Explore and book MSC Cruises 7 Night Middle East Cruise on the MSC Euribia departing from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Dec 11, 2024 and ending in Doha, Qatar on Dec 18, 2024 Sail to Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Bahrain, Doha, Qatar

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Zayed National Museum
Heritage Village
Observation Deck at 300

Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

Private Journeys
Small Group Discoveries
Destination Highlights

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Museum 
Chef's Market Discoveries
A Visit to the Top & High Tea
Visit to Level 148, Burj Khalifa
La Perle by Dragone
Jumeirah Mosque
Desert Safari
Burj Al Arab Hotel

Doha, Qatar

Best of Doha
Al Safliya Island
Museum of Islamic Art
Qatari desert

Bahrain, Bahrain

Catch the Essence of Manama - Half Day City Tour
Full-Day Bahrain Guided Tour
Guided tour in Bahrain by local licensed tourist guide
Ultimate Private Jarada Island Escape Tour
Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari Adventure
Private City tour and Sightseeing in Bahrain
Private tour and sightseeing in Bahrain - VIP tour
Bahrain City Tour

7 Night Middle East Cruise

Africa

Middle East

When MSC Euribia debuts in June 2023, she’ll offer breathtaking 7-night itineraries to the Norwegian fjords from Kiel, Germany followed by 4 and 5-night sailings from Genoa, Italy, visiting favorite cities in the Mediterranean. She is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather, and constellations to master the seas. Fittingly, the vision of our newest ship is to use state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve our marine ecosystem. No matter where she cruises, MSC Euribia’s uniquely designed hull is a floating piece of artwork that showcases our dedication to this commitment.

With about 10 sq. m. of public space per guest, poolside space on MSC Euribia is some of the most plentiful to be found at sea. Beautiful lighting, a giant screen and atmospheric design make the main pool area even more alluring after the sunset. 

Atmosphere Pool

Relax in one of five unique pools, including a massive 1,700㎡ main pool with ample space to unwind. Whether seeking tranquility or adventure in the waterpark, these pools offer comfort and excitement.

Euribia Pools

For the young and the young at heart, two Formula 1 virtual-reality racing cars compete head-to-head in a race that will get hearts racing.

F1 Simulators

For the first time at sea, a full-size bowling alley where you can challenge friends and family to the last pin!

Full-size Bowling Alley

This central promenade is filled with boutiques, restaurants and tranquil spots for shopping, eating and relaxing...as well as socializing. And in the evening, it comes alive with music, parties and entertainment.

Galleria Euribia

Embrace adventure on the high seas by crossing the Himalayan Bridge, suspended 195 feet above the ocean. This skywalk offers not only a thrilling experience, but also unparalleled views of the vast sea, making it a memorable part of your daily activities.

Himalayan Bridge

Engage in the new Youth Lab program MSC Foundations where innovative, sustainability-focused sessions are offered via 12 daily activities covering topics like ocean health and climate change. These interactive sessions empower youths to explore their interests while fostering creativity and awareness.

MSC Foundation

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.

Red Gem Casino

The large and spacious amusement park provides a large arena where young guests can play sports and games during the daytime... then socialize, party and dance the evenings away. 

Sportplex

MSC Euribia offers two teenagers' clubs, one for 12-14 year olds and another for 15-17 year olds. In addition, a teens-only area serves as cinema, gaming room and disco, depending on the time of day, ensuring teenagers are always entertained. 

Teens Clubs

The Coral Reef Aquapark themed decoration is one of the most exciting water parks at sea, with new Life floor pool, three twisting slides, an adventurous ‘Himalayan Bridge’ and a range of pools, features and activities for all ages.

The Coral Reef Aquapark

Sip and savor at the Atmosphere Bar North, where poolside relaxation meets a diverse menu of Signature Cocktails, beers, and refreshing beverages. Ideal for those looking to unwind and socialize in a vibrant setting.

Atmosphere Bar North

Party with friends, enjoy a nightcap or simply dance into the small hours at the stylish onboard nightclub.

