Become thoroughly immersed in the UAE’s cultural contrasts by viewing Dubai’s futuristic architectural treasures, dining outdoors in the desert and admiring the traditional atmosphere in Sharjah.
Day 1
After disembarking the ship in Dubai, enjoy a panoramic tour of modern Dubai. The tour starts with a drive to the Jumeirah Beach area with photo stops at the Jumeirah Mosque, a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture, followed by a stop to photograph the landmark of the city, the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel which is built on a manmade island.
From here you will drive to the Marina and take a 10-minute break to walk through the Marina overlooking the lagoon. Thereafter, you drive through the Jumeirah Beach Residence area and drive on to the Palm Jumeirah, which is the most talked about project of the new Dubai.
Continue to Sheikh Zayed Road and arrive at the Dubai Mall which is the largest shopping mall in the world. The Dubai Mall is the region's premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination. With more than 1,200 stores and a host of world-class attractions, The Dubai Mall is revolutionizing the modern shopping experience.
From here you will walk to the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. Head up to the 124th floor for the opportunity to view the entire city in the viewing gallery.
Free time for lunch on own at Dubai Mall.
You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to the Emirate of Sharjah. The drive is quite panoramic as you pass some of the Emirate’s landmarks, such as the King Faisal Mosque, the Pearl Monument symbol of the country, the Blue Souk and the Ruler’s area. Worthy to know is that, in 1998, Sharjah won the UNESCO award of being the Cultural capital of the Arab world. This Emirate really takes great pride with its commitment to art and preserving the local heritage and hosts very interesting museums, such as the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
A visit to this museum will allow you to deepen your knowledge the country’s official religion, Islam, and to understand how the Arab civilization developed throughout the centuries. Of particular interest is also the building in which the Museum is located. Once hosting the Souk Al Majarrah, it is characterized by impressive architecture with traditional Arab-Islamic design elements in its ground-plan and décor. Its most outstanding feature is its majestic, gilt central dome, decorated on the inside with an intricate mosaic depicting the night sky and the signs of the zodiac.
Then walk to the nearby Souk Al Arsa, the oldest souk in the UAE. Arsa is a local Arabic word meaning ‘the area where goods are being sold in a traditional open space way' and it correctly defines this souk. Here you can find displayed various traditional items and goods, such as copper, silver and wood items, traditional jewelry, pearls and garments.
At the end of this culturally rich tour you will drive back to hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own
Day 3
Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or perhaps to do some exploring near your hotel. Lunch is on your own.
In the afternoon you will depart for an adventurous dune dinner safari. 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 stop at a camel camp to discuss the “news” of the day!
You will then enjoy some thrilling dune bashing with the experienced drivers over golden sand dunes.
Close to sunset, the group arrives at the sunset point where "time stands still". Experience the silence of the desert and watch the stunning vista of endless dunes and the magical desert sunset.
After sunset you will continue your journey deep into the desert until you reach the soft light of a Bedouin Village.
The campsite is specifically built to depict an authentic Bedouin Village with Barasti (dried palm leaves) tents. It is beautifully lit and decorated with rustic carpets and low tables with soft Arabic music in the background. Despite the rustic appeal, the campsite does have modern restroom facilities and basins with running water.
The campsite even has one area set-up with hubbly bubbly water pipes (Shisha’s) where you can relax and try a puff or two of this local favorite past time after your buffet barbeque dinner or you can watch a belly dancer as she dances to the rhythm of the music.
Following this fun filled Arabian evening you will head back to your hotel.
**Note: Guests do not drive. The dune dinner safari takes place in 4-wheel drive vehicles and the drive can be quite bumpy. This is not recommended for anyone with bad backs or if they are pregnant. We recommend having a light lunch prior to the commencement of the tour. Please wear casual clothing and bring a light sweater or jacket for the evening hours. This tour is subject to weather conditions. Seating for the dinner is on low divan cushions as per the typical Bedouin way of dining
Day 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Checkout and transfer to Dubai airport according to your departure flight schedule.
Check out time is 12:00 noon. Luggage storage facility 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
9:00am Disembark the ship in Dubai and meet your guide
9:30am Depart from Dubai port for modern Dubai tour
10:15am Drive to Jumeirah Mosque, photo Stop (outside only)
10:45am Drive to Jumeirah Beach side for a photo stop of Burj Al Arab (outside view only)
11:10am Drive to Dubai Marina and visit
11:45am Drive through Palm Jumeirah
12:15pm Explore the Dubai Mall
1:00pm Visit At the top Burj Khalifa – Observation deck 124th floor
1:30pm Free time for lunch on own
3:00pm Transfer to hotel for check in, dinner on own
Overnight at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
Day 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Sharjah
9:15am Panoramic drive through Sharjah including photo stops
10:45am Visit Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
11:30am Visit Souk Al Arsa
12:30pm Return to your hotel
1:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Afternoon and evening at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
Day 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure
Lunch on own
3:15pm Transfer towards the desert by 4WD Jeeps
4:30pm Dune drive
5:30pm Arrival at camp site
6:00pm Dinner at the camp site
9:00pm Return drive to your hotel
Overnight at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City or similar hotel
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Checkout and transfer to Dubai airport according to your departure flight schedule.
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 /78.8 degrees Fahrenheit)
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shows, light loose clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, bathing suit.
Currency:
UAE Dirham
Electricity:
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if you will have electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
All passengers travelling to the United Arab Emirates must be in possession of a passport valid for atleast 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Please consult your local embassy for any Visa requirements for your nationality.
Accommodations:
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
PO 45777, Dubai, 45777, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971-04-7011111
Program Inclusions:
•3 nights at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City including breakfast – Standard (Classic) Room
•Half day tours of Dubai and Sharjah tour using a luxury air-conditioned coaches and accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide
•Entrance to the Observation deck of Burj Khalifa’ s 124th level
•Desert Safari (Al Sahara Experience) including BBQ dinner with soft drinks & water
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals or beverages other than specified above
•Gratuities to guides, drivers and porters
•Any personal expenses
•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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
