Norwegian Cruise Line Middle East: 21 nights from Athens with Norwegian Sky
Sep 9, 2026

Rhodes

Ancient Charms and Aegean Sails from Rhodes!

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city on the island of Cyprus after the capital, Nicosia. It has a population of around 200,000, and is located on the south coast of the country, in Akrotiri Bay. Its geographical position and its cultural heritage attract many tourists and foreigners every year. It is one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean. Here you will find a wide range of activities and a large number of museums and archaeological sites.

Limassol is one of the most important cities in this country, its economy, as well as tourism, is closely linked to its commercial port, one of the most notable in European Mediterranean. Very important location from an economic and cultural point of view.
The country grew between the cities of Amathus and Kourion, two cities of maximum importance in the Byzantine era. Its geographical position has also been the cause of various conflicts and maritime invasions by Greeks, Egyptians, Ottomans and English, imprinting the city.
In less than 3 decades, they transformed the country into a particularly tourist place. With British influence, starting from the 1970s, they began to develop tourist infrastructures. Beaches, hotels, bars and restaurants are what makes Limassol a top tourist destination in Cyprus, a city whose tourism boom came after the Turkish invasion, as in the countries of Kyrenia or Famagusta, one of the main locations characteristics of the island. In addition to the aspect of tourism, the territory is also known for being an important producer of wines. The city center is renowned for its great cultural tradition.
The port is divided into two areas: the old and the new. The new part is intended for ferries and the transport of passengers and containers, while the old one is aimed at commercial areas, such as bars, restaurants and import and export of wines.
The most important events are various, in particular the carnival and the Wine Festival. The first is celebrated in February or March and lasts about 10 days, where costumes and fun are the order of the day, the second takes place in the month of September, recommended for those who love to taste local wines.
We must not forget some of the most significant municipalities in the area such as: Polemidhia, Agios Athanasios, Geitona or Mesa.

Cairo

Also known as the Capital of Egypt, Cairo is the largest and most populous city in the nation and is able to perfectly marry its two opposing sides: the modern one and the one rich in history.

The city is also known as the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 perfectly preserved and protected for millennia by the famous sphinx. Cairo also houses the world's largest Egyptian Museum, inside which over 136,000 archaeological finds dating back to the time of Ancient Egypt are preserved.

If at least once in your life you have imagined yourself in front of a majestic pyramid that you have seen so many times depicted in history books and admiring up close what were once the burial places of the great rulers of ancient Egypt, you are in the right place! Visiting Egypt has never been so easy! Located in a strategic position, between the delta and the course of the Nile, Cairo is the capital of Egypt as well as the largest and most populous city in the nation. The city is renowned all over the world for being the perfect combination of ancient and modern offering visitors activities that can satisfy even the most extravagant tastes. As soon as you set foot in the city you will realize how nothing is more truthful!

In the eastern part of the city, tradition, history and culture are the masters. The other side of the city, built having the French capital as a model, is rich in wide avenues, public gardens and art spaces. If you have studied the history of ancient Egypt in books, in the capital you will have the opportunity to observe up close unique archaeological finds of their kind.

By visiting the largest Egyptian Museum in the world, for example, you can see with your own eyes over 136,000 archaeological finds dating back to the time of Ancient Egypt preserved to help tourists immerse themselves in the local culture and history. The city is also known for being the gateway to the necropolis of Giza, an archaeological site declared a UNESCO heritage site since 1979, still perfectly preserved and visited every year by millions of tourists from all over the world. It is a complex of monuments that testify to ancient Egyptian civilization in all its splendor. Inside it houses some of the most important pyramids in the world, such as the Pyramid of Chephren, the only one to still have the ancient Tura limestone covering on the top, the Pyramid of Mycerinus, the famous Sphinx and the Pyramid of Cheops.

Another place of worship worthy of mention and visit are the various mosques scattered around the city. A place of prayer for the faithful, once used for profane purposes linked to the political, judicial and social life of the city, the mosques strike and always leave tourists breathless for their imposing dimensions, their charm, the beauty of their architecture and for the splendor of their pavements and wall decorations. Therefore, if you are in Cairo you cannot miss visiting the Muhammad Ali Mosque, Al-Azhar and finally that of Sultan Hassan.

If you want to dedicate some time to shopping and tasting local flavors, a visit to one of the souks in the city is what's right for you! The Khan el-Khalili Souk, famous for being the second largest market in the Middle East after the Istanbul Bazaar, houses a series of craft shops where you can find anything that comes to mind! !

Visiting this place is truly impressive, not only because it will allow you to fully experience city life but because it will lead you to get involved during expenses, and if you are wondering why, know that the key word in these places is BARGAINING! If you want to enjoy the beauties of Cairo even during the journey and not only once you reach the destination, know that the best way to reach the city is on board a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that starts from Cairo or that has the city as a stop to enjoy the beauty of its attractions and to create memories that will forever be etched in your mind! What are you waiting for? Visit our profile and choose the cruise that best suits your needs!

