this region a year or so ago.
Most Middle Eastern itineraries are two-week or longer affairs and thus they appeal to the older, more experienced travellers. There are plenty of sea days since several Middle Eastern ports are off limits. For example, Seabourn's 16 night "Red Sea & Africa" itinerary on the Seabourn Spirit calls at only five ports, staying overnight in two of them. This means a total of nine out of those 16 days are spent at sea – far too many for some people’s tastes.
Silversea runs a 14 night Suez canal trip that goes between Port Said, Egypt, and Dubai, which is a little less heavy on the sea days, but still involves four in a row.
A Middle Eastern cruise itinerary will not appeal to everyone, but it will offer lots for fans of history. Highlights include visiting some of the world’s most ancient sites, including Egypt’s pyramids and Jordan’s lost city of Petra, as well as such modern sites as Dubai’s over-the-top luxury hotels and beautiful beaches. Visit Dubai’s artificial island paradise, where the famous QE2 will soon be permanently docked to serve as a luxury hotel and museum for the island’s visitors.
Middle Eastern itineraries will also often include a stop at the bustling port city of Aqaba, with its many outdoor cafes and quaint eateries.
Adventures that can be had on a Middle Eastern itinerary include shopping in the old souks (markets), especially those selling gold and rare spices in Dubai and the colourful pashmina scarves in Muscat. One can also visit a local fish market in Aden and even arrange for a desert safari, if time permits.
Ultimately, though, what is especially fascinating about a Middle East cruise is the chance to be immersed in the Muslim culture and lifestyle, which is so important in world affairs today and is a subject about which most of us have little understanding or awareness.
The best way to visit these far off lands would clearly be by cruise ship since it offers the opportunity to “rough it” in these comparatively “primitive” regions of the world while at the same time being pampered with the modern conveniences and indulgences available on a luxury cruise vessel. So, while a cruise to the regions of the Middle East is not for everybody, for those adventurous few who can afford a luxury cruise experience, it can represent the trip of a lifetime.
See all the great destinations you can visit in the Middle East
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