Middle East Vacation
One of the more exotic cruise destinations, the Middle East is well-endowed with an extraordinary spirit of history and culture. Whether you want to zoom past giraffes and cheetah on a 4x4 wild safari, admire the towering marble domes at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, or step back in time to Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District, you might consider booking your next cruise to the Middle East (also referred to as the Holy Land cruise by certain cruise lines).
Visit ancient Egyptian tombs and admire Islamic-inspired architecture at the Grand Mosque or Sultan’s Palace in Muscat. You can see incredible landmarks such the Egyptian Pyramids and the lost city of Petra, or check out Israel’s Dead Sea Scrolls and Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher. From desert camel rides and ruins to grandiose shopping malls and oasis-like modern cities, the Middle East always has something to interest travelers.
A Middle East cruise is typically around 7- to 14-nights in length (depending on the particular cruise line), but can be longer. Some of the countries that you may visit are Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Some Middle East cruise itineraries feature ports of call in Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy or even ports in India, making for a very diverse vacation experience.
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Highlighted Middle East Cruise Attractions
The following are just a few of the many things to do while in the Middle East:
Jerusalem, the “Holy Land”
If your Middle East cruise ports in Haifa, Israel, you will be able to visit the holy land of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is about 80 miles from Haifa, but is well worth the ride! The Old City is home to some of the most significant sites in the history major religion. Among some of the attractions you can experience in Jerusalem are The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, and Dome of the Rock.
Egypt’s Ancient Pyramids & Sphinx
One of the most popular tourist attractions in all of the Middle East is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Located in Cairo, Egypt, it is one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” and is surrounded by a few other ancient pyramids. You can also witness the Great Sphinx of Giza, another famous attraction that’s a huge lion’s body with a human head. Most Middle East cruises that port in Egypt feature shore excursions to these amazing sights.
Dubai
The ultra-modern city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, is home one of the most impressive skylines in the world. It is also home to the world’s second largest man-made marina. While on a Middle East cruise that includes Dubai, you’ll be able to enjoy upscale dining and shopping, great beaches, and various water sports. Dubai also features some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including Burj Al Arab. If you are taking a cruise that departs from Dubai, you may consider staying there a few nights prior to embarkation. It’s a fabulous opportunity to treat yourself with true luxury and relaxation!