7 nights · Port Rashid-Dubai Harbour, UAE · Departs Dubai (UAE) · Visiting Sur City, Muscat, Khor Fakkan, Khasab · Aboard MSC Explora Journeys on the MSC Explora 1
Image courtesy of MSC Explora Journeys ©
| Cruise line | MSC Explora Journeys |
|---|---|
| Ship | MSC Explora 1 |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 5 |
| Departures | 2 sailings |
| From fare | $4,915 per person |
| Year built | 2023 |
| Guests | 1473 |
| Cabins | 461 |
| Crew | 640 |
| Length | 248 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Dubai makes a striking first impression, but its older quarters reward a slower look. Visit Al Fahidi’s wind-tower lanes, then cross Dubai Creek by abra to see the city’s trading heritage. Elsewhere, the Burj Khalifa rises above Downtown, while the Gold and Spice souks bring color and commerce to Deira. Choose your day deliberately: Dubai’s distances are considerable, and summer heat can make outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Sur is Oman’s old seafaring town, where whitewashed houses face a sheltered lagoon and the Indian Ocean. At its dhow yards, craftsmen still shape wooden boats by hand. The work recalls Omani sailors who traded across the Indian Ocean with East Africa. Cross the lagoon to Al Ayjah for its lighthouse, historic watchtowers and views across town. Nearby, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers guided visits to beaches where green turtles nest.
Set between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Muscat has a striking natural setting. Whitewashed buildings and careful development preserve its low-rise character. At Mutrah, browse the historic souq, then follow the corniche past the harbour and its traditional wooden dhows. Make time for Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a landmark of modern Omani architecture open to non-Muslim visitors at set times.
Khor Fakkan offers a different face of the United Arab Emirates. Its crescent bay meets the Gulf of Oman, with the Hajar Mountains rising close behind. On shore, the amphitheatre and waterfall make an easy first stop. The restored heritage village recalls the town’s trading past. Come for the beach or a boat trip to snorkel near Shark Island. A drive inland to Al Rafisah Dam adds mountain scenery and a glimpse of the region’s rugged interior.
Khasab sits on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, where limestone mountains meet the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Traditional dhows thread inlets known as the “fjords of Arabia,” passing quiet villages beneath sheer cliffs. On shore, Khasab Fort offers a concise introduction to local history and Omani architecture. Take a boat trip for mountain scenery and a chance to spot dolphins, though sightings are never assured.
Dubai makes a striking first impression, but its older quarters reward a slower look. Visit Al Fahidi’s wind-tower lanes, then cross Dubai Creek by abra to see the city’s trading heritage. Elsewhere, the Burj Khalifa rises above Downtown, while the Gold and Spice souks bring color and commerce to Deira. Choose your day deliberately: Dubai’s distances are considerable, and summer heat can make outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Published August 8, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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