Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m2
2
Cruising the Arabian Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys
Dubai - Muscat
Dates:
06/01/2023
to
14/01/2023
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This exploration of the southern Persian Gulf and the cities that dot its shores begins in Dubai, a small coastal hamlet fewer than 100 years ago that is now a world class center of commerce and finance. It is home to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as well as to fabulous spice and gold markets and the marvelous Dubai Museum.
A day on the island of Sir Bani Yas, once a barren desert, now transformed into a wildlife sanctuary for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and east Africa, is followed by a visit to Doha. The pride of Qatar and the site of the 2022 World Cup, Doha is where you will find the shopping oasis of Souq Waqif – the heart of the city where literally everything is for sale – and the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, constructed on its own island and home to the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.
In Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, you may discover two stunning symbols of Arab and Islamic pride: the Louvre Abu Dhabi with a collection of art spanning millennia and originating from all corners of the globe; and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, arguably the pinnacle of modern Islamic architecture.
Your ship will then drop anchor in Khasab, Oman, a sleepy fishing village nestled among the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, where you may explore these narrow inlets aboard local dhows, looking for the pods of dolphins that frequent these waters and admiring the majesty of the Hajar Mountains in the background.
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, the final port of call before your voyage ends in Muscat, Oman, lies on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and serves as your gateway to the 16th-century Fujairah Fort and Museum and to Al Bidya Mosque, the second oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
Ref : DM1845UB - EG060123
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
L'AUSTRAL
10/08/2023 to the 26/08/2023
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Karl Eikenberry
Karl Eikenberry is a former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (retired) with experience in Middle East security affairs. He is also a faculty member of Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
From 2011-2019 he was the Director of the U.S.-Asia Security Initiative at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, Stanford University. Prior to his arrival at Stanford, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2009 until 2011. Before appointment as Chief of Mission in Kabul, Ambassador Eikenberry had a thirty-five year career in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of lieutenant general. His military operational posts included as commander and staff officer with mechanized, light, airborne, and ranger infantry units in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Korea, Italy, and as the Commander of the American-led Coalition forces in Afghanistan. He held various policy and political-military positions, including Deputy Chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium; Director for Strategic Planning and Policy for U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith, Hawaii; and Assistant Army and later Defense Attaché at the United States Embassy in Beijing.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, has earned master’s degrees from Harvard University in East Asian Studies and Stanford University in Political Science, and was a National Security Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Ambassador Eikenberry earned an Interpreter’s Certificate in Mandarin Chinese from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office while studying at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Chinese Language School in Hong Kong and has an Advanced Degree in Chinese History from Nanjing University in the People’s Republic of China.
His military awards include the Defense Distinguished and Superior Service Medals, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Ranger Tab, Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges, and master parachutist wings. He has received the Department of State Distinguished, Superior, and Meritorious Honor Awards, and Director of Central Intelligence Award.
His foreign and international decorations include the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross and French Legion of Honor.
Ambassador Eikenberry is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and belongs to the boards of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, The Asia Foundation, and American Councils for International Education.
His articles and essays on U.S. and international security issues have appeared in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Quarterly, The American Interest, American Foreign Policy Interests, Lawfare, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Lawfare, Foreign Policy, Survival, Dædalus, The Financial Times, Parameters, and Military Review.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit : ARR
Jodi Magness
Jodi Magness (JodiMagness.org) holds a senior endowed chair in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism (since 2002). She is an archaeologist and Past President of the Archaeological Institute of America. She has published 11 books, including Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth(Princeton University Press, 2019), and dozens of articles.From 1992-2002, Professor Magness was Associate/Assistant Professor of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology in the Departments of Classics and Art History at Tufts University, Medford, MA. Professor Magness received her B.A. in Archaeology and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1977),and her Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania (1989). Professor Magness specializes in the archaeology of ancient Palestine (modern Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories) in the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. Her research interests include Jerusalem, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient synagogues, Masada, the Roman army in the East, ancient pottery, and ancient Diaspora Judaism. Since 2011, Professor Magness’ excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galileehave been bringing to light the remains of a Late Roman synagogue decorated with stunning mosaic floors (http://huqoq.web.unc.edu/).