Attic Club

Savor the luxury at the chic Champagne Bar, where premium champagne, fresh oysters, caviar, and select seafood are served in an upscale atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for indulging in exquisite tastes and bubbly delights.

Champagne Bar

Discover a virtual vineyard at sea, offering a selection of 100 exclusive new- and old-world wines. Digital touch screens enhance the modern ambiance, offering an interactive yet intimate wine-tasting experience.

Helios Wine Maker

Find your favorite refreshment spot where every sip is an invitation to relax and enjoy the company of friends. With a selection ranging from traditional to signature and contemporary classic cocktails, there’s a drink to match every mood and moment.

Infinity Bar

Admire a striking 11x2m LED artwork by Julian Opie in this chic upscale bar. The vibrant display of walking figures adds a modern touch to this elegant atmosphere.

L’Atelier du Voyageur

Atmospheric and charismatic, our traditional British pub is the perfect setting to drop in for a pint. Serving beer, premium spirits and a wide array of beer based cocktails the pub is an ideal place to kick back and have fun. If hunger kicks in, you can also enjoy burgers, hotdogs and the traditional beer battered fish and chips made with the freshest ingredients by our talented chefs to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Masters of the Sea

Hit the at our spacious bar in Le Grand Casino. Get that Bond feeling order a drink from our skilled bar tenders and cast an eye over the Casino as you contemplate where lady luck will go to next. We have a wide variety of cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and fine spirits to refresh yourself with as you take a break from play.

Red Gem Casino Bar

Meet up with friends for an aperitif or after dinner cocktail and enjoy the stunning views while you listen to live piano music. With our handpicked carefully sourced drinks and fresh ingredients we are sure that you will be spoilt for choice.

Sky Lounge

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Sports Bar, where you can catch the big game, unwind with a cocktail, or simply relax. Offering a variety of beers, cocktails, and complimentary hot dogs, it's the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts and casual gatherers alike.

Sports Bar

The MSC Yacht Club Lounge offers its guests an exclusive retreat with breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy a sophisticated selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and gourmet snacks in this elegant space, reserved solely for MSC Yacht Club Guests.

Top Sail Lounge

This high-tech, multi-purpose space houses a radio broadcast suite and a TV studio broadcasting live games, quizzes, talent contests and other fun content across the ship. It also serves as an atmospheric comedy club, karaoke bar and live music venue.

TV Studio and Bar

Aurora Borealis offers fresh pasta, bread, and caters to vegan and vegetarian preferences. The menu changes daily, ensuring a unique dining experience each time.

Aurora Borealis

This spacious dining venue offers Mediterranean and international specialties with décor evoking the grandeur of the Rockies. It seats 714 guests and promises a delightful culinary experience with a blend of familiar and exotic flavors.

Colorado River

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Green Orchid, where olive and ivory tones blend with floral artwork to create a relaxing dining atmosphere. This venue seats 598 guests and offers a refined dining experience.

Green Orchid

Exclusively for Grand Suite Aurea guests, this dining room boasts panoramic views of the grand promenade providing an upscale and private dining experience.

Il Campo Restaurant

Extensive buffet with a wide array of cuisine. The Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. It's the ideal place for enjoying a great informal Meditterranian dining experience with a spectacular sea view. The extensive buffet area incldues various multifunction corners serving international dishes, ethnic cuisine, healthy options and a multitude of other tastes.

Marketplace Buffet

Exclusive to Yacht Club guests, this sundeck buffet offers freshly grilled specialties alongside homemade pasta and salads. Savor breakfast, lunch, or a light snack in a relaxed, upscale outdoor setting.

MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar

Exclusive to Yacht Club guests, this dining venue features rotating menus and live pasta stations, delivering a refined culinary experience. Enjoy exceptional service and elevated cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an intimate setting.

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant

The Carousel Lounge is a technology-packed, entertainment and dining venue designed especially to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil. This custom-built lounge can accommodate up to 450 guests, including more than 100 enjoying the full show-and-dining experience.

