Dubai to Jeddah

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is all about luxe shopping, high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Fujairah boasts a fascinating past while looking forward to an ambitious and forward-looking future. The port served as a vital trade center for centuries due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe and as such it is steeped in traditions, as shown by the well-preserved Al Bidya Mosque, one of the UAE's oldest. Today, Fujairah welcomes travelers with a blend of modernity and heritage. The city's main highlights include the Fujairah Fort, a majestic structure dating back to the 16th century, and the Fujairah Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region's history and culture. Beyond its historical treasures, Fujairah boasts pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. The Hajar Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and exploration.

Situated on a striking cove on the Gulf of Oman, ringed by striking volcanic mountains and guarded by two ancient Portuguese forts, diminutive Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Its architecture is a picturesque blend of Arab, Indian, African and European styles. Look for the sultan's palace at the water's edge, or visit the important national museum.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Oman's lush southern gem, where fragrant frankincense trees, pristine beaches, and a fascinating blend of Omani and East African cultures create an enchanting and rejuvenating Arabian getaway. Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quara Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

As the most historic port in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is packed full of cultural riches. Apart from being the gateway to Mecca, the city is famous for being the burial place of Eve, the mother of humanity. Although the city today buzzes with modernity, the past is very much present, largely thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Jeddah where you can stroll the streets lined with beautiful and traditional 19th century architecture.