I’ve always wanted to explore Arabia. Magical carpets, bottle magic, magical kingdoms, desert intersection on camel backs. It may sound idyllic, but this is an ancient Arabia that you can still find today if you want to find it.
But first of all, some fast facts to set the scene. Arabia (or Tamion, known as the Arabian Peninsula) is made up of the following countries in Oman, Yemen, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, southern Iran and some regions of Jordan:
Of course, this could raise some concern for travelers given the ongoing outbreak of civil wars and unrest in parts of the Middle East, where the Arabian Peninsula is part of it. But don’t be afraid! I was traveling through Arabia very safely when I cruised from harbor to harbor on a 7 night Arabian Peninsula cruise MSC Cruise. Moreover, it is important to note that if the region is experiencing periods of anxiety, it does not mean that the entire region is unsafe to travel. Furthermore, while certain countries may be marketed in the media as “not safe to travel”, it remains important to note that certain countries’ anxiety is likely to be included in certain regions rather than in the entire country.
Politics aside, this is probably the case My first cruise (I will soon write another blog post) and experience in itself. Despite several outbreaks in adjacent Yemen during travel, as a solo female traveler who wanted to travel to this part of the world, this was undoubtedly the safest and most comfortable way to see and experience these countries. There is also a very strong cultural difference between what I know in the Western world and what is acceptable and even legal in the Islamic world. So as a solo (especially a solo woman) traveler, it is the best way to achieve peace of mind when traveling to the area.
itinerary
Dubai – Abu Dhabi – Khor al-like – Muscat – Khasab
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The cruise sets out from Dubai, one of the fastest growing cities in the world, literally emerged from anywhere on the Arabian Peninsula. I asked a traveler who went to Dubai on a trip a few years ago and came back today. This city is constantly changing rapidly. I had already visited Dubai a few times before this trip so instead decided to arrive a few hours before I left the departure day. Once we checked in to our 10th deck balcony suite, we didn’t waste any time checking out the panoramic casual dining on deck 13. buffet. AKA, if I hadn’t explored on the coast, I would find me during the journey.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
On the second day I arrived in Abu Dhabi, a city I could only explore once two years ago. We arrived early in the morning and did not waste time jumping into a taxi and heading straight towards the Grand Mosque. On my last visit, I was unable to enter the mosque as I was in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar observes Muslims fasting the moons around the world. The photos convey more than words, so leave it to you to decide whether to put this on your bucket list or not. However, I highly recommend it. It is one of the most impressive religious places I was happy to visit. However, strict dress codes apply, but if they are not covered correctly (especially if a woman needs to cover her head, wrists and ankles), there is an alternative option to hire Abaya for free. After the mosque, I spent an afternoon at the Emirates Palace and indulged in high tea as one of my on-the-sea inauguration excursions with the cruise line.
Khor al Fakkaan, Sharjah, UAE
When I arrived at Khor Al Fakkan, I had in mind: Dune Bashing. As an iconic desert experience that can only be enjoyed in a few places around the world, I knew this activity had to be on my Arabic Bucket List. That day was pretty easy. I drive to the desert, drive around the dunes, stop the photos, and then return to the boat later that afternoon. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun!
Muscat, Oman
Muscat, the capital of Oman, has been on my travel radar for a long time. Since we only had one day to explore the city, I chose to run again, get out on the ground and set out on an 8-hour city tour. This will take you out into the desert to see Fort Nakal, a 3rd century Islamic fort, 60 meters on the ground. It’s impressive.
Kasab, Oman
The last port we docked was the coastal town of Kasab. Knowing that I would probably only visit this town once in my life, I shook the fatigue from the itinerary of Janpac I had ever experienced and plunged into the 4×4 boundary for stunning views of the fjords and the mountains of Oman. This place, known as “Norway of Arabia”, completely surprised me. I’ll go until I say it’s one of the best views I’ve ever experienced on my entire trip. For bucket list!
Dubai
At the end of the cruise I spent another day enjoying Dubai. I decided to eat this one of my favorite things, an Arabic pastry. In the evening I enjoyed my evening adventure of “dinner on the dunes” but was fortunate enough to be caught up in the sandstorm (I say I’m lucky.
Prices for this 7-night cruise start from 649 pages of Twin Share. A single supplement is applied.
We were extremely fortunate to be able to experience this 7 night cruise with MSC Cruise as a guest to celebrate the maiden’s voyage of the MSC Orchestra to Australia. My opinion is my own as always.