Language spoken : English
Photo credit : ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry and archaeologist Jodi Magness.
- An overnight in port in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Experience the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
- Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and I. M. Pei's Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha.
- Explore the world-famous souks of Dubai and Doha.
- Discover the wildlife sanctuary of Sir Bani Yas.
- Sail the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula.
- Admire the iconic architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Ports of Call & Excursions
6 January 2023 7 January 2023 - Dubai
Embarkation 06/01/2023 from 22:00 to 23:00
Departure 07/01/2023 at 19:00
Vertiginous, excessive, immoderate… Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, stands out for its architectural follies. Home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Kahlifa, with a total height of 828 metres, almost three times that of the Eiffel Tower, the city is also famous for the gigantic scale of the Palm Islands, its artificial islands in the form of a palm tree. You can explore more traditional districts not far away, with visits of the souks of Deira or the Gold Souk. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover Dubai Museum: located in an 18th-century fort, it tells the city’s history from Antiquity to the present day.
8 January 2023 - Sir Bani Yas
Arrival 08/01/2023 mid morning
Departure 08/01/2023 late afternoon
You’ll make a port of call on the island of Sir Bani Yas, a real naturalist dream that has been dedicated to the conservation of endangered animal species since 1971. This enchanting former reserve of the Emir of Abu Dhabi is planted with more than two million trees. Nominated “The World’s Leading Sustainable Tourist Destination”, it has one the largest populations of Arabian oryxes. The ruins of one of the oldest Christian monasteries of the pre-Islamic era, dating back to 600 AD, are visible there.
9 January 2023 - Doha
Arrival 09/01/2023 early morning
Departure 09/01/2023 evening
On the banks of the Persian Gulf, discover Doha, the capital of Qatar. Rising out of the desert, the city has managed to maintain its traditions in spite of a frantic race for modernity. The cliff bordering Doha Bay has magnificent views over the city centre’s enormous constructions. The silhouette of the Museum of Islamic Art rises up near the quays, where the region’s typical sailboats, known as dhows, are docked. This “fortress”, designed by Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid, is home to the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. Not far, the lively district of Souq Waqif and its colourful stalls are also an unmissable visit.
10 January 2023 11 January 2023 - Abu Dhabi
Arrival 10/01/2023 midday
Departure 11/01/2023 early afternoon
The political capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi stands out thanks to its exceptional cultural offering. In the Saadiyat Island district, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel as a museum town inspired by traditional Arab architecture, creates a dialogue between objects and works from civilisations from all over the world around the great universal questions. A little further, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts a sumptuous decor of marble, gold and glass. Abu Dhabi is also the gateway to the Al Ain oasis and its 150,000 date palms, a remarkable testimony to the settling of nomads in the region since Neolithic times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12 January 2023 - Khasab
Arrival 12/01/2023 early morning
Departure 12/01/2023 late afternoon
Located in the country’s north, on the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is a city in the Sultanate of Oman. In the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, this small port built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and surrounded by a chain of rocky mountains was established at the mouth of Wadi Khasab. You will love its authentic scenery and particularly its fjords, which cut through the landscapes in a spectacular fashion and have earned it the moniker “Norway of Arabia”. In the city, Khasab Castle and its atypical architecture are well worth a visit to discover the history and culture of Oman.
13 January 2023 - Fujairah
Arrival 13/01/2023 early morning
Departure 13/01/2023 early afternoon
The easternmost of the United Arab Emirates unfolds onto the Gulf of Oman. Unique to the region, the geography of Fujairah is composed of lush mountains and fertile plains, as well as the vast deserts that the Emirate shares with its neighbours. It is the majestic massif of the Al Hajar Mountains that brought rain to the territory, creating the oases that were vital to the development of agriculture. Fujairah also offers travellers the possibility of visiting its historic treasures such as its castle, an old fort dating back to the 16th century, or the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the United Arab Emirates, which was built in 1446.