Port Said

Suez Canal

Sokhna

Egypt's Red Sea Gateway from Sokhna!

Set sail on an enchanting cruise from Sokhna, Egypt, a modern port on the Red Sea coast, offering convenient access to Cairo and the ancient wonders of Egypt. From this strategic departure point, you can explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before embarking on a voyage filled with historical intrigue and serene sea days. Prepare for a journey that seamlessly blends ancient discoveries with relaxing oceanic travel.

Safaga

Safaga, also known as Port Safaga, is a city in Egypt located on the coast of the Red Sea where natural beauty, historical depth, and modern attractions are perfectly mixed together making the city a multifaceted destination for visitors. Safaga's economy benefits from its port activities. It has always played an important role for the city thanks to its import and export of goods. Historically, Safaga has served as an important port city since ancient times. It has been a trading hub, linking the African interior with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The ancient port of Myos Hormos, which was a vital center for trade between the Roman Empire and India, is located nearby.

Not only is the port important for its economy but it is also important for tourism. Safaga is an important hub for both regional and non-regional cruise tourism. The port is a departure point for ships traveling to Saudi Arabia, making it a key link in regional transportation. It also serves as a gateway to various inland destinations in Egypt, including Luxor. Safaga is a popular destination for tourists who love the sea and the beach, in fact the city is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. The black sand of Safaga's beaches is reputed to have healing properties, particularly for those suffering from conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. This has led to the development of health tourism in the area.

Safaga is a popular destination for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. The city is famous among divers for sites such as Panorama Reef, Middle Reef, and Abu Kafan. These spots offer breathtaking underwater landscapes, teeming with diverse marine species, making them popular for both beginner and advanced divers.

Safaga

Safaga, also known as Port Safaga, is a city in Egypt located on the coast of the Red Sea where natural beauty, historical depth, and modern attractions are perfectly mixed together making the city a multifaceted destination for visitors. Safaga's economy benefits from its port activities. It has always played an important role for the city thanks to its import and export of goods. Historically, Safaga has served as an important port city since ancient times. It has been a trading hub, linking the African interior with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The ancient port of Myos Hormos, which was a vital center for trade between the Roman Empire and India, is located nearby.

Not only is the port important for its economy but it is also important for tourism. Safaga is an important hub for both regional and non-regional cruise tourism. The port is a departure point for ships traveling to Saudi Arabia, making it a key link in regional transportation. It also serves as a gateway to various inland destinations in Egypt, including Luxor. Safaga is a popular destination for tourists who love the sea and the beach, in fact the city is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. The black sand of Safaga's beaches is reputed to have healing properties, particularly for those suffering from conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. This has led to the development of health tourism in the area.

Safaga is a popular destination for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. The city is famous among divers for sites such as Panorama Reef, Middle Reef, and Abu Kafan. These spots offer breathtaking underwater landscapes, teeming with diverse marine species, making them popular for both beginner and advanced divers.

Sharm El Sheik

Red Sea Wonders from Sharm El Sheik!

Embark on a captivating cruise from Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, a world-renowned resort town on the Red Sea coast. Known for its spectacular coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and desert landscapes, Sharm El Sheik offers an extraordinary departure point for exploring the wonders of the Red Sea and beyond. Prepare for a journey filled with sun, adventure, and breathtaking underwater discoveries, all from this luxurious desert oasis.

Aqaba

Discover Ancient Wonders from Aqaba Cruises!

Begin your extraordinary cruise experience from the historical port of Aqaba, Jordan. This unique gateway to ancient treasures like Petra and the stunning Red Sea offers an unparalleled start to your journey. Sail away into a world of vibrant marine life and desert landscapes, promising a voyage rich in adventure, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Jeddah

Explore the Corniche and the King Fahd Fountain

During the stop in Jeddah, a must-see visit is the Corniche, the promenade that extends for several kilometers along the Red Sea. This place offers a pleasant walk among palm trees, manicured gardens and modern sculptures, with a breathtaking view of the sea. Not to be missed is the King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world, which shoots water jets up to 312 meters high: a fascinating evening show, especially at sunset when the colored lights give life to a unique atmosphere.

Discovering Souq Al-Alawi and the Old City

For an immersion in local culture, Souq Al-Alawi is an essential stop. It is one of the oldest markets in the city, where you can buy spices, perfumes, fabrics and traditional crafts. Located in the historic Old Town of Jeddah, the souq is surrounded by ancient buildings decorated with the typical mashrabiya, the carved wooden lattice windows. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the opportunity to breathe the history and traditions of this fascinating city.

