Day 1 — Dubai, U.A.E.

Arrive in Dubai and settle into your ship. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (D)

Day 2 — Dubai

Set out on a guided tour of this exciting, boundary-pushing city. Discover its more traditional heart as you meander amid aromatic sacks of cardamom, incense, and saffron at the spice souk. Then immerse yourself in the gold souk, where every stall glitters with gold jewelry and precious stones. Zip forward into the future at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, reaching more than a half-mile into the air.  Then delve deeper into Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, and sit down to a Bedouin-style lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Sail along the coast to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E. Set out to discover the city, stopping at the Emirates Palace for high tea and a private tour of the bedrooms and ballrooms. See other city landmarks such as Ferrari World, the Grand Mosque, and the Corniche.

Explore Masdar City, Abu Dhabi's version of a "city of the future," designed to integrate the newest developments in urban design for sustainability with traditional Arabic architectural motifs. Continue to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a joint effort between France and the U.A.E opened in 2017. Browse a riveting exhibition of art from all over the world, grouped so that the viewer can see what Arabian or Chinese artists were creating at the time of Michelangelo or Picasso. The building itself is a work of art, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner Jean Nouvel on an island in a lagoon. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and take in stunning views of this architectural marvel, admiring its 82 marble domes and hundreds of gem-encrusted columns. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Sir Bani Yas

Step ashore on Sir Bani Yas, a desert island that is home to one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves. Set off in 4x4s on safari with local naturalists to observe some of the 17,000 creatures that inhabit the island’s Arabian Wildlife Park. You may see oryx, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, and more. This evening, follow the coast to the tiny country of Qatar, poised on a peninsula that juts into the Persian Gulf. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Doha, Qatar

Dynamic Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a burgeoning center of culture and style, with striking high-rises at its center and traditional souks threaded throughout its streets. Follow the Corniche to some of the city’s main sites, including the Pearl and its marina, and the mecca of architecture and culture known as Katara village. Then sail a traditional dhow at sunset, taking in mesmerizing views of mosques and skyscrapers.  Or visit the exquisite exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, which was designed by IM Pei. Continue to Education City, a center of academia and innovation, filled with green spaces and stunning buildings. End at Souk Waqif, build on the site of an ancient marketplace, to soak up the local ambiance and visit souks that feature falcons, gold, spices, and handicrafts. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Doha, Qatar / At Sea

Enjoy a second morning in Doha. Visit the National Museum of Qatar, established to "give voice to Qatar's rich heritage and culture," from the earliest times to the present day or, perhaps embark on a thrilling “dune-bashing” adventure into the desert south of Doha, riding in a luxurious 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Follow the sands as they rise and fall and take in views of the turquoise Inland Sea, one of the only salt-water bodies in the world with desert sand dunes directly at its edge. Stop at a traditional tent for refreshments before returning to Doha. During a relaxing afternoon sailing the Persian Gulf toward Abu Dhabi, take advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Khasab, Oman

Oman’s remote Musandam Peninsula is a place of deep fjords, craggy peaks, with fishing villages perched on the shore. Arrive in the lively town of Khasab, and set out to explore the peninsula in a traditional sailing dhow. Glide into narrow fjords, on the lookout for dolphins, and take in views of the spectacularly rugged coast. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Fujairah, U.A.E.

The commercial hub of Fujairah is home to a trove of important historic sites. Visit Fujairah Fort, the oldest and largest castle in all of the Emirates, and learn about its colorful history. Examine archaeological finds in the museum, and head to the oasis of Al Bithna to see its mud and stone mosque. Gather for a festive farewell reception and dinner on board this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Depart from Muscat, Oman

After breakfast, disembark in Muscat and transfer to Nizwa. Visit the imposing Nizwa Fort, a combination of fort and castle known for its circular tower. Explore Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest in the country. After lunch, return to Muscat and check into day rooms for an evening at leisure and dinner before transferring to the airport for your evening flight home. (B, L, D)