Middle East

A Middle Eastern cruise is the perfect way to get a taste of ancient cultures with a mixture of modern hotels and other complexes supplying in the contrasting modernity, as is the case with Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Oman could be another highlight on your cruise itinerary that is not to be missed. Salalah and Muscat offer blends of medieval and modern architecture, sultan's castles, ancient mosques and private museums.

Some cruises start off from Italy and head south down the Mediterranean, along Haifa (Israel), Jerusalem (Israel), the infamous Suez Canal passage, through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and onto Salalah (Oman), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Other amazing destinations on the itinerary include Athens and Santorini (Greece) and Europe's gateway to Asia - Istanbul (Turkey).