Middle East Cruises
Middle East cruises explore some of the most fascinating cities and ports in the world and offer a wealth of heritage and history combined with natural beauty and some incredible contemporary attractions. Few regions can match the sheer variety and rich culture of the ports you’ll visit on cruises to the Middle East.
The term Middle East can refer to a large region that starts in the Eastern Mediterranean and ends with the United Arab Emirates and Oman. There are a wealth of cruises to these destinations, some sticking to a particular area of the Middle East such as Israel and others offering much wider itineraries, crossing the Suez Canal to link Europe and Asia.
Related Countries
Muscat

Muscat

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Oman's capital city is hemmed in on one side by spectacular jagged-peaked mountains and on the other by royal blue sea. The architecture is a traditional, sophisticated arabesque blend of white-washed, low-rise buildings surrounded by manicured palms, intricately designed domes set atop the minarets of the mosques, sand-colored villas, a surprising blend of modern art installations, like a giant incense burner that towers over the Corniche, and ancient forts set in the rocky hills. Though tradition abounds, from distinct, local cuisine to the widely worn national dress, the dishdasha, Muscat is a completely modern city, featuring opulent luxury hotels, international restaurants, excellent cellular and data service, sprawling shopping malls, pristine beaches, lively nightlife, world-class performing arts, and a highly educated population, most of whom speak English, Arabic, and often Hindi. Muscat is the ideal base for exploring other areas of the country since many of the most desirable destinations are within a few hours' drive.Salalah

Salalah

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The lush landscape around Salalah is the intriguing result of a quirk of nature. Since it is uniquely situated in the path of the Khareef, or South Western Monsoon, this stretch of the Dhofar Coast is covered in fine mist and frequent rain from mid-June through mid-September. By the time the monsoons cease, the entire coastline is a verdant stretch. Waterfalls, rolling grasslands, and thickly wooded wadis (riverbeds) thrive alongside rapid mountain streams. Unique in this desert region, Salalah attracts many visitors from the surrounding Arabian Gulf countries who are anxious to experience a rare lushness in a region where rain and greenery are in short supply. Once a stop on the ancient trading routes that connected the Levant to India and China, Salalah has a rich history that goes back centuries. Traders from Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire, and beyond passed through Salalah in their search for frankincense, making it a major center for trade in the coveted exotic ingredient. Pre-Islamic tombs and grave sites, some believed to be up to 2,000 years old, are scattered all over the nearby mountainsides and the present-day city, which has an estimated 195,000 inhabitants.Khasab
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Khasab
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See Khasab’s jutting fjords, and the dolphins playing in the emerald waters, and it’s forgivable to think you’ve stumbled across a surreal Norway. The burning sun and scorched earth, serve as a constant reminder that you're a long way from Europe, however - although the Portuguese roots mean there's a colonial tint to the city. Sitting on the Northern coast of Oman, reaching across towards Iran, this is an isolated and fascinating destination to explore. The remote location, and limited infrastructure here, until recent times, means Khasab has been left to live life at its own pace, and the city sings to its own song sheet. Even now you can see a blind eye being turned to the smugglers who whisk electronics across the Gulf to Iran, in small speed boats.Mina Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
Mina Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
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Sur

Sur

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Once a central trading port for East Africa and India, Sur was also renowned for the wonderful wooden ships it produced. Having lost some of its prestige when the French completed the Suez Canal in the 19th century, and struck by a cyclone in 2007, the city has nevertheless retained its scenic dunes and crystal waters. Sur’s most recognisable monument today is the Ras al Haad castle, a gem of Islamic architecture built in the 13th century to protect locals from Christian attacks, and which now serves as a regional political centre. While in town, science aficionados will be lured by the impressive Ras Al Jinz Scientific & Visitor Center, offering modern facilities and apps to discover the local wonders of fauna and flora. Alternatively, for an in-depth discovery of the city’s history, the maritime museum is an excellent choice.Zighy Bay
Zighy Bay
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Masirah Island
Masirah Island
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Khor Rori
Khor Rori
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Doha

Doha

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Doha (population 700,000) is the capital of the State of Qatar, an emirate occupying the small Qatar Peninsula bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and otherwise surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Qatar was ruled by many different powers through the centuries, in fact historians have traced human habitation dating back 5000 years. From its earliest history, Qatar was a very important trade route connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Among its occupiers were the Portuguese, the Ottomans and finally the British during the turbulent years of the 20th century. Qatar gained independence in 1971, and with resources from oil exportation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad made improvements in social programmes including education, health and housing. In 1995, his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the throne and brought with him a modern and progressive approach that quickly transformed the country. Doha, home to 80 percent of the country’s population, was founded under the name of Al-Bida in 1850. It became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916. When the nation gained its independence, Doha remained the capital. During the early 20th century, much of Qatar’s economy depended on fishing and pearling. But after the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, Doha and the whole region suffered a decline. Only when oil was discovered, prosperity returned following World War II. Today, the country produces over 800,000 barrels of oil daily. Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula. It is an intriguing mixture of old and new, with ultra modern architecture next to traditional souqs and historic forts. It boasts a university and the Qatar National Museum (currently closed for renovation), which opened 1975 in what was originally the ruler’s palace. As the country’s cultural and commercial centre, Doha enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links. The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996 with its headquarters in Doha. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore. As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public. Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women.You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports.Ad Dammam

Ad Dammam

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Wedjh
Wedjh
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Jeddah

Jeddah

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Dhuba
Dhuba
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King Abdullah City

