Amanda PhillipsCruise ships spend most of the year chasing the sun which has traditionally meant Brits have had to travel to the Caribbean or other exotic destinations such as South America, South Africa or the Orient if they want a warm winter cruise that ventures further than the Canary Islands. Now the Arabian Gulf has become the latest cruising hotspot for those fleeing winter chills between December and March.
No fewer than five cruise lines offer a variety of cruises from Dubai that visit a small but contrasting array of ports. These include the Brit-popular 1,264-passenger, adults-only Thomson Celebration and the 2,050-passenger Vision of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. There are also cruises with the Italian companies Costa Cruises – which operates the 1,248-passenger Costa NeoRiviera; as well as aboard MSC Cruises’ 3,274-passenger MSC Fantasia. Most cruises are for seven nights however there are a variety of longer durations available. Celebrity Constellation from Celebrity Cruises offers 7- and 14-night cruises from Abu Dhabi (a two-hour drive from Dubai) aboard the much-acclaimed 2,170-passenger Celebrity Constellation which calls at Khasab; Muscat (overnight); Dubai (two overnights); before returning to Abu Dhabi for an overnight stay.
Scots can take advantage of the twice-daily, non-stop Emirates flights from Glasgow to Dubai. In just over seven hours you can be in the breathtaking desert metropolis. The modern Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid offers a hassle-free gateway to your cruise, many of which spend up to two-nights in this city as there’s just so much to discover. For passengers who want to travel in style there are some great business class options available at specially-negotiated rates.
Ports of call include: Muscat and Khasab (Oman); Abu Dhabi; and occasionally Bahrain. Costa and MSC Cruises also visit the newly opened resort island of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast of the United Arab Emirates near Abu Dhabi.
Shopaholics can’t resist bartering for souvenirs, exploring Dubai’s Gold Souk, or shopping in the swanky malls. Activities in other ports include dolphin safaris; dune-buggying; sand-surfing and camel rides; as well as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi where adrenalin-junkies will love Flying Aces – the highest rollercoaster loop on the planet.
For a great deal on these winter sun cruises call 0800 484 0314 or click on www.barrheadtravel.co.uk.