The Carousel Lounge

Indulge in this classic French-inspired steakhouse at Le Grill, featuring exquisite dishes like Black Angus beef and Rockefeller oysters. With seating for 60 passengers, this specialty venue promises an intimate and delectable dining experience.

Le Grill

Step in, choose your spot at one of four cookings stations and watch your delicious Japanese dishes come to life, right before your eyes. Our expert chefs cook with flair on an open grill; a feast for the senses that sees flames and the finest sizzling ingredients coming together to form delicious dishes you'll remember forever.

Kaito Teppanyaki

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this stylish sushi restaurant. This charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients.

Kaito Sushi Bar

A gourmet ice cream parlour and French-style crêperie dreamed up by award-winning master pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury. Located in the impressive indoor promenade, it's the perfect place to enjoy a mouth watering made-to-order crêpe, with your choice of delicious sweet or savoury fillings. Treat someone you love to our unique house-made gelato or sorbet. Jean-Philippe Maury's award winning gelato is made on the premises, using only the finest quality ingredients and fresh fruit purees.

Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato

French master pâtissier Chocolatier Jean-Phillipe Maury brings his award-winning touch to this coffee and chocolate bar boutique where enticingly sweet delights are created just for you in our unique open concept chocolate kitchen. As well as choosing from a variety of exquisite Chef created chocolate candies, guests can also create their very own chocolate bar right at the tablet stations. The boutique offers also a wide assortment of delectable French macaroons and fresh roasted coffee. No matter your preference, there is something for everyone.

Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café

Guests will be able to choose from a savory selection of French-Vietnamese dishes, along with a variety of Vegetarian and Vegan options. The carefully selected wine list features both Old and New World wines and Tropical signature cocktails complement the authentic experience.

Indochine Restaurant

This new fast-casual street food dining concept offers a selection of Latin American and Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks to be shared and enjoyed in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, open for lunch and dinner. Choose from a tantalising array of dishes from blue corn tacos and nachos, authentic beef empanadas and tasty tamales through to tortilla soup or vegetarian tacos, all to be savoured with a glass of agua fresca or our selection of Top 10 Tequilas and Mezcals!

Hola! Tacos & Cantina

Enjoy world-class entertainment with seven different theatrical productions, providing excitement for the entire family. From live shows to engaging games and activities, this venue is packed with vibrant performances.

Delphi Theatre

Exclusive to Yacht Club guests, this private club setting where you can embrace the best of both worlds, offers both privacy and unparalleled access to the ship's extensive recreational and entertainment amenities. It's a luxury with the freedom to enjoy everything offered.

MSC Yacht Club

Every MSC Cruise is full of fun and discovery for kids of every age, starting with all the activities organised just for them and included in your fare. With a packed program of sports, games, competitions, parties and more, your children will enjoy endless discoveries with their new friends.Children can discover a world of their own thanks to 5 dedicated clubs for ages ranging from 0 to 17 years old, where they are looked after by our trained, multilingual personnel, certified for safeguarding children.

Kids Clubs

Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the LEGO® Experience On Board: an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities for the whole family to enjoy. Thanks to this special activity your kids can spend hours building and creating whatever they want!

Lego Experience

The Young Club is the ultimate hangout for 12 to 14-year-olds, filled with activities that encourage discovery, participation, and friendship. From sports tournaments to hi-tech gaming, each day is a new opportunity to have fun and make lasting connections.

Young Club (12-14)

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the MSC Aurea Spa, a sanctuary of Balinese tranquility. Offering a variety of signature treatments, a thermal area, and beauty services, it’s your escape to rejuvenation and luxury.

MSC Aurea Spa

Equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym cardio and strength-training equipment, the MSC Euribia  gym offers a wide range of innovative fitness courses and training programs.

