A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula on an eight-day cruise, discovering world-class cities, ancient cultures, and dramatic fjords from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Oman.
Cityscape of Dubai (with Burj Khalifa in center), U.A.E.
Dubai city and camels, U.A.E.
View of the city skyline, Dubai, U.A.E.
Smithsonian Journeys travelers enjoy a traditional lunch. Credit: Andrew Dawson
Gold market window in Dubai, U.A.E.
Scene from Dubai's Spice Market
The Dubai marina, U.A.E.
Old and new in Dubai, U.A.E.
Traditional dhow in Dubai, U.A.E.
Dhow Harbor, Doha, Qatar
The Pearl, Doha, Qatar
City landscape of Doha, Qatar
View of Doha, Qatar
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (detail), Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi. Credit: Andrew Dawson
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Panorama of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
The Louvre, Abu Dhabi
The Louvre in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Sir Bani Yas wildlife refuge, U.A.E.
The Fujairah Fort, U.A.E.
Coastal scene near Muscat, Oman
Coastal landscape, Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Smithsonian Journeys Travelers cruising the coast. Credit: Andrew Dawson
Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman
Cruising the Arabian Coast
From Dubai to Muscat Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville
9 days
from $7,135
A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula on an eight-day cruise, discovering world-class cities, ancient cultures, and dramatic fjords from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Oman.
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Activity Level
Expectations: Ocean-going cruise that will involve embarkation and disembarkation at piers for shore excursions as well as boarding tenders and other landing craft for some activities. Days can be full, with activities starting as early as 8:00 am and lasting four or more hours. Many activities, such as walking tours, museum visits, and site visits, necessitate standing and walking for extended periods of time (two or more hours). Participants should be prepared to walk up to two miles per day, sometimes on uneven terrain, such as cobblestones in towns, historic sites, and unpaved trails; and to climb or descend stairs with or without handrails, as elevators will not always be available.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
Reading List
Highly Recommended
City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism
By: Jim Krane
Lonely Planet Dubai & Abu Dhabi 10 (Travel Guide)
By: Schulte-Peevers, Andrea, Raub, Kevin
A History of Modern Oman
By: Jones, Jeremy, Ridout, Nicholas
QATAR: Travel Guide
By: Al Hamra, Ibn
Also Recommended
Masters of the Pearl: A History of Qatar
By: Morton, Michael Quentin
Oman - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
By: Nowell, Simone, Culture Smart!
UAE - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
By: Walsh, John, Culture Smart!
Beyond Dubai: Seeking Lost Cities in the Emirates
By: Millar, David
Louvre Abu Dhabi: The Complete Guide
Enticing, Exotic UAE Recipes: A Complete Cookbook of Excellent Emirati Dish Ideas!
By: Allen, Allie
Conversational Arabic Quick and Easy: Emirati Dialect, Gulf Arabic of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE Arabic, and the United Arab Emirates
By: Nitzany, Yatir
Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai (Stanford Studies in Middle Eastern and Islamic Societies and Cultures)
By: Reisz, Todd
Layover in Dubai
By: Fesperman, Dan
History of the World Map by Map
By: DK
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