King Abdullah City

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Duba
Duba
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Al Wajh

Al Wajh

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Jizan

Jizan

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Yanbu al-Bahr

Yanbu al-Bahr

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Farasan Islands

Farasan Islands

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Ar Ra’s al Abyad
Ar Ra’s al Abyad
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'Aqaba

'Aqaba

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'Aqaba is an exciting, multi-faceted city.
It is historic city on the Gulf of 'Aqaba, with mosques, castles and ruins. Mamluk Fort, which dates back to the 1500s, is often called Aqaba Castle, was built during the reign of Qansur Al-Ghuri, was once a military site and is now a popular tourist attraction. THe Shariff Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque is a stunning mosque, inside and out, and ideal place to visit for anyone interested in Islamic culture.
'Aqaba is also an idyllic seaside resort in Jordan and playground of the rich and famous, with a lively nightlife scene, long sandy beaches, extravagent resorts and a rich marina full of impressive yachts.
It has an ancient souk in the centre of the city, which sells spices, artisan crafts and fresh produce.
The city's beachside location means it also offers dive spots, snorkelling and boat rides.
It is located just two hours' away from Petra and Wadi Rum, so is often the port to reach these major attractions from.
Madaba

Madaba

Summary
Madaba is an ancient town in Jordan, southwest of the capital Amman. It’s known for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The Madaba Archaeological Park preserves the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. Northwest, the biblical hill of Mount Nebo overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Summary
The lost city of Petra is on many people's bucket lists. Walking through the narrow winding red sandstone rock pathways and coming out at the giant doors of the treasury is an experience of a lifetime.
The iconic treasury of Petra was carved into the sandstone hill by the Nabataeans in the second century A.D and was originally used as a temple.
The narrow, now abandoned city, was thriving thousands of years ago. The entire city was carved into the red, pink and white sandstone cliff faces and was the capital of the Nabataean empire and a bustling trade centre between 400 B.C and A.D 106.
It was 'rediscovered' by a European traveller in the early 1800s and then the world began its fascination with the place once more. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and was named one fo the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.
Only 15 percent of the city has been uncovered so far, including the Monastery and scrolls from within.
Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

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Wadi Rum is an exciting destination in the desert of Jordan. It offers one of the easiest and safest sights of the desert in the region, and can be visited in a day trip from the port of 'Aqaba.
Its temperatures are extreme with stiffling summer heat and very cold winters. There are tall siqs (canyons) where rock and sand meet.
Bedouin tribes live in the area, who understand how the desert works. It is an immense and exciting place to visit to feel the power of nature and being away from the ditractions of civilisation.
Haifa

Haifa

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Spilling down from the pine-covered heights of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city with a vertiginous setting that has led to comparisons with San Francisco. The most striking landmark on the mountainside is the gleaming golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set amid utterly beautiful garden terraces. The city is the world center for the Baha'i faith, and its members provide informative walking tours of the flower-edged 100-acre spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the hill are some small but interesting museums, the larger hotels, and two major universities. At the bottom is the lovingly restored German Colony, a perfect area for strolling.Israel's largest port and third-largest city, Haifa was ruled for four centuries by the Ottomans and gradually spread its tendrils up the mountainside into a cosmopolitan city whose port served the entire Middle East. The climate is gentle, the beaches beautiful, and the locals friendly.You don't see the religious garb of Jerusalem or the tattoos and piercings of Tel Aviv in this diverse but fairly conservative city. In fact, you can't always tell at a glance who is part of an Arab or Jewish Israeli family, or if someone is a more recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union.Ashdod

Ashdod

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Busy Ashdod is not only one of Israel's fastest-growing cities, it's also the country's largest port. Perched on the Mediterranean, it processes more than 60% of the goods imported into Israel. Home to many ancient peoples over the centuries, Ashdod today is a modern, planned city. It's also a convenient jumping-off point for exploring several of Israel's most interesting cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bethlehem.Tel Aviv-Yafo

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Summary
Tel Aviv is located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, where it boasts some of the country's best beaches on the six-mile stretch of sand, which is divided into ten beaches. The beaches have varied appeal, offering watersports, relaxed chic beach bars, restaurants, host to summer music festivals, great spots for surfing, playing beach games and watching the sunset from.
Its architecture is in the styling of the White City area with 1930s Bauhaus buildings.
It has world class museums, including Beit Hatfutsot Museum, which has multimedia exhibits which tell the history of Jewish communities worldwide, and the Eretz Israel Museum, which has exhibits on the country’s archaeology, folklore and crafts. It also has an on-site excavation of 12th-century-B.C. ruins, where visitors can see history come to life.
Jerusalem

Jerusalem

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Jerusalem is one of the most interesting cities in Israel, for its religious and general history. The 12 stations of the cross and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are popular sites.
The Wailing Wall is the most visited and is sacred to millions of people worldwide of multiple faiths. People write and leave their prayers on the wall.
The city has many vibrant souks (markets) with local foods, handmade crafts, clothing, and trinkets.
Eilat

Eilat

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The southern Israel port and resort town of Eilat lies on the Red Sea, near to the border with Jordan.
It is known for its beaches, varied water sports and marine life. It is a prestigious centre for windsurfing and kite surfing. Reef fish and coral are abdundant in Coral Reef and at Dolphin beach, which are excellent snorkelling spots.
Dolphins are commonly seen close to the shore at Dolphine Beach, hence its name. Eilat is overall a fantastic place to visit for lovers of the beach, snorkelling and seeing marine life.