14 January 2023 - Muscat
Arrival 14/01/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 14/01/2023 at 07:00
Unlike neighbouring metropolises, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman has chosen to ban towers and skyscrapers and to cultivate the peninsula’s traditional and refined architectural style: low houses, domes, moucharaby windows, and wooden balconies. This authenticity adds to the charm of this small former maritime city protected by mountains and the forts constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. There is no doubt that you will fall under the charm of the treasures of Omani craftsmanship: the souk in the old district of Mutrah is a perfect example of this, as is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Dubai Highlights
From your ship, a short drive brings you to the neighborhood of Jumeirah, home to two of Dubai's architectural landmarks: the Jumeirah Mosque, dedicated by the Late Sheikh Rashid to build cross cultural understanding; and the emblematic Burj Al Arab, rising out of the surf and touted as 'the most luxurious hotel in the world'.
Further down the coast, visit Palm Jumeirah, a remarkable palm-tree-shaped archipelago of manmade islands boasting some of the most opulent residences in Dubai, before arriving at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where you will ascend to the observation deck on the 124th floor for incredible views over the city and the Persian Gulf.
Lunch will be served at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, where you will enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine with your hosts and engage in a Q&A session covering everything you would like to know about Dubai and the UAE, their history, culture, and traditions.
Your afternoon begins with a stroll through the old part of Dubai, where traditional buildings line narrow lanes and where art and cultural exhibits abound. One of the most important of these is the recently renovated Dubai Museum, housed in the oldest existing building in the city and featuring an excellent introduction to the history of the region.
Take a water-taxi across Dubai Creek to spend the balance of the afternoon in the markets on the other side. The Spice Souq contains a myriad of fragrances and seasonings, and the air is filled with the aroma of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, and dried fruit. The Gold Souq, with its bustling atmosphere and traditional style of bargaining, makes for an exciting experience as you wander the narrow lanes of glittering displays. The sheer scale and variety offered will impress even the most jaded buyer.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain with some steps. You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
UAE's Nature Reserve
A barren desert island in the middle of the 20th century, Sir Bani Yas was transformed by the investment and vision of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, into a wildlife reserve for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and to East Africa.
Your expertly guided tour will be via luxury air-conditioned Land Cruisers as you drive around the property, learning about the conservation work being carried out and looking for the oryxes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and other species that roam freely here in an eco-system specially designed for them. Hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas, and any development that is proposed must be approved as consistent with the maintenance of the fragile ecosystem.
Numerous stops will be made along the way so that you have the opportunity to capture the experience in photographs. And your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
- This is an easy excursion, conducted entirely by jeep. The guide, however, will not be available to help those with limited mobility, who should therefore be accompanied by someone who can assist them. Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Musandam's Mountains and High Desert
This excursion offers a panoramic tour of the interior of the Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of barren plateaus and mountain peaks with spectacular views across the peninsula and overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Board your four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive toward Jebel Harim ("the Mountain of Women"), Musandam's highest peak at 6,850 feet. Along the way, you will pass through the Bedouin village of Sayh (3,610 feet), a peaceful village that offers views of Musandam's inland valley. And when you reach Jebel Harim's summit, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire peninsula.
Before returning to Khasab and the ship, stop at Khawr Najd, a natural lagoon at the head of a fjord with breathtaking views from your vantage on the road overlooking the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
- This is a panoramic tour and not a guided tour. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The terrain can be quite bumpy, so the experience is not recommended for guests suffering from neck or back problems. Each vehicle accommodates four. The tour is limited to a total of 40.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cruising Musandam's Fjords
The Musandam Peninsula, which is governed by Oman despite being separated from the rest of the country by about 60 miles of coastline, commands a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz that controls passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. But it is also an area of exceptional natural beauty, and that aspect of the region is the focus of this excursion.
Your guide will meet you at the pier to escort you to a waiting dhow. The workhorse of choice throughout the Indian Ocean, dhows are used for virtually every sort of waterborne activity imaginable, from fishing and transport to sightseeing.
Your cruise will take you through some of Musandam's majestic fjords, which have earned the peninsula recognition as "the Norway of Arabia." Enjoy the contrast of turquoise waters with white limestone cliffs, as you pass by small fishing villages and perhaps even encounter some of the dolphins that populate the fjords.
