Experience the vibrancy of Dubai while marveling at its iconic modern architecture, browsing the souks in the old quarter, racing through the desert dunes and exploring the energetic capital of Abu Dhabi.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Dubai, meet your tour guide and proceed to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates - named after a breed of gazelles by a Sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe. This magnificent city which was founded in 1761 is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by a cluster of islands.
Your tour today offers an ideal introduction to Abu Dhabi with your first stop being a visit to the Louvre -the first universal museum in the Arab world. This museum brings the Louvre name to Abu Dhabi and presents both ancient and contemporary works of historic, cultural, and sociological interest from around the world. Virtually surrounded by the sea, the dozens of buildings that comprise the museum are linked by waterfront promenades and by the museum’s most arresting feature – its dome. As sunlight filters through the dome’s perforations, it creates a “rain of light” effect in the museum galleries below.
Following your enlightening visit at the museum you will stop at the magnificent Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi. The majestic Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society - and one of the most beautiful in the world - initiated no less by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of UAE.
Lunch is served at the Rosewood Hotel before continuing back to Dubai where you will check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
Your hotel is an iconic building, adorned with a gold pyramidion and in the shape of an obelisk, representative of the Luxor Obelisk currently in Paris. It is attached to WAFI Mall and its rooms are located from the 19th floor and above, offering unparalleled views.
**Note: The Grand Mosque does not provide ladies a headscarf or abaya free of charge and there is no shop on sight to buy them. Ladies please come prepared with something to cover you head or entrance will unfortunately be denied. For men and women: no transparent clothing, no shorts or skirts, no sleeveless shirts, no clothing with profanity and no tight clothing (including leggings) or beachwear.
Day 2
Following breakfast at your hotel you will have a few hours at leisure before your tour. After lunch on your own, meet up with your guide and proceed into the heart of Dubai to behold its most innovative and futuristic architecture. Thanks to the staggering wealth that came from a somewhat recent oil boom, the urban landscape of Dubai was transformed.
egin with a photo stop at Jumeirah Mosque - a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture. Another photo stop is made near the world renowned five-star hotel which is a famous landmark of the city - “The Burj Al Arab”.
Drive through what is considered the 8th wonder of the world - The Palm Jumeirah. As you drive through Palm Island take in the beautiful views of the Jumeirah coastline.
Return past Sheikh Zayed road and journey through the city center see all the historical landmarks.
You will also stand atop the world’s tallest observation deck, which perches on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. On the way the elevators, you will be entertained by a multi-media presentation that chronicles Dubai’s exotic history and the fascinating story of the Burj Khalifa.
Then, you will zip up to the observation deck on an elevator that travels 32 feet (10 meters) per second. As the doors open, you will be treated a breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree view of Dubai, the desert and ocean. It’s an experience you will not soon forget.
Enjoy some free time to do some shopping at the Dubai Mall.
After some time to freshen up, board a Marina Dhow Cruise for a delightful buffet dinner with live entertainment and stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for old Dubai, where you will browse several Arabic-style souks featuring local goods and merchandise from other emirates. Tucked into Dubai’s Deira district just north of Dubai Creek, the Dubai Spice Souk offers an abundance of spices, dried fruits, nuts and other delicacies in a wonderfully fragrant, exuberant setting.
Similarly, the Gold Souk is devoted solely to jewelers. Although gold is the predominant precious metal, platinum and diamond jewelry are also sold. You will also visit the extraordinary Textile Souk and Perfume Souk, where you will find countless stalls offering an exotic array of fabrics and scents.
Free time for lunch follows back at the hotel, after which you will depart for the dune dinner to Al Hadeerah. Experience the sheer thrill of driving up and down golden yellow sand dunes in comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicles. Drive past the Bedouin villages and enjoy some thrilling dune bashing with the experienced drivers over golden sand dunes.
Arrive at Al Hadeerah as the sun sets. Immerse yourself in Arabian culture within the walls of a traditional fort where you will witness a dazzling falconry display, camel caravan, horse show as well as Tanoura dancer.
You will be entertained throughout the evening as mesmerizing dancers weave their magic beneath the stars to the sounds of a live band.
There is also no mistaking the mouth-watering aroma of Arabic cuisine as it drifts from the live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens and spit roasts.
Following this unforgettable and fun filled Arabian adventure in the desert, you will head back to your hotel.
NOTE: This tour involves travelling over rough and bumpy terrain and is unsuitable for guests with mobility issues, back problems, pregnant women and children under 4 years of age. It is recommended that you bring a light sweater or jacket as the temperature will be cooler in the desert at night. This tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day.
Day 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Transfers to the Dubai International Airport will be arranged according to your departure flight schedule. Check out time at the hotel is 12:00 noon however luggage storage is available at the hotel for those who are leaving by late flights.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark in Dubai and proceed to Abu Dhabi
10:30am Visit the Louvre and Grand Mosque
1:30pm Depart for lunch
2:00pm Lunch at the Rosewood Hotel or similar venue
3:30pm Drive back to Dubai
5:00pm Check in at your hotel
The remainder of the day is at your leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
DAY 2
From7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
Lunch on own
1:00pm Modern Dubai tour including entrance to the 124th floor observation deck at Burj Khalifa
Free time at the Dubai Mall
Return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner
5:30pm Marina Dhow dinner cruise
TBA Return to your hotel
Overnight at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
DAY 3
From 7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Souk experience
1:00pm Return to your hotel
Lunch on own
4:00pm Dune dinner safari to Al Hadeerah
6:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Return drive to your hotel
10:30pm Approximate return to your hotel
Overnight at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out time
TBA Transfer to the Dubai International Airport based on your flight time
Luggage storage available for guests with late flights.
For guests who opt to fly out of the Abu Dhabi Airport, additional transfer charges will apply
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
Warm and Sunny (Average temperature - 26 degrees Celsius /78 degrees Fahrenheit)
What to Bring:
Light loose clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen. We recommend taking a light jacket for the dune dinner safari as the temperatures can be quite cooler in the desert at night.
For the visit of Grand Mosque -
•Modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing, long sleeves and trousers
•No transparent (see-through) clothing. No white cloths are allowed at the Mosque
•No shorts for men
•No shorts or skirts for ladies
•No tight clothing including leggings, no swimwear and no beachwear.
•Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque, so we recommend slip off shoes
•Headscarf for ladies is essential (these are not provided at the mosque – please bring your own)
Currency:
UAE Dirham. USD are not accepted
Electricity:
220 volts. We recommend bring your own adapters or converters.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
It is imperative that each passenger traveling to the United Arab Emirates possess a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Some nationalities require a Visa to enter the UAE. Please consult your local embassy for further details.
Accommodations:
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
PO 45777, Dubai, 45777, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971-04-7011111
Program Includes for guests
•3 nights at the Intercontinental Festival City or similar hotel – Standard (Classic) Room
•Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners (beverages not included)
•All touring and entrances per the itinerary
•Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals and beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Portage at the airport and hotel
•Any personal expenses
•Visa fees if required
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