MSC Gym by Technogym

MSC Cruises

MSC Euribia

Feel like taking some hours off and just relaxing at the beach? Then join our take-it-easy tour to the city beach of Abu Dhabii by a pedelec  an electrically powered bicycle which assists the rider's pedal power at speeds of up to 25 km/h. After leaving the port, your first stop is at the fish market, where you will experience your first view of Abu Dhabii's jaw-dropping skyline. Then your route continues along the so-called Corniche to the city's public beach. This attractive beach has bars, showers, and changing cubicles, and is the perfect place to swim, sunbathe and relax for two and a half hours. Then, feeling fresh and revitalized from all the sun, sand and sea, you'll get in the saddle again and cycle along the beach promenade back to the ship.

The focus of this family-friendly tour is paying the amazing 5-star Radisson Blu Beach Club & Spa an unhurried visit. Once you're at the club, you'll have about 5 hours to enjoy the many amenities: a private sandy beach, an extensive and Blue Flag-winning new beach area with pristine sands, 3 temperature-controlled pools and a kids' and toddlers' area with plenty to keep the little ones entertained, such as two large water slides in the shallow family pool. To round out the experience, be sure to take some photos of the Arabian Gulf and check out the peacock garden with duck pond, which also form part of the beautiful resort complex. At the end of your time at the high-end club, you'll be returned to the ship by coach.

A fun-filled activity can be yours to enjoy on this outing to a theme park, which begins with a short coach ride and lets you pick which park to visit. Choose either Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World  either way, you're sure to have a great time. Star attractions at Ferrari World include the world's fastest rollercoaster, the G Force experience, the V12 ride and a breathtaking exhibition of Ferrari cars  perfect for the entire family to enjoy. For a cinema-themed park, Warner Bros. World is the place to be. The indoor park offers a thoroughly immersive experience with various themed areas, 29 thrilling rides, family-friendly interactive displays and live entertainment. You'll find yourself among such iconic characters as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as well as cartoon stars like Bugs Bunny, Scooby-doo, Tom & Jerry or the ever-lovable Flintstone family. You'll be free to explore either of the theme parks on your own and the return coach ride brings the outing to a close.

Already known as the crossroads to Europe, Asia and Africa, Abu Dhabii now also boasts the Ferrari World Theme Park as one of its must-see locations. Only a short coach ride away, the theme park hosts a wealth of attractions and exciting rides for children and adults alike. Among more than 20 state-of-the-art rides, you will find the worlds fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at a speed of 200 km/h to emulate the thrill of riding in a Ferrari F1 car, this is one heck of a ride. Still not scary enough? Then try the G-Force experience  a ride that takes passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ascent of over 62m up through the roof, only to then to sharply make its way back down to earth again. Alternatively, try theV12 ride, a journey into the heart of a 12-cylinder Ferrari 599 engine, or get up close and personal with the ultimate display of Ferrari cars, hailing from Maranello and top collectors from around the world. The Ferrari World Theme Park tour is thoroughly recommended as a great day out for families.

You will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the world's most advanced Formula 1 circuits in the world! You will be taken around the circuit in comfort stopping at key locations including the North Grandstand, the Yas Marina, Shams Tower, the red Building and the Yas Drag Racing strip. You will explore the circuit's high-tech facilities, including Race Control, and have the unique opportunity to take a picture at the Podium like an F1 champion. You will see the astonishing structure of the Yas Hotel and the luxurious Marina. This is a must-see experience for all motor sports fans and non-motor sport fans interested in such a state-of-the-art sports facility. You will observe and learn all aspects of a Formula 1 circuit and get an inside look at what is normally not visible to fans during race weekends.

A 2-hour coach drive will take you to the historical town of Al Ain, also known as the Garden City, and famed in equal measure for its modern cityscape, its lush vegetation as a desert oasis, beautiful public parks, decorative squares and gardens as well as generously sweeping boulevards. This delightful oasis town, surrounded by reddish-gold sand dunes and curiously shaped hillocks, has always been an important stop along the traditional caravan trail. The tour of Al Ain begins with a gentle stroll through abundant palm trees, amid which you will also see an excellent example of a working falaj, an ancient kind of irrigation system. The tour will also take you to the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum. The architectural simplicity of the buildings along with their cool, secluded gardens and verdant palm trees at the western edge of the Al Ain oasis are sure to leave an indelible impression on who visit. Before returning to Abu Dhabii, the tour is rounded off by a visit to the famous Al Ain camel market. This is a superb opportunity to see these hardy "ships of the desert" as well as other livestock at close hand within a highly traditional trading environment.

