Arabian Gulf, Dubai to Muscat

Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Khasab · Muscat · 7 nights

Seven nights on board and ashore, from Dubai to Muscat.

The Journey

Seven nights by ship, with days ashore at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Khasab and Muscat. Shore days are planned with private guides where shown, and you can always stay on board instead.

The days are built around Old and New Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Khasab and the Musandam Fjords. Each one is set out below with what you will see, how you get there and which meals are included.

The defining moment of this route: dhow cruise through the Musandam fjords. Your travel specialist can add a night, swap a day or change the order before you book.

Signature Highlights

Dhow cruise through the Musandam fjords
Old and New Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sir Bani Yas Island
Khasab and the Musandam Fjords
Muscat

Day by day

Your Itinerary

8 days

01
Day 1 · Dubai, UAE
Embarkation in Dubai
Private transfer to the Mina Rashid cruise terminal and board in the afternoon. The ship stays in port overnight.
- Private transfer to Mina Rashid
- Afternoon boarding
- Dubai skyline at night
Meals:
D
02
Day 2 · Dubai, UAE
Old and New Dubai
Al Fahidi's wind-tower houses, an abra across the Creek to the spice and gold souks, then the view from the Burj Khalifa.
- Al Fahidi historic district
- Abra across the Creek
- Burj Khalifa
Meals:
BLD
03
Day 3 · Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which asks for modest dress and covered hair for women, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
Meals:
BLD
04
Day 4 · Sir Bani Yas, UAE
Sir Bani Yas Island
A wildlife drive among Arabian oryx and gazelles in the island's nature reserve, then beach time.
- Arabian Wildlife Park drive
- Arabian oryx
- Beach afternoon
Meals:
BLD
05
Day 5 · Khasab, Oman
Khasab and the Musandam Fjords
A traditional dhow into Khor Ash Sham among fishing villages and dolphins, with a swim near Telegraph Island.
- Dhow cruise in Khor Ash Sham
- Dolphins
- Telegraph Island
Meals:
BLD
06
Day 6 · Muscat, Oman
Muscat
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the morning, the Mutrah souk and corniche, and the Royal Opera House. The ship stays in port overnight.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Mutrah souk
- Royal Opera House
Meals:
BLD
07
Day 7 · Muscat, Oman
Wadis and the Coast
A drive down the coast to the Bimmah Sinkhole and the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab, about two hours away. Farewell dinner on board.
- Bimmah Sinkhole
- Wadi Shab pools
- Farewell dinner on board
Meals:
BLD
08
Day 8 · Muscat, Oman
Disembarkation in Muscat
Breakfast on board, then a private transfer to Muscat International airport.
- Morning disembarkation
- Private airport transfer
- Optional desert extension
Meals:
B

Inclusions

Handpicked luxury accommodations across the journey
Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as noted
Private airport transfers and inter-city ground movement
Curated experiences and reserved access as listed
24×7 on-trip concierge from our India desk

Not included

International airfare unless explicitly mentioned
Visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses
Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Anything of a personal nature (spa, minibar, laundry)

Transfers

Private arrival and departure transfers with a named driver
Moves between stops by private car, rail, ferry or domestic flight, as shown day by day
Timings reconfirmed with you the evening before each transfer

Visa & Documentation

Visa guidance provided by our documentation desk
Recommended to hold passport valid for 6+ months
Digital pre-arrival forms handled on your behalf where possible

Common Questions

When do Arabian Gulf cruises sail?+

November to March, when temperatures are warm rather than extreme. Summer heat makes shore days uncomfortable.

Do we need visas for the UAE and Oman?+

Both have their own rules for Indian passport holders, often eased if you hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa. We confirm the current requirements before booking.

What should we wear ashore?+

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Muscat's mosques need to cover their hair; long robes are provided at the Grand Mosque.

How far in advance should we book?+

Three to four months ahead gives the widest choice of rooms and guided days, and more for school holidays, festivals and peak season. Shorter notice is often possible; ask and we will check live availability.

Can the itinerary be customised?+

Yes. Every journey is a starting point: add or remove nights, swap a day's plan, change hotels or reorder the route, and your travel specialist re-plans the whole trip around it.

What is the payment schedule?+

Your quote sets out the deposit that confirms the booking and the date the balance is due. Both depend on the hotels, airlines and guides involved, so they are agreed with you before you pay anything.