A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS CRUISE WITH MSC

Years ago a friend of mine took a cruise in the Persian Gulf. msc musica

When she got back her stories about the trip were so fascinating that I dreamt about that route for years, hoping to see the same seas someday.

When TBnet asked me if I wanted to join the same cruise with MSC I couldn’t believe it! Finally I would have realized my dream of seeing the seas and skies of the tales of a thousand and one nights!

The MSC Cruise “Abu Dhabi, Dubai e Oman” it’s a 8 days and 7 nights itinerary between UAE and Oman. It’s active only during the European winter, when here the weather sucks while in the Persian Gulf it’s like the spring in the Garden of Eden 😀

In this post I want to take you throughout the itinerary, with the shore excursions we did, but remember that there are many other excursions available, as well as you can take the time to explore the places by your own!

DUBAI

The MSC cruise “Abu Dhabi, Dubai e Oman” normally embark and disembark passengers in Abu Dhabi or Dubai (as we did). This means that you will have time to explore the city both on the arrival and departure day.

We could experience almost all the main attractions of the city, included that historical Bastakiya neighborhood, the Dubai museum, the spice and gold souks, a stroll on the beach by the Burj Al Arab, the residential neighborhood of Palm Jumeirah, a dhow ride on the Creek at sunset, the Dubai Mall and last but not least the highest skyscraper in the World: the Burj Khalifa!

 

ABU DHABI

Capital of the Emirates, modern and glitzy, Abu Dhabi it’s not as famous as her neighbor Dubai, but offers many interesting sights and activities.

The most interesting attraction in Abu Dhabi according to me is the astounding “Sheikh Zayed” Mosque, the 4th biggest in the World, and the most luxurious.

Then there’s the Yas Marina, which hosts even a racetrack with a hotel in the middle.

The modern skyline can be enjoyed from the beautiful Corniche, the famous seaside promenade that takes you to the Marina Mall.

Try it even at night, and get on the Ferris Wheel just in front of the Mall, the Abu Dhabi Eye!

KHOR FAKKAN E FUJAIRAH

To get to Khor Fakkan from Abu Dhabi the ship takes more than 24 hours. This means a whole day at sea but don’t worry, you won’t be bored: finally you will have some time to explore the ship, and enjoy its many comforts as pools, jacuzzis, Spa, golf and basketball courts, theaters and casinos.

After a day the ship reaches the port of Khor Fakkan, which connects to the Fujairah area, in the Emirate with the same name.

Fujairah it’s not as rich as its neighbors, but because of this maintains vivid its traditions and characteristic features.

The fish and vegetables market i.e. it’s a great place to visit to witness the real essence of the Emirates, and the Fujairah fort offers great views on the surroundings.

Normally it’s not permitted to wear a bikini on the public beaches in muslim countries, but in dedicated resorts you can. Our excursion included an afternoon at the Rotara Fujairah resort, with a private beach on the Gulf of Oman.

 

MUSCAT

Muscat alone is worth the cruise.

Awarded as second most clean city in the world in 2004, Muscat dazzles with its rough beauty as she appears from the morning mists framed in rugged mountains.

Muscat it’s the capital of Oman and it’s all decorated with shiny monuments and a lot of colorful flowers!

A total must is the Great Mosque of Muscat: I lost myself and my group inside overwhelmed by so much beauty!

But Muscat offers a lot more: here as well you can find the typical souk, and the seaside promenade it’s amazingly pleasant.

Not too far from Muscat there’s the Nakhal fort, framed by the Jebel Akhdar mountains and palm oasis, and the thermal springs, attended by many locals for pleasure and religious reasons.

KHASAB

Last port of the cruise, in a way it’s the one that caught me the most, for its dramatic landscapes and the authenticity of the local life.

Khasab is essentially a fishermen village. It’s the capital of the Musandam peninsula, called the “Arabic Norway”. In Musandam in fact you can see the arabic fiords, and a dhow excursion to discover them it’s a must, with high chances to see the dolphins!

Our excursion took us then to Bukha, and throughout biblical landscapes and idillic beaches.

Lastly, don’t snub a visit to the Khasab souk: you won’t find fancy souvenirs, but merging with the genuine local life is priceless, and really worth it.

 

Very soon posts dedicated to the destinations will follow!