A Journey Across the Arabian Gulf’s Timeless Shores

11 nights Nov 28, 2027

The A Journey Across the Arabian Gulf’s Timeless Shores is a 11-night Middle East cruise aboard EXPLORA I, operated by Explora Journeys. Departing Jeddah on November 28, 2027, the voyage visits 6 ports. Fares start from $9,500 per person.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nov 28, 2027 Jeddah Departs 18:00 As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a dynamic and cosmopolitan commercial hub. It is also an artistic one, with public art on display in its roundabouts. In fact, the collection, which includes works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, makes the city the largest open-air art gallery in the world. For shopaholics, Jeddah is a paradise, with Tahlia Street boasting an array of upscale department stores and boutiques carrying names such as Prada and Gucci. And for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty, there are lovely beaches and a picturesque corniche, where locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing and drinking in the views. Go to Jeddah Cruises visiting Jeddah

Jeddah photo — Day 1 Nov 28, 2027 Jeddah Departs 18:00 As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a dynamic and cosmopolitan commercial hub. It is also an artistic one, with public art on display in its roundabouts. In fact, the collection, which includes works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, makes the city the largest open-air art gallery in the world. For shopaholics, Jeddah is a paradise, with Tahlia Street boasting an array of upscale department stores and boutiques carrying names such as Prada and Gucci. And for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty, there are lovely beaches and a picturesque corniche, where locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing and drinking in the views. Go to Jeddah Cruises visiting Jeddah

Day 7 Dec 4, 2027 Salalah 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Salalah is the capital of Dhofar Province, which is the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Green areas scattered across town give the city a tropical atmosphere and have earned it the name "Garden City." It is a laid-back place with a few resort hotels dotting the sandy seashore. The Dhofar region has been known for centuries for the production of frankincense. The narrow belt and the mountain range benefit from the southwest monsoon winds, which are an unusual feature for the Arabian Peninsula. The moisture-laden winds bring rain from the end of June to August. Heavy mists blanket the coast and mountains during these months, creating lush, green hillsides and cooler temperatures, the perfect environment for frankincense trees to grow. Behind the mountain range lies the hot desert, unaffected by the monsoon, and the domain of the hardy Bedouins and their camels. Along the coast lie miles of deserted beaches, bordered by a brilliant blue sea. Other attractions around the countryside include ancient forts, archaeological sites, fishing