Mascate

Doha

Doha, located on the Persian Gulf, is the capital and most populous city of Qatar. A spectacular skyline, huge skyscrapers, splendid works of art and historical monuments blend harmoniously creating a perfect combination of antiquity and modernity. For its enchanting coastal views, sandy beaches, shops, museums, art galleries and restaurants, the city is an ideal destination for every type of tourist and the ideal place to start the journey to discover Qatar and the entire gulf. The desert climate, with mild winters and very hot summers, and its beautiful beaches make Doha the ideal destination for all those who want to relax and enjoy all the comfort of the city's beaches.

Enjoying a refreshing cocktail with a splendid panorama in front of your eyes is an experience that is priceless! If you want to immerse yourself in the typically Arab spirit, you cannot miss a visit to the Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque, an iconic symbol of the city. A unique architecture of its kind which, with arches and domes of extraordinary beauty, an earth-colored marble floor, blends traditional and modern elements leaving visitors speechless.

If you are a shopping lover, you absolutely cannot miss a visit to one of the many local markets scattered around the city, the famous souks. Places rich in history, used since ancient times by traders and merchants to exchange products, services and information, are today the ideal place to buy local products and savor one of the typical local dishes.

The temperatures, especially in the summer months, do not always make it easy to visit the city, take advantage of places that have air conditioning such as museums, shopping centers and entertainment venues and don't stop exploring the beauty of this city. For example, the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the most photographed and visited buildings in the city, houses ceramics, manuscripts and many other works of art dating back to the most ancient and also the most modern eras.

Also, to give yourself a break from the heat, the Village Mall is the ideal place for those who want to feel catapulted into the magical atmosphere of Italy. The shopping center is the perfect reconstruction of the city of Venice not only for its canals but for the presence and possibility of making a real trip in a gondola! One of the best ways to reach the city is on board a cruise ship. Choosing a cruise that departs from Doha or has this city as a stop is the ideal choice if you want to explore all the beauties of the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi

Welcome to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the world. The citizens, who sit on one-tenth of the planet's oil and have nearly $1 trillion invested abroad, are worth around $17 million each. (One million foreign workers do not share this wealth.)

Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the centre of government and business in the United Arab Emirates, home of the oil companies that operate in the area and where the embassies are based. It has the most beautiful architecture in the Middle East with its modern buildings and skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi's wealth from oil has been cleverly used to promote healthy trade and a city with many services.

The promotion of tourism and various projects related to tourism will make Abu Dhabi a leader in the region. Large gardens and parks, streets lined with greenery, sophisticated skyscrapers, communication and transportation facilities, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, shopping centres, rich cultural centres and events provide tourists a unique experience all year round.

Dubai

Dubai is the capital of one of the seven Emirates that compose the United Arab Emirates. Between 2004 and 2006 the city has been subjected to a real booming urbanization, becoming an authentic metropolis. Even today the city is constantly under construction: the desert areas are still being built. Among the many projects, the International City, the Sport City and Dubailand, the biggest amusement park in the world. Dubai is rich of resources and tourism increases the richness of this city. In the area surrounding Dubai there are various archipelagos, some of which have become symbols of the city, such as Palm Islands, artificial peninsulas in the Persian Gulf and rich of activities and residential complexes. The material used for the construction of the Islands arrives from the Emirates themselves. The islands host luxury hotels and countless attractions for the visitors. Significant, is the archipelago called The World, 300 artificial islands visible also from a plane or a satellite! Dubai is the city of excess and offers the visitors a limitless richness.
Visit Jumeirah and you’ll remain speechless for its splendor. It is a residential area where the hotel chain built luxurious and worth-a-visit hotels. One of the most famous structures is Burj al-Arab, the Tower of the Arabs, become the symbol of Dubai: a luxurious 5-stars hotel, with wide dream suites entirely surrounded by windows and, from the highest floor, you enjoy a breathtaking view, considered its 321 m. height. Dubai is the ideal destination for any kind of traveler. The sport lovers can freshen up skiing at the Ski Dubai inside a huge shopping mall, while those who love typical markets and negotiations can bargain over jewels at the Gold Suq in the Old City, surrounded by local merchants offering them anything you can imagine in their back shops. The shopping addicted will feel like in heaven once step foot in the Mall of the Emirates, a shopping mall with more than 630 outlets, more than 100 restaurants and bars and many luxury shops. Everyone can find something, a simple souvenir to the high-value product that you’ll keep with you forever. The attractions in Dubai are many and all different one from the other so that they encounter the tastes of everyone: the fashionistas, the sportsman, the passionate for the local culture will love this rich place full of entertainment activities. Everyone will feel united while trying the delicious typical dishes and in the nightlife. Dubai is famous for its explosive nightlife and you never know… you’ll bump into Kim Kardashian or George Clooney!

The best way to visit the Arab Emirates and getting the best of this place is going on a cruise departing from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are many companies offering these cities as destinations: MSC Cruises, Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean are just a few of the companies with this itinerary and give you the best comfort of cruise combined with the luxury of the Arab Emirates. Pamper yourself with a cruise to modernity! On our website you can find deals and low-costs! Take advantage of the last-minutes and promotions of the moment to plunge into the future on dream ships!