The contrast here is wild. One minute you are looking at the tallest building in the world, the next you are in a traditional souk smelling frankincense. It’s a guaranteed sun trap with high-end shopping and fascinating culture.
The Hubs: Cruises usually sail from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha.
Cruise Lines: MSC Cruises have a huge presence here (and are great value). Royal Caribbean and Costa are also popular.
Best Bits: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and the “Fjords of Arabia” in Oman (Khasab).
Best Time to Go: Strictly winter (November to March). The summer is far too hot for sightseeing.
