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Arabian Emirates
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas. Modern superlatives – Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Marina, desert safaris. Winter routes usually from Dubai, 7 nights, ideal for first-time Orient travellers.
Destination Orient
Orient – skylines, deserts and Arabian hospitality
From Dubai to Muscat, Abu Dhabi to Luxor: the Orient combines modern superlatives with ancient history. Winter sun without jetlag, luxury ports and desert drama – we'll find the route that fits you.
5+countries
15+ports
Nov–Marbest season
22–28°Cclimate
All Orient itineraries
Book Orient cruises now
Itineraries from MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, AIDA and TUI Cruises. Filter by duration, season and departure port – or get personal advice from our team.
Regions of the Orient
Three regions, three Arabian worlds
Emirates, Oman and the Red Sea lie close together but differ strongly in character and rhythm.
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Oman
Muscat, Khasab (Musandam fjords), Salalah. The authentic counterpart to the Emirates: less glamour, more tradition, spectacular fjord scenery at the Strait of Hormuz. Often integrated into Emirates routes.
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Red Sea
Sharm El Sheikh, Safaga (Luxor), Aqaba (Petra), Suez Canal transit. Egyptian antiquity, world-class diving, biblical landscapes. Season October–April. Often a transit route between the Mediterranean and the Gulf.
Best time to go
When is the Orient at its best?
The Orient is a winter-only destination. Pick a month and see which region is ideal – in summer it becomes too hot almost everywhere.
Mayis in 0 sub-regions at their best
Ideal
Good
Off-season
Arabian Emirates
Off-season
May–September: extreme heat (35–45 °C), high humidity. Sightseeing barely possible, cruises largely pause.
Oman
Off-season
Summer: extreme heat, only Dhofar (Salalah) in the south becomes cooler and green due to the monsoon. Mainstream cruises pause.
Red Sea
Good time
April/May and October/November: pleasant but warmer. Start Luxor excursions early to avoid the midday heat.
Why the Orient
Why the Orient is the compact luxury cruise
No region offers so many modern superlatives, such good infrastructure and such reliable winter climate on a short flight.
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Winter sun in a 6h flight
Direct flights from Zurich to Dubai or Abu Dhabi in 6h, guaranteed 22–28 °C in winter. No jetlag (only 3h time difference), perfect infrastructure and luxury hotels for pre- or post-stays.
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Modern superlatives
Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Palm Jumeirah, Yas Marina, Ferrari World, Louvre Abu Dhabi. No destination worldwide has produced so much architectural wow-factor in 20 years – and you experience it all from the most comfortable port in the region.
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Desert & history
Desert safaris in the Emirates, wadi tours in Oman, the Musandam fjords at the Strait of Hormuz, Luxor or Petra from the Red Sea. The contrast between skyline and desert makes the Orient one of the most varied short-haul destinations.
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Reliable infrastructure
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have modern ports, fast immigration, German-English-Arabic as common languages. Everything works – perfect for anyone who wants exotic flair without uncertainty.
Orient consultation
Your Orient voyage starts with a conversation
Only Emirates or with Oman? Pre-stay in Dubai or straight on board? MSC or luxury? Tell us what you're looking for – we'll suggest the right route and the right ship. No obligation, in your language, from Switzerland.
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Frequently asked
Orient cruises – your questions
November to March is the main season: 22–28 °C, dry, ideal for excursions and sightseeing. From April it quickly becomes too hot (over 35 °C), in high summer (June–August) Dubai reaches 40–45 °C with high humidity – cruises largely pause.
7 nights from Dubai is standard (loop through the Emirates and northern Oman). Longer cruises (10–14 nights) combine Emirates with the Red Sea or Indian Ocean. Transit routes between Europe and Dubai via the Suez Canal last 14–18 nights.
The main departure ports are Dubai (Port Rashid, usually the main hub), Abu Dhabi and Muscat. From Zurich there are direct flights to Dubai (6h with Emirates or Swiss) and Abu Dhabi (Etihad). We organise flights, Dubai hotel and transfers to the ship on request.
Swiss citizens get a free visa on arrival for the United Arab Emirates (90 days). Oman also has visa on arrival or eVisa online. Egypt (Red Sea) needs a paid visa, usually arranged through the cruise line.
MSC and Costa with a large fleet from Dubai in the winter season, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity for the US market, AIDA and TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff) with German-speaking service. For luxury: Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Oceania. The Orient season runs November to March.
No. Alcohol is served normally on cruise ships (bars, restaurants, all-inclusive packages). On shore local rules apply: in the Emirates alcohol is available in hotels and on excursions, not in public spaces. Oman and Saudi Arabia are stricter. We explain the details for your route in advance.
On board as usual (casual to smart casual). On shore we recommend respectful clothing out of consideration for the culture: shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting mosques (headscarves often required for women and provided on site). In Dubai shopping malls western clothing is normal.