The winter months may be chilly, but they have a unique icy charm and a festive vibe all around. And if you want to absorb all the excitement of this winter season in an exotic setting, embark on a magical cruise. Whether you dream of a long-haul voyage, a quick cruise close to home, or simply a tropical retreat for warmth, this exclusive read will make planning a cruise holiday, especially across the Middle East, easier than you might think. From exciting National Day cruises to joyous Christmas, refreshing New Year, and romantic Valentine’s Day cruises, this Arabian cruise guide covers it all.
Top Reason To Choose a Winter Cruise In the Middle East
- Pleasant Weather: Winter is when the Middle Eastern weather is at its best! Unlike snow-clad retreats like Canada, US, Switzerland, and England, the countries occupying the Arabian Peninsula experience mild temperatures with plenty of sunshine in the winter months from November to March.
- Enjoy the Festive Season: Setting sail on a winter cruise allows you to be part of diverse themed celebrations onboard. For instance, with the dedicated Christmas cruises, immerse yourself in the special festivities with grand feasts and events ideal for all age groups, making it the perfect setting to create lifelong memories with your loved ones.
- Unique Cultural Experiences: The ports of call covered in a cruise program offer the unique opportunity to experience various cultures and traditions on a single cruise.
- Experience the Best of Both Worlds: A cruise is the perfect coalesce of fantastic comforts at sea and exciting offshore activities, ensuring that you will never have a dull moment during your cruise.
- Unpacking Once: The best thing about a cruise is that you have to unpack only once upon boarding the ship. From eliminating the hectic traffic to tackling the stressful airport delays, the benefits await you on a cruise are endless.
Best Winter Middle East Cruise 2024-’25
Top Winter Cruise From Dubai
1. Two-Night Resorts World One Dubai to Doha
Setting sail every Wednesday, this winter cruise from Dubai is perfect for anyone who wants to take a mini sea getaway. Besides basking in Resorts World’s fantastic amenities and facilities, you can see some of Qatar’s top attractions in Doha before the cruise ends in Dubai.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Doha, Qatar
- Cruise Itinerary: Spend the first day at sea and the second day in Doha, with almost 10 hours at your disposal to see this enchanting city at your own pace. The cruise ends on the third day in Dubai.
2. Two-Night Resorts World One Dubai to Sir Bani Yas Island
This Resorts World One fits the bill if you don’t want to travel outside the UAE. Most memorable moments await you from the moment you board the vessel in Dubai. Sink into the onboard comforts and enjoy the chance to discover one of the Arabian world’s ultimate wildlife attraction at Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. You can choose from two weekly cruises on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Sir Bani Yas Island
- Cruise Itinerary: Begin your cruise in Dubai, followed by an entire day on Sir Bani Yas Island, where you’ll have about eight hours to explore this wildlife attraction. On the third day, the cruise returns to Dubai.
3. Three-Night Dubai to Khasab to Muscat Resorts World One Cruise
Enjoy four unforgettable days at sea with the right measure of entertainment, luxury, adventure, nature, culture, and sightseeing. It lets you strike off some Middle Eastern gems from your travel bucket list, such as Dubai, Khasab, and Muscat.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Khasab and Muscat in Oman
- Cruise Itinerary: Kicking off in Dubai, the cruise halts in Oman’s Khasab on the second day and Muscat on the third day. With nearly ten hours at each destination, you will get ample time to discover it in detail. The cruise concludes in Dubai on the fourth day.
4. Five-Night Costa Smeralda Dubai to Muscat to Doha to Abu Dhabi Cruise
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Treat yourself to an enchanting three-night cruise with the perfect mix of sea and land experiences. It touches four destinations across three countries, such as the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Ports of Call: Dubai, Muscat, and Doha
- Cruise Itinerary: The cruise starts in Dubai, with the first day spent at sea. On the second day, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Dubai until 13:00 hrs. The third day takes you to Muscat (Oman), where you’ll get over 11 hours of sightseeing. After a full day at sea on the fourth day, the next day will see the ship docking in Doha, Qatar, with almost 10-hour halt. The cruise ends on the sixth day in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.
5. Two-Night Resorts World One Christmas at Sea
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit and celebration with this dedicated Resorts World One Cruise, departing on December 25, 2024. You can look forward to refreshing themed activities and events during this enchanting cruise. It starts and ends in Dubai, with a 10-hour stop in Qatar’s Muscat.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Muscat
- Cruise Itinerary: The cruise begins in Dubai and docks at Muscat on the second day for 10 hours. You will return to Dubai on the third day.
6. Three-Night Resorts World One New Year’s Sail
Welcome 2025 in a fantastic setting on the water with this exclusive Resorts World One cruise. It departs from Dubai on December 29, 2024, before it sails through Oman’s Khasab and Muscat. High-end onboard comforts, themed activities, and special feasts add to this three-night cruise.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Khasab and Muscat
- Cruise Itinerary: Following the first relaxed day at sea, you will arrive at Oman’s Khasab on the second day and Muscat on the third day, with about ten hours to explore each destination. The cruise culminates on the fourth day in Dubai.
7. Three-Night Resorts World One Patriotic Sea Escape
Mark the harmony and bond of unity as you spend the much-awaited UAE’s National Day holidays with Resorts World One’s three-night Patriotic Sea Escape, which journeys you through Dubai, Khasab, and Muscat.
- Cruise Line: Resorts World One
- Ports of Call: Khasab and Muscat
- Cruise Itinerary: Upon boarding the vessel in Dubai, you will spend the rest of the day at sea. After a tranquil night, the ship will dock at Khasab on the second day. The third day will see you in Oman’s capital city, Muscat. You will conclude your cruise in Dubai on the fourth day.
Top Winter Cruise from Abu Dhabi
8. Two-Night Costa Smeralda Abu Dhabi to Dubai Cruise
This cruise from Abu Dhabi is ideal for anyone seeking a quick yet luxurious sea retreat. Delight in the plush onboard comforts, from Pantheon Pool and Zodiac Theatre to ESC Experience Lab, and enjoy a full day of sightseeing and indulging in various activities in Dubai.
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Ports of Call: Dubai
- Cruise Itinerary: Set sail from Abu Dhabi and prepare to spend your second day taking in Dubai’s enchanting sights and sounds. The cruise ends on the third day.
9. Two-Night Costa Smeralda Valentine’s Voyage
Get away with your beloved on a two-night sea escape aboard the opulent Costa Smeralda this Valentine’s Day. It promises an unforgettable romantic retreat like no other at sea.
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Ports of Call: Dubai
- Cruise Itinerary: The cruise begins in Abu Dhabi. It will take you to Dubai on the second, where you’ll have an entire day to admire Dubai’s scores of attractions and experiences.
Conclusion
With cruise holiday bookings in full swing for various holiday sails, pick your favorite cruise destinations around the world. They all promise the most memorable moments, featuring the perfect balance of breathtaking onboard comforts and offshore adventures. So, don’t delay any longer; get ready to leave the wintry chills behind and set out on an enchanting cruise enriched by exciting attractions and thrilling activities.