Treat yourself to the thrill of a lifetime on our Desert Dune Adventure. An exciting rollercoaster ride over Arabia's golden sand dunes awaits you  and all from the comfort of a modern four-wheel drive vehicle. Look forward to viewing beautiful scenery from the top of the highest sand dune, taking stunning photos or letting your imagination take flight in the vast emptiness of the desert. En route to the desert location, the tour will take you through villages and past farms that still practice a traditional way of life  in stark contrast to the super-modern towers of the capital city.

Equestrian sports  in particular involving elegant, pure-bred Arabian horses  are not only highly popular in Qatar, but also add up to big business, with champions and their offspring bringing in and selling for huge sums of money. This half-day outing will see you head for the Al Shaqab Royal Stables, a place that prides itself in the champions it has bred  and continues to breed. In an effort to promote only the highest standards in equestrian husbandry and the showing of Arabian horses, Al Shaqab offers innovative opportunities in the fields of equestrian education and sports. Taking you past the Al Jazeera TV station, an initial 1-hour drive will deliver you to the stables. Your guided visit will then include a look at the VIP area, the main arenas, the breeding and showing sections as well as a chance to take part in a short horse show. On the way back to the ship, you'll have a brief photo stop at the Aspire zone to wrap the tour up.

This shopping trip begins with a large portion of eastern promise and Oriental flair at Doha's famed Souq Waqif, an inner-city market that covers about four blocks close to the waterside Corniche. In line with an edict passed by the Emir of Qatar, the more than 100-year-old complex underwent large-scale refurbishment between 2004 and 2006 using only traditional building materials such as sun-baked bricks reinforced with wooden poles instead of steel. As you explore the many narrow alleyways of the souq, you'll find yourself amid a vast array of goods: gold, textiles, spices and even live falcons and other animals. Next up on the tour is the Aspire Zone Foundation, a centre that provides training facilities for sports prodigies, promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports the sports economy. Part of the complex is the Italianate Villagio Mall, where you'll have time to browse and bargain for a memento of your time in Qatar. But along with the Aspire Zone itself, the mall is also ideal for kicking back and having lunch in one of the numerous restaurants (at extra cost) before you return to the ship.

Sand, sand, lots of sand that forms an ever-changing, undulating landscape as far as the eye can see: the desert in the south of Qatar is the site of an adventure you'll love to remember. Best of all, you'll get to enjoy the magnificent ride from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle. You'll first head south from the port in Doha, passing the oil fields and towers for which Mesaieed is known, then take a break at Sealine Beach to reduce tyre pressure and, finally, move on to the desert sands. A bumper portion of glorious views awaits, topped off by breathtaking vistas of the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid, which also forms a natural, geographical border to Saudi Arabia. After some time to enjoy the tranquillity of the desert at this special spot and take photos, the equally scenic return ride brings the outing to a close.

A trip to Qatar would be a waste without this incredibly adventurous journey into the endless heart of the desert. Experience the rapture of an exhilarating roller coaster ride as our luxury 4x4 vehicles drive you across the tranquil sand dunes leaving you captivated. Your trip includes a drive along coastal route to Sealine passing the Oil fields & Towers in Mesaaid; en route we you stop for a breathtaking view of the Inland Sea "Khor Al Adeid", which is the natural border to Saudi Arabia. Do bring your camera for exclusive photo opportunity, allowing you to capture the stunning panoramic views of spectacular sand dunes and the Inland Sea, while enjoying a roller-coaster ride. You will reach the desert camp, an oasis of tranquillity located amidst the poetical dunes of the Arabian desert kissed by the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy a day at the beach within the desert in a resort that provides amenities and facilities to satisfy your every need and demand. Our sumptuous home-made BBQ meal makes your lay over to Qatar a delicious experience: the traditional tents provide comfortable shade. Get ready for sand boarding or just have a swim in the Gulf.