Your dhow will anchor near Telegraph Island, so-named for the repeater station erected here by the British in 1864. You will be able to swim or snorkel off the boat's bow, or you may choose simply to sit back with a tea or soft drink while admiring the views of the Hajjar mountains rising in the distance to heights over 2,000 feet.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. Participants must be able to embark and disembark the dhow from the ladder without assistance. Snorkel equipment is not provided.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fujairah's Coastal Plain
Fujairah, the easternmost of the seven United Arab Emirates, is important for its fishing and agricultural—and also because it provides the UAE with a bustling port on the Indian Ocean, allowing direct access to the world economy without the need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Outside of the capital city, however, Fujairah is largely non-commercial, known for its beaches and for the lush green expanses of the farms and orchards on its fertile coastal plain. Your panoramic tour of the region begins with a brief stop at the 300-year-old Fujairah Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the entire city, before continuing into the countryside to visit the oasis at Bithna and the 18th-century stone and mud-brick Al-Bithna Fort that guards the nearby mountain pass. Enjoy spectacular views of the fort, the mountains in the background, and the lush palm orchards that surround it.
Returning to the city, spend some time in the Fujairah Museum, where exhibits display the results of recent excavations, including ancient weapons, traditional costumes, and other artifacts. Additional exhibits illustrate local customs, both past and present.
No visit to Fujairah is complete without experiencing the Friday Market, a colorful roadside market featuring an abundance of souvenirs, clay pots, and carpets for sale. Despite its name, the market is open seven days a week from morning to night. Soak in the local atmosphere and engage with the vendors by trying out your bargaining skills.
The final stop before returning to the ship is at Al Bidiyah Mosque, one of the oldest in the Emirates.
- This tour involves about half a mile of walking on flat ground with some steps. Wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Local sensitivities require conservative dress: no bare shoulders, shorts, or skirts above the knee for women; no open toe sandals, jeans, t-shirts, or shorts for men. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dune Ride to Fossil Rock and Camel Rock
About 80 million years ago the desert that covers much of the interior of Fujairah and neighboring Sharjah was covered by ocean and supported a teeming marine life ranging from sea urchins to corals. Today, this area is a stunningly beautiful expanse of seemingly endless dunes of reddish sand.
Your excursion begins with a drive aboard 4X4 off-road vehicles into the heart of this desert. Here you will enjoy an exhilarating ride across the undulating dunes, falling and rising with the contours of the sand, each peak revealing a new landscape. You will encounter Fossil Rock, named for the profusion of marine fossils embedded in its ancient sediment that provide the evidence that this was once a tropical seabed. And you will see Camel Rock, a curious formation protruding from the sand and shaped by time and wind like the head of a camel.
You will stop for a snack of light refreshments before returning to the pier.
- This is a panoramic tour and not a guided tour. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The dune ride can be rough and bumpy, so the experience is not recommended for guests suffering from neck or back problems. Each vehicle accommodates up to six.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry and archaeologist Jodi Magness
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Dubai to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Sightseeing including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, and the Royal Opera House; lunch; a hotel day room (Sheraton Oman Hotel or similar); and dinner in Muscat at the end of the cruise to accommodate evening flights home
- Transfer from the ship or hotel to the airport in Muscat at the end of the cruise on the day of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVERING SHARJAH FROM DUBAI (1 NIGHT)
In 1998 UNESCO recognized Sharjah as "the Cultural Capital of the Arab World." This two-day program introduces you to the rich collections of art, architecture, and cultural heritage that this Emirate has made its mission to preserve and promote.
Day 1 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Arrive at Dubai's International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Dubai | Sharjah | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, join a full day excursion to Sharjah, the most important port in the Persian Gulf during the first half of the 19th century and now a vibrant and colorful city
Depart the hotel for a drive along Sharjah's Corniche and a brief stop at the massive King Faisal Mosque before visiting the Maraya Art Center. A hub of artistic activity, the Maraya Art Center is an important part of the UAE's efforts to support and sustain the work of emerging artists, both local and international. Enjoy a curator-led tour of this fascinating collection of galleries before pausing for lunch at a local restaurant.
