Dubai and the Emirates Explorer + Dubai
Fly to Dubai and join MSC Lirica on a 7 day cruise to the best of the United Arab Emirates.
After your cruise why not extend your stay with 3 extra nights in exciting Dubai.
On day 8 after breakfast disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. Enjoy freetime to explore Dubai. On day 11 transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Overnight to Dubai.
DAY 2: Dubai.
Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the port for embarkation of your ship, MSC Lirica. (L, D)
DAY 3 to 4: Abu Dhabi.
Rich in oil deposits, Abu Dhabi is one of the richest cities in the world. Situated on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, the city is often called the 'Manhattan of Arabia' and is a haven of gleaming glass skyscrapers, luxury shops and restaurants. Thrill seekers will be taken care of on optional excursion to the new 'Ferrari World Park' the world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. If that isn't enough speed there is also an optional excursion to the Yas Marina F1 Circuit to see behind the scenes of this world famous racing venue. Relax on the swathes of golden beaches, shop in the duty free Marina Mall, or explore the area on an orientation tour. Take in sights such as Ittihad Square, the Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn Fort, the Presidential Palace and the Heritage Village. Perhaps head to the bustling Old Souk, including the gold market, to hunt for bargains; or admire cool courtyards, delicate gardens and dazzling Islamic architecture in the city environs. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Muscat, Oman.
One of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Muscat is rich in history and culture and the area was the hub of Frankincense trade between Arabia, Greece, Rome and the Mediterranean in 2AD. Perhaps join an optional tour of the city, taking in the Bait al Zubair museum, the Sultan's main palace, the Al Alam Palace and gardens, and the Grand Mosque. Alternatively, why not an try an optional 4x4 ride through picturesque mountain villages to Wadi Bani Khalid or Bilad Sait E or visit Jabrin Castle, the finest and most picturesque castle in Oman. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Fujairah.
Fujairah overlooks the Gulf of Oman and is considered to be both the most traditional and most beautiful area in the UAE. Fringed with unspoilt, golden beaches and backed by rugged mountains, Fujairah is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Spend the day soaking up the sun on one of the stunning unspoilt beaches or shopping for traditional items in the colourful bazaars. Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to introduce you to many of Fujairah's most prominent sites including the Al Fujairah Museum and 300-year old Fujairah Fort? Continue along the coastal road to Al Badiya, the oldest mosque in the UAE, overlooked by two Portuguese watch towers, built in 1498, before returning to your ship. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Khasab, Oman.
Khasab, the capital of the Musandam peninsula in Oman is a calm, fishing village and oasis, overlooking the Gulf of Arabia and the Straits of Hormuz. Enjoy a full day to explore at your leisure or take one of the optional excursions that will be available. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Dubai.
With the ship in port overnight there is plenty of time at leisure for you to enjoy the luxury and comfort of this ultramodern metropolises, with its sparkling ornate skyscrapers. Join a city or heritage tour to take in sights such as the Jumeirah and Grand Mosques, the famous 7-star Burj Al Arab sail-shaped hotel, the Marina, and the 18th-century Al Fahaidi Fort. Perhaps take a trip to the incredible Palm Islands or hire a water taxi for views of Dubai City from the creek. Head to the Marina's exclusive Yacht Club to witness the numerous luxury vessels in the dock, or enjoy an afternoon shopping in the lavish duty free malls. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Dubai.
After breakfast, disembark your cruise ship and transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. (B)
DAY 10 to 11: Dubai.
Enjoy freetime to explore the sights and sounds of this modern region. (B)
DAY 12: Dubai - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your return to the UK. (B)
MSC Lirica
Exuding a soft, ambient atmosphere, MSC Lirica is a traditional, elegant vessel designed with old-style glamour, warmth and comfort in mind. Constructed from the highest quality materials and laden with the most modern navigational technologies, MSC Lirica is adorned with restful colours and provides a choice of cosmopolitan amenities including a lively bar, a stylish restaurant and a soothing health centre. Accommodating 2069 guests in 780 well-maintained, spacious cabins, MSC Lirica also features a panoramic lounge with floor to ceiling windows.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 swimming pools; 2 whirlpools; La Pergola, L'Ippocampo and La Bussola restaurants; Le Bistro Café; Lirica lounge; pool, Cabaret, Atmosphere, Beverley Hills, and Beer bars; Lord Nelson Pub; ice-cream bar; coffee corner; internet café; Health Centre with gym, beauty centre, sauna and Turkish Bath; jogging track; Broadway theatre; casino; shops and boutiques; photo gallery and photo shop; library; card room; disco; medical centre; 9 lifts.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The choice of on board eateries includes 2 dining rooms: La Pergola and L'Ippocampo; along with the more casual La Bussola self-service buffet restaurant. Between them, they provide a good selection of culinary choices, catering to almost any taste. Many dishes are cooked with a traditional Italian flavour, although an assortment of international-styled options and an à la carte menu are also available.
Cabins
All cabins have double or twin beds, either as 2 lower beds or a lower bed plus sofa bed. Some cabins may also have upper bunks for additional travelling companions. Cabins also have air-conditioning/heating; satellite TV; telephone; safety deposit box; radio; minibar; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 1 cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
1 Twin/double inside cabin
6 Twin/double inside cabin
9 Twin/double outside cabin
10 Twin/double cabin with balcony
Tipping
It is customary to tip staff on board that give a personal service. In order to help, a sum of approximately 6 euros per person per day will be added to your on board account. This gratuity will be shared amongst the staff. This is of course discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise.
MSC Lirica
Category 1 Scarlatti Deck 7 twin/double inside cabin
Category 6 Scarlatti Deck 7, Paganini Deck 8, Albinoni Deck 9 or Bellini Deck 10 twin/double outside cabin with picture window (may have restricted view)
Category 9 Albinoni Deck 9 twin/double outside cabin with picture window
Category 10 Albinoni Deck 9 or Bellini Deck 10 twin/double outside cabin with picture window
Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
Dubai and the Emirates Explorer + Dubai
Holiday Highlights
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Muscat, Oman
- Fujairah
- Khashab
- Dubai
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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