
Cruise region
Dubai
Cruises in this region link the Arabian Gulf with the Mediterranean, passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Highlights include modern Abu Dhabi and Doha, Muscat's mountains and souks, Petra from Aqaba and the treasures of Egypt. These long voyages are often timed as ships move between the Middle East and Europe.
Best time to go
Season
Typical daytime highs
- Cooler season (October to April). Typical daytime highs around 24 to 32°C in the cooler season (October to April). Warm and sunny.
- Summer (May to September). Typical daytime highs around 38 to 44°C in summer (May to September). Extremely hot.
These are typical ranges, not a forecast.
How long
Fly-cruise airports
- Athens International (ATH). about 3 hours 45 minutes
- Dubai International (DXB). about 7 hours
- Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH). about 7 hours
- Doha Hamad International (DOH). about 6 hours 30 minutes
Who it suits
Questions
When is the best time for a Middle East cruise?
October to April, when temperatures are more comfortable.
Can I see Petra on a cruise?
Yes. Aqaba is the gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum.
Do these cruises pass through the Suez Canal?
Yes. Voyages between the Gulf and the Mediterranean pass through the Suez Canal.
Ports and places
Abu Dhabi
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
View 1 cruise featuring Abu DhabiAlexandria
Explore Egypt's historic port city, or make the long day trip to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
View 1 cruise featuring AlexandriaAqaba
The gateway to Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum.
View 1 cruise featuring AqabaAthens
Climb to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, then wander the old streets of the Plaka.
View 1 cruise featuring AthensDoha
See the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
View 1 cruise featuring DohaJeddah
Explore the historic Al-Balad district with its coral-stone houses.
View 1 cruise featuring JeddahMuscat
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Muttrah Souq.
View 1 cruise featuring MuscatPort Said
The Mediterranean entrance to the Suez Canal, with Cairo within reach.
View 1 cruise featuring Port SaidRhodes
Walk the medieval Old Town and the Palace of the Grand Master, or visit the acropolis at Lindos.
View 1 cruise featuring RhodesSafaga
The Red Sea port for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
View 1 cruise featuring SafagaSharm El Sheikh
Snorkel and dive among the Red Sea's coral reefs.
View 1 cruise featuring Sharm El SheikhSokhna
The port for Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
View 1 cruise featuring SokhnaSuez Canal
Scenic cruising through the canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
View 1 cruise featuring Suez Canal
