Icons of the Middel East: Dubai & Arabian Gulf cruise holiday

Duration: 10 nights | Ship: MSC World Europa

Date: November 2026 - March 2027 (17 departure dates)

From £1,799

Price per person / inside stateroom

What's Included

2-night Dubai stay	7-night full board cruise
Overseas transfers	Service Charge
Return flights incl. baggage

Experience the best of the Arabian Gulf on a stunning cruise holiday with a two-night stay in Dubai before sailing to the region’s most captivating destinations. Depart Dubai to explore the natural beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island, the cultural landmarks and grand architecture of Abu Dhabi, and the modern capitals of Manama, Bahrain, and Doha, Qatar.

Enjoy a relaxing sea day before returning to Dubai, where futuristic skylines meet rich Arabian heritage. This unforgettable Dubai and Arabian Gulf cruise blends world-class cities, pristine beaches, and Middle Eastern culture.

Travel plan

Day 1 to 2 - London → Dubai, UAE (Overnight flights)

Touch down to warm desert air and a skyline of glittering glass. Ease in with an evening wander along Marina Walk or the Dubai Fountain promenade.

Day 2 to 4 – Dubai stay

Two night stay at a 4* Central hotel in Dubai

Start at the Burj Khalifa for sunset views, then watch the Fountain show dance below. Drift by abra across Dubai Creek to the Al Fahidi heritage quarter for wind-tower lanes, coffee in a shaded courtyard and the scent of spices from nearby souks. Dip into the future at the Museum of the Future or frame the city from the Dubai Frame. If you fancy adventure, head out on a golden-hour desert safari—dune bashing, a camel stroll and dinner beneath a star-bright sky.

Day 4 - Dubai | Embarkation

Step aboard, explore the restaurants, spa and sun decks, then raise a glass for sail-away as the city lights fall behind and the Arabian Gulf opens ahead.

Day 5 – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE

A beach day with wild heart. Unroll your towel on soft sands or join a wildlife drive through the island reserve to spot Arabian oryx and elegant gazelles. Kayak the mangroves, snorkel in clear shallows or cycle quiet coastal paths.

Day 6 – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Marble, mosaics and serene courtyards at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque set the tone. Continue to Louvre Abu Dhabi for world-class galleries and a shimmering dome of dappled light, then stroll the Corniche or tour the ornate Qasr Al Watan palace. Thrill-seekers can swap culture for Yas Island theme parks.

Day 7 – Sea day

Let the tempo drop: a lingering breakfast, time by the pool and a spell in the spa. Join a tasting or a cookery demo, then enjoy live music or a show after dinner.

Day 8 – Manama, Bahrain

Trace the island’s story at the Bahrain National Museum and UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort. Barter for textiles and spices in Manama Souq, then unwind with a sunset stroll around sleek Bahrain Bay.

Day 9 – Doha, Qatar

Architectural icons meet old-world charm. Admire masterpieces at the Museum of Islamic Art, wander the atmospheric lanes of Souq Waqif (falcons, perfumes, tailors), and take a dhow cruise along the Corniche as the skyline glows. For café culture and galleries, pop to Katara Cultural Village or The Pearl.

Day 10 & 11 – Overnight in Dubai | Disembarkation & airport transfer

Step ashore for a final dose of Dubai. Browse the Gold & Spice Souks, sneak a last swim at JBR Beach or La Mer, and perhaps cap things with a gentle dhow-dinner cruise on the Creek. Last-minute shopping? Mall of the Emirates—peek at Ski Dubai before you go.

Day 11 – Dubai → London

Transfer to the airport and fly home with camera-rolls of minarets, markets and sunlit seas—and a little desert sand still in your shoes.

Highlights

Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE

Escape to Sir Bani Yas Island, a protected natural reserve and one of the UAE’s hidden gems. Enjoy pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures including safari drives and kayaking.

This unique stop adds nature and exclusivity to your Arabian Gulf cruise itinerary.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Discover Abu Dhabi, the elegant capital of the UAE, home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and world-class museums. Explore cultural districts, waterfront promenades, and modern landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

A highlight of any Dubai cruise, Abu Dhabi perfectly balances tradition and innovation.

Doha, Qatar

Visit Doha, a dynamic city where futuristic architecture meets centuries-old heritage. Explore the Museum of Islamic Art, stroll the Corniche, or shop in the atmospheric Souq Waqif.

As part of your Middle East cruise, Doha delivers culture, luxury, and striking cityscapes.

Ship information

MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa is the first of MSC Cruises' new era of ships - their pioneering World Class ships which will consist of four ships in total. MSC World Europa had its maiden voyage in the winter of 2022, and with its many facilities and activities, it provides the setting for fantastic holiday memories for guests of all ages.

Prices

	Inside	Outside	Balcony	Yacht Club
25^th Nov.	£1,809 pp	£2,029 pp	£2,159 pp	£3,959 pp
2^nd Dec.	£1,799 pp	£1,969 pp	£2,019 pp	£3,819 pp
9^th Dec.	£1,865 pp	£2,029 pp	£2,119 pp	£3,199 pp
16^th Dec.	£2,235 pp	£2,399 pp	£2,589 pp	£3,949 pp
23^rd Dec.	£2,999 pp	£3,179 pp	£3,399 pp	£5,019 pp
30^th Dec.	£2,009 pp	£2,179 pp	£2,369 pp	£4,129 pp

From price pr. person

Hotels may charge locally resort fees and/or taxes. Once your hotels are secured, we will inform you of the fee values. These fees can only be paid locally on arrival.

	Inside	Outside	Balcony	Yacht Club
6^th	£1,859 pp	£2,029 pp	£2,119 pp	£3,919 pp
13^th	£1,809 pp	£1,969 pp	£2,059 pp	£3,849 pp
20^th	£1,859 pp	£2,039 pp	£2,129 pp	£3,819 pp
27^th	£1,859 pp	£2,039 pp	£2,139 pp	£3,859 pp

From price pr. person

Hotels may charge locally resort fees and/or taxes. Once your hotels are secured, we will inform you of the fee values. These fees can only be paid locally on arrival.

	Inside	Outside	Balcony	Yacht Club
3^rd	£1,849 pp	£2,019 pp	£2,099 pp	£3,859 pp
10^th	£1,879 pp	£2,059 pp	£2,139 pp	£3,949 pp
17^th	£1,879 pp	£2,039 pp	£2,119 pp	£3,929 pp

From price pr. person

Hotels may charge locally resort fees and/or taxes. Once your hotels are secured, we will inform you of the fee values. These fees can only be paid locally on arrival.

	Inside	Outside	Balcony	Yacht Club
3^rd	£1,919 pp	£2,089 pp	£2,179 pp	£3,979 pp
10^th	£1,939 pp	£2,119 pp	£2,199 pp	£3,929 pp
17^th	£1,819 pp	£1,979 pp	£2,159 pp	£4,099 pp
24^th	£1,899 pp	£2,069 pp	£2,229 pp	£4,229 pp

From price pr. person

Hotels may charge locally resort fees and/or taxes. Once your hotels are secured, we will inform you of the fee values. These fees can only be paid locally on arrival.