Discover Doha on land and view it from the sea on this panoramic city tour and boat cruise. After a panoramic coach drive along Doha Corniche & West Bay, you will head for a visit to the atmospheric Souq (Souq Waqif) in "Old Doha", which is one of the most bustling areas of the city. Evolved from a weekend market where the Bedouins traded meat, wool and other products, it is now a maze of narrow alleyways filled with small shops, with goods piled high to the ceilings and spilling out onto the pavement, and with separate sections selling dress, tools, general hardware, spices, incense, Arabic perfumes, sweets and dried fruits. Some highlights are the Falcon Souq, the Gold & Diamond Souq, the Spice Street and the Animal Souq. The tour continues with a drive to Doha Dhow Port to board a dhow and begin an amazing cruise on the waters of the Doha bay where skyscrapers of all different shapes and forms will impress you. Join this relaxing trip and set sail aboard a magnificent dhow, one of the oldest types of wooden ships still in use and which, relatively unchanged over the years, remains an integral part of the middle eastern culture. Used in the past for fishing, pearl diving & trading between Africa & India, each sailing trip on a show  that varies from Oman to Bahrain  is a unique experience. The best Architects from around the globe have competed in creating a "state-of-the-art" horizon. Refreshments and a delicious on-board BBQ will be served, so taste it and simply relax and soak up the sun on board while cruising back to land at a leisurely pace. You may take a swim and enjoy the sunny day in Doha Bay.

Taking up half a day of your time, this tour promises to deliver the very best of Doha, Qatar's capital and a city that succeeds in blending modern with traditional architecture. Enjoy an amazing coach drive through some of Doha's most prominent and scenic landmarks. The route begins with passing the Museum of Islamic Art, near the city's dhow harbour and continues through the Corniche, West Bay and the Diplomatic area, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl, and the Lusail Marina Promenade. The Pearl Qatar, a man-made island, resembles the shape of an oyster  albeit one measuring an impressive 400 hectares/988 acres and provides more than 32 km/20 miles of new coastline, along which around 19.000 residential units will be built for about 45.000 residents. A stop is scheduled along the itinerary for you to take some photographs for your memory book. Your final port of call will then be the Souq Waqif, a vast inner-city bazaar that dates back to the 19th century but was fully refurbished using only traditional building materials between 2004 and 2006. Brimming with the most diverse goods, from gold and textiles to spices and live animals, the Souq is an experience that will engage all your senses. The outing then wraps up with your return to the ship.

The name Doha may have originated from the Arabic Ad-Dawha, "the big tree", with reference to the big tree that stood on the site where the original fishing village arose. Today, Doha is considered the outstanding "Jewel of Qatar" and we invite you on a half-day excursion to discover this amazing city, combining different architectures and cultures. Enjoy a sightseeing city tour before heading for the atmospheric Souq (Souq Waqif) in "Old Doha", which is one of the most bustling areas of the city. Evolved from a weekend market where the Bedouins traded meat, wool and other products, it is now a maze of narrow alleyways filled with small shops, with goods piled high to the ceilings and spilling out onto the pavement, and with separate sections selling dress, tools, general hardware, spices, incense, Arabic perfumes, sweets and dried fruits. Highlights are the Falcon Souq as well as the Gold & Diamond Souq and the Spice Street & Animal Souq. Next, you will reach Msheireb Museum for an interesting journey into Qatar's rich heritage. Conceived to celebrate the history of four historic houses in the heart of Doha's oldest district, a visit to the Museum will reveal unique aspects of Qatar's cultural and social development in inspiring to create trusted environments in which the people of Qatar will engage, converse and exchange thoughts about both their past and their future. After the visit to the museum you will reach the port.

