DUBAI AND THE ARABIAN GULF
Escape the British winter and enjoy travel at its finest on a P&O Cruises holiday aboard Oceana
PICTURE yourself riding a camel in the desert while Britain shivers through wintry weather. Imagine haggling for treasures in a bustling souk instead of doing your Christmas shopping in your local high street, or kicking back for an afternoon on a sun-drenched beach instead of turning up the central heating at home. Do all this and more on a magical seven- or 14-night fly-cruise to Dubai and the Arabian Gulf with P&O Cruises.
An enchanting mix of ancient history and glittering modernity, Dubai – referred to as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf – is a cosmopolitan destination that offers something for everyone.
It’s under eight hours’ flight from the UK, and you’ll arrive in this dazzling destination and feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Of course, Oceana will cosset you with great service for the duration of your holiday, with friendly, attentive service and familiar touches, including the perfect brew or a G&T served just how you like it, but time ashore in this United Arab Emirate is a feast for the senses.
In Dubai overnight at the start or end of your holiday, you’ll have plenty of time to head out on an exhilarating Jeep safari, to be whisked to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or to take a leisurely dinner cruise around the marina on a traditional Arabian dhow. Pick up trinkets and spices in the souks, or whet your appetite on a Middle Eastern food trail, sampling regional cuisine and discovering where locals dine out.
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of this metropolis, taking a seaplane excursion, or an adrenaline-fuelled journey across the marina on XLine, the world’s longest urban zipline ride.
In Abu Dhabi, the second largest city of the UAE, the futuristic urban skyline belies the magnificent ancient sights and cultural delights on offer. Marvel at the splendour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the white minarets of which contrast starkly with the bright blue skies, and immerse yourself in timeworn ways of life at the Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional village. Join a RIB ride around Corniche Bay or soak up the sun in style with a day at the stunning Al Maya Island Resort.
In dramatic contrast, Sir Bani Yas Island is a stunning 34-square-mile nature reserve that has evolved on a salt dome over millions of years. Everything here happens at a slower pace: paddle through lush mangroves in a kayak, take a guided mountain bike tour across the rugged landscape, enjoy spotting indigenous flora and fauna on a wildlife drive or simply book a beach cabana and while away the hours as the sea laps the white sandy shore. † Select Price of £899 per person is based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of Inside cabin available on cruise E028 and is subject to availability.