Small Ship MIDDLE EAST CRUISES

Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East

The pharaohs themselves would envy your luxurious passage along ancient spice and incense routes to royal Egyptian tombs, red Saharan dunes, and turquoise-fringed Red Sea resorts. Peer into camel-colored Bedouin tents and lofty Emirati architecture. Cruise dolphin-filled fjords and historic canals. Wander maze-like souks and historic Old Quarters where prosperous merchant families once dwelled. And when your head is spinning from the juxtaposition of UNESCO wonders and futuristic cities, head to the Watersports Platform and jump into waters that miraculously part just for you.

UNESCO Sites

Old As Civilization

Between the Persian Gulf and Holy lands, you'll find unimaginable wonders. Bucket list sights from world religions, Egyptian temples, Bedouin villages, and oil-rich cities that have risen from the desert in just a few decades.

Beyond Ordinary - smaller ports

Discover Ain Sokhna, Egypt; Hurghada, Egypt; and Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, gems where locals vacation

More Time, More Exploration - Overnights

Visit some of the most modern cities like Jeddah and Dubai, with overnights in Abu Dhabi and Doha

Insider Tips

The Middle East has been welcoming Western visitors for many years. You can expect gracious hospitality and cheerful greetings. A little advance preparation and awareness can enhance your travel enjoyment without taking up luggage space. These destinations have never been more accessible to visitors, but a little extra awareness adds to authentic excursion experiences, bestowing rich, unforgettable memories for you and your companions.

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Collect UNESCO sites

See 26 UNESCO sites across 8 countries.

UNESCO SITES

Calling F1 Fans

The Abu Dhabi Prix Du Monde finale is available as a shore excursion on the November 23, 2023 Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf departure. Includes Grand Stand seats to the big race, plus Saturday time trial tickets, and a themed souvenir gift package

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Featured Port: Doha, Qatar

Doha features some of the most modern and architecturally innovative buildings in the world. Fresh off a $220 billion facelift from hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the city positively glows. Stroll the Corniche along Doha Bay. Browse the stunning Museum of Islamic Art with its 14 centuries of artifacts. Wander the Souq Waqif bazaar, filled with goods from precious spices to live hunting falcons. Grab a picnic lunch and watch the traditional dhows sail by.

Shore Excursion Must-Do: Beyond Ordinary Collection: Pyramids of Luxor (Safaga, Egypt)

You may have seen the pyramids in movies and in pictures, and here’s your chance to see them in person on this overnight excursion to Luxor. See the Temple of Luxor and Temple of Kanak on the East Bank on the first day and then explore the Valley of the Kings the next day, including the famous tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses IV. Sail on a felucca, a traditional sailboat, down the Nile to cap off this bucket list experience.