Why not add a special touch to your cruise holiday and treat yourself or a loved one to an excursion with a difference? This exceptional tour includes a 45-minute flight in a hydroplane over the city of Dubai. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of some of the city's iconic sights such as the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the appropriately shaped Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis Hotel and the literally sky-scraping Burj Al Khalifa building. Your flight ends at the port.

A minivan will pick you up at the port for a short transfer to the dock and the hydroplane. The ensuing 20-minute flight is an amazing opportunity to admire the beauty of Dubai from a completely new perspective and take stunning photos. Have your camera at the ready to ensure you don't miss a thing.

Experience Aquaventure, the largest water park in the region. Thrill your senses with the Ziggurat, Aquaventure's centerpiece or dare to take the Leap of Faith, a near vertical drop of 27.5 meters through a submerged tunnel into shark infested waters. Glide along over two kilometres of inter-connected waterways, dare to brave the rapids or simply enjoy the leisurely tidal effect of The Surge. For a gentler experience, younger visitors can plunge into Splashers, a water playground for kids. It all adds up to a unique water adventure, with something new to discover at every turn. Relax by the sandy beach of Atlantis before returning to Dubai port.

If shopping is your bag, this daylong celebration of all things retail is perfect for you. Your first port of call will be the wonderful Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a modern recreation of an old-fashioned bazaar with an ambience to match. After some time to browse this vibrant and colourful marketplace, you'll move on to two of the world's largest shopping emporia: the Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall. The former opened its doors in 2005, is currently being extended and not only boasts more than 700 shopping outlets, but also features the first indoor ski resort and snow park in the Middle East. The Dubai Mall is even larger, offering no less than 1.200 high-end stores, an incredible aquarium, an indoor ice rink and much more besides. It is situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa building, which soars to a vertiginous height of just under 829.8 m (2.725 ft.) and is currently the world's tallest man-made structure. You'll then return to the ship, complete with any purchases you might have made.

This enjoyable sightseeing tour of Dubai will give you a chance to discover the contrasts between old and new in this fast-growing and vibrant city, which is popularly known as the "City of Merchants" due to its long history of trade. Your tour will take you to the historical Al Bastakiya district of Dubai, a quarter known for its beautiful old houses along with their characteristic wind towers. These structures were designed to cool the buildings in the days before air conditioning. The tour also includes a visit to the Dubai Museum that is located at the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, a river crossing in a typical abra boat and a stop at the aromatic spice market. Finally, you will visit the huge gold souk, which offers exquisite gold jewellery at prices lower than anywhere else in the world. The next stop on your tour is the world-renowned seven-star Burj Al Arab. Built on a man-made island, this luxury hotel is not only a truly fitting monument to a new millennium, but also the iconic location where you will stop for lunch. Once refreshed, you will continue on a coach to the incredible Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. You will have a chance to take photos of the Atlantis Hotel where a further tour highlight awaits you: a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium. As you make your way through this exciting maze of underground passageways and tunnels, you will feel like you are visiting the ruins of the legendary city of Atlantis. Look forward to a stunning display of marine life, including clownfish, piranhas and colourful live corals. Before returning to the port and your vessel, the final stop on the tour is the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping centre, where you will have time to explore scores of premium-brand shops.

This tour lets you see both the breathtaking beauty of Dubai at night and the Burj Al Khalifa in one go. After leaving the port, you will drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, the most famous street in Dubai, to reach the Burj Al Khalifa building, which is currently credited as being the world's tallest building at a dizzying height of just over 829.8 m/2.722 ft. The observation deck on the 124th floor will give you a fascinating 360-degree view of Dubai and the city's glittering lights. The tour then continues on to the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping centre. You will have time to explore premium-brand outlets plus various other mall attractions such as an aquarium and an underwater zoo (admission to attractions not included in the price of the excursion). The excursion also includes the opportunity to watch the unique Dubai Fountain show, a fabulous display of water jets gushing out of a pool at the foot of the Burj Al Khalifa. You will then return to the port.

Created millions of years ago by natural geological forces, Sir Bani Yas island is actually the visible peak of a large salt dome, features a beautiful coastline and boasts the Arabian Wildlife Park on just over half of its surface area. This 1-hour excursion combines a chance to get some exercise in the fresh air with a lot of fun and delightful island views. After leaving the ship, reach the small stretch of beach on the island, choose a bike, cross the small bridge and arrive on the main island to begin your guided bike ride on a route that will showcase the island's natural beauty. As you pedal your way around the more rugged regions, your effort will be rewarded with plenty of photo-worthy moments, so do remember to bring your camera along for the scenic ride.

Sir Bani Yas claims the title of the largest natural island within the United Arab Emirates, is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park and boasts a landscape that even includes mangrove regions with their typical swampland plant and animal life. This is an enjoyable opportunity to explore the island from the waterside perspective afforded by a kayak. You'll first be briefed on how to handle your either two- or one-person kayak, then you'll be able to paddle away along quiet waterways that will let you appreciate the true beauty of the island. Your enchanting kayak adventure ends with your return to the ship.

It's as close as you'll ever get to actually walking on water, it's great fun and it's a good way to improve core strength and balance: the sport in question is stand-up paddle boarding and you'll be doing it in the calm offshore waters of Sir Bani Yas Island. Once you've got your equipment, you'll be free to paddle around the shoreline enjoying glorious views, the sunshine, and the cool sea breeze. This activity outing is suitable for guests of average to good fitness levels and ends with your return to the ship.

Make like an oriental monarch and treat yourself to a day of royal treatment on a private, two-person "Sheikh Bed", the ideal place to bask in the sun. Your all-day outing begins with a priority transfer to the shores of Sir Bani Yas Island, where your personal "Sheikh Bed" will then be ready and waiting for you to occupy. You'll find it comes complete with bottled water, a selection of fresh fruit and crisps to nibble, all to ensure you can simply stretch out and savour the splendid surroundings. And best of all, you can take your time doing it since the "Sheikh Bed" will be at your disposal for the entire day. Whenever you're ready to leave, the tender transfer to the ship will bring your day of beachy goodness to a perfect close.

Fancy some unfettered "me time" floating around the calm waters off Sir Bani Yas Island? Then this is the perfect outing for you! Once you've been kitted out with your personal floating mat, you can take to the water and relax to your heart's content. The mat is a simple and safe multi-purpose water toy that you can use both as a floating dock on which to sunbathe or as an aid for teaching or learning water sports. After your time on the water and handing back the mat, the tour wraps up with your return to the ship.

One of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan's visionary achievements was to turn Sir Bani Yas island into a wildlife sanctuary, where hunting is banned, that offers both endangered and other species of local and foreign origin a home to roam free. Part of this "Greening of the Desert" programme was also aimed at making the desert environment more hospitable for human habitation. This appealing look at the island intends to showcase the legacy left by Sheikh Zayed, which includes a development policy whose top priority is to promote harmony between nature and culture. The island provides a safe habitat for numerous free-roaming animals as well as myriad trees and other vegetation. Your sightseeing ride around Sir Bani Yas will include a stop at the historical Falconry site, overlooking the northern coast, providing interesting facts on the places visited.

After leaving the ship, your first encounter with the island will be a small stretch of beach from where, crossing a bridge with your Game Viewer 4x4, you set off on an adventure outing through the beautiful nature reserve that occupies a little more than half of Sir Bani Yas island. By decree of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas and all development work on the island has been carried out with a view to conserving its fragile ecosystem. The late Sheikh was a man both with a vision and on a mission, namely, to provide endangered and other animals  both local and foreign  with a safe haven to roam free and grow their numbers. Enjoy the tour with some photo stops during the itinerary which concludes at the small stretch of beach where you can opt to stay on the island or return to the ship with full memories of a modern-day Noah's Ark full of wonderful creatures you may otherwise never see in such a natural setting.

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7 Night Middle East Cruise