Amanda PhillipsAs we emerge from winter, P&O Cruises have revealed a sure-fire way to indulge in the sunny climes of the Arabian Gulf in two years time. There will be a series of five, 10-night fly/cruise from Dubai between 10 January and 4 April 2019. In addition there’s the chance to sign up for a 20-night cruise to Dubai through the Suez Canal at the end of 2018 and 14-night cruise from Dubai to the Mediterranean in mid-April 2019.
P&O Cruises forged the sea routes of Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries, now they are renowned for offering a quintessentially British cruise experience across the globe. The familiar style cannot be overemphasized in the fleet of eight mid-size and larger ships which attract a clientele that’s fiercely loyal and who revel in the traditional interpretation of cruising.
For the Arabian Gulf cruises, the 2016-passenger Oceana will be a perfect choice for cruising in these temperate seas. Although the ship entered service in 2003 there have been several refurbishments since – one is even scheduled for later in 2017.
Undoubtedly one of the most popular ships in the company’s fleet, the informal atmosphere makes Oceana particularly attractive to families as well as those seeking creature comforts. There’s also a wealth of open deck space which will prove popular during these Arabian Gulf cruises when winter sun soothes and invigorates in equal measure.
The 10-night fly/cruises from Dubai will call at Sir Bani Yas Island (a nature reserve south-west of Abu Dhabi); Manama (capital of Bahrain); Khasab (on the Musandam Peninsula in Oman – often dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ due to its fjord-like craggy inlets); Muscat (capital of the Sultanate of Oman); Salalah (a resort-like, lush city on the Arabian Sea in Oman); and Abu Dhabi (home to Ferrari World and some stunning museums).
There’s a wealth of excursions from these ports which include camel racing; dune-buggying; museums of contemporary and Islamic art; Arabic souks; Heritage villages; biblical sites and some of the best shopping in the world.
This carefully thought out programme of cruises will use the extensive network of flights by Emirates from London Gatwick and Heathrow; Newcastle; Birmingham; Manchester and Glasgow. These cruises go on general sale from 27 March and are certain to be in high demand. For more details call our cruise specialists now on 0800 484 0314 or click on www.barrheadtravel.co.uk.