Middle East cruises

From the gleaming skyscrapers of Dubai, and the green pastures of Salalah, to the shiny shopping malls in Abu Dhabi or rust-red dunes in Wadi Rum, a Middle East cruise will tease your senses with surprising contrasts.

At this time, we do not have any voyages scheduled to depart from or stop in the Middle East.

Discover similar cruise destinations to the Middle East

Why not explore other enticing cruise destinations and discover your next dream holiday with Cunard?

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Explore the Middle East

Bustling souks. Burnt orange mountains. Bedouin and Ottoman legacies. Treat every one of your senses to the Middle East experience. Discover a city sprung from desert in Dubai, marvel at marble-domed mosques in Abu Dhabi, or sink your toes in salt-coloured sands in Salalah.

Abu Dhabi

World-class shopping. Incredible cuisine. Architecture from the ultra-modern to the traditional. Visit the gleaming desert paradise of Abu Dhabi and experience a cosmopolitan oasis where history and futuristic glamour go hand in hand.

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Dubai

With so much to explore, let Dubai enchant you on your Middle East cruise. Visit venerable QE2, now transformed into a luxurious hotel. Or maybe wander the enchanting Madinat Jumeirah, a contemporary take on a traditional Arab village.

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Salalah

With beaches that rival the Caribbean, Salalah’s palm-lined sands are the perfect place to pause and ponder. Or perhaps you’d prefer its Museum of the Frankincense Land, with its ancient ruins paying homage to Oman’s maritime prowess.

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Aqaba (tours to Petra)

Calling in Aqaba presents an unmissable opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. Find yourself forever humbled by intricate temples and winding canyons at this time-defying city, carved into sandstone more than 23 centuries ago.

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Be inspired

Discover thrilling cities, pristine beaches and unique scenery across the Arabian Peninsula. Read our inspirational articles for a taste of what could be, both on board and on shore, on a Cunard cruise to this magical region.

Cityscape with beautiful park with palm trees in Dubai

Dazzling Dubai

Take a voyage with Cunard to a city that trades in high-octane extravagance. Here are just six exciting things to do in Dubai, along with fascinating facts, figures and more.

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The Pickering's Gin tap in use at the Gin and Fizz Bar on board Cunard's Queen Victoria.

The cocktail hour

Let life slow down and enjoy a cold glass as our Head Mixologist talks mixed spirits, and introduces a Cunard cocktail to make from the comfort of your own home.

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A world of possibilities

You can make your voyage anything you want it to be on a Cunard ship. Join us as we explore a dozen ways to spend your time on board, from celebrity guest speakers to cocktail masterclasses.

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Aerial view of Mauritius island panorama and famous Le Morne Brabant mountain, beautiful blue lagoon and underwater waterfall; Shutterstock ID 740093419; Invoice Number: -

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Middle East: your questions answered

You do not need to pre-apply for a visa to cruise to the UAE. If you hold a full British passport, you will be granted a tourist visa free of charge upon arrival in the UAE. This will be stamped on your passport when you pass through immigration and is valid for up to 40 days. You do not need to make a prior application before you travel.

Residents of other countries should check their visa requirements with the UAE consulate prior to travel.

Prepare for the warm dry weather of the Middle East by making sure to pack light clothing in breathable fabrics. Make sure you bring your sunscreen, hat, and glasses for the long, sunny days.

Flowy breathable maxi skirts and dresses, or lightweight trousers and shorts are ideal. Many Middle Eastern countries have more traditional dress codes and public standards for dress, and as a general rule of thumb, shoulders and knees should both be covered by your clothing, for both men and women.

Comfortable sturdy footwear is also a must if you’re planning to explore on foot. Although the climate is warm, temperatures can often drop in the evening, so it’s a good idea to pack a pashmina, shawl, or light jacket for night time strolls on deck.

With so many varied treasures to explore, the Middle East is a wonderful place to cruise with Cunard. Search for some retail therapy in the gleaming air-conditioned ultra-malls of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Stroll historic ruins in Petra and Khor Al-Fakkan. Or simply unwind on some of the region’s gorgeous beaches. With itineraries that traverse the famous Suez Canal, and take you through the stately Arabian Sea to the Gulf of Oman, a Cunard cruise to the Middle East makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. View our itineraries for the perfect cruise to the Middle East.

View all Middle East cruises