Your afternoon begins with a guided tour of the "Heart of Sharjah," a restoration project in the oldest part of the city, focused on recovering and celebrating Sharjah's heritage. You will also visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization, exhibiting over 5,000 artifacts collected from around the Islamic world and representing the development of Islam from the time of the Prophet to the 20th century. Transfer to the pier in Dubai to embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai is centrally located along the Dubai Creek. It is very near the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the world, and within easy reach of Burj Khalifa. There are a dozen restaurants on the property, representing cuisines from around the world. The hotel also features a spa and fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.
Your program includes:
- 1-night at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai (or similar) including breakfast.
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
- The official currency is the UAE Dirham. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- For excursions, guests are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee.
- Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers, or spirits.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel Contact Information:
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay
Dubai, 121000 United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 414 0000
Fax: +971 4 414 0001
Total : 710 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Dubai Highlights
From your ship, a short drive brings you to the neighborhood of Jumeirah, home to two of Dubai's architectural landmarks: the Jumeirah Mosque, dedicated by the Late Sheikh Rashid to build cross cultural understanding; and the emblematic Burj Al Arab, rising out of the surf and touted as 'the most luxurious hotel in the world'.
Further down the coast, visit Palm Jumeirah, a remarkable palm-tree-shaped archipelago of manmade islands boasting some of the most opulent residences in Dubai, before arriving at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where you will ascend to the observation deck on the 124th floor for incredible views over the city and the Persian Gulf.
Lunch will be served at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, where you will enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine with your hosts and engage in a Q&A session covering everything you would like to know about Dubai and the UAE, their history, culture, and traditions.
Your afternoon begins with a stroll through the old part of Dubai, where traditional buildings line narrow lanes and where art and cultural exhibits abound. One of the most important of these is the recently renovated Dubai Museum, housed in the oldest existing building in the city and featuring an excellent introduction to the history of the region.
Take a water-taxi across Dubai Creek to spend the balance of the afternoon in the markets on the other side. The Spice Souq contains a myriad of fragrances and seasonings, and the air is filled with the aroma of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, and dried fruit. The Gold Souq, with its bustling atmosphere and traditional style of bargaining, makes for an exciting experience as you wander the narrow lanes of glittering displays. The sheer scale and variety offered will impress even the most jaded buyer.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain with some steps. You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
UAE's Nature Reserve
A barren desert island in the middle of the 20th century, Sir Bani Yas was transformed by the investment and vision of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, into a wildlife reserve for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and to East Africa.
Your expertly guided tour will be via luxury air-conditioned Land Cruisers as you drive around the property, learning about the conservation work being carried out and looking for the oryxes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and other species that roam freely here in an eco-system specially designed for them. Hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas, and any development that is proposed must be approved as consistent with the maintenance of the fragile ecosystem.
Numerous stops will be made along the way so that you have the opportunity to capture the experience in photographs. And your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
- This is an easy excursion, conducted entirely by jeep. The guide, however, will not be available to help those with limited mobility, who should therefore be accompanied by someone who can assist them. Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Musandam's Mountains and High Desert
This excursion offers a panoramic tour of the interior of the Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of barren plateaus and mountain peaks with spectacular views across the peninsula and overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Board your four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive toward Jebel Harim ("the Mountain of Women"), Musandam's highest peak at 6,850 feet. Along the way, you will pass through the Bedouin village of Sayh (3,610 feet), a peaceful village that offers views of Musandam's inland valley. And when you reach Jebel Harim's summit, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire peninsula.
Before returning to Khasab and the ship, stop at Khawr Najd, a natural lagoon at the head of a fjord with breathtaking views from your vantage on the road overlooking the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
- This is a panoramic tour and not a guided tour. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The terrain can be quite bumpy, so the experience is not recommended for guests suffering from neck or back problems. Each vehicle accommodates four. The tour is limited to a total of 40.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cruising Musandam's Fjords
The Musandam Peninsula, which is governed by Oman despite being separated from the rest of the country by about 60 miles of coastline, commands a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz that controls passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. But it is also an area of exceptional natural beauty, and that aspect of the region is the focus of this excursion.
Your guide will meet you at the pier to escort you to a waiting dhow. The workhorse of choice throughout the Indian Ocean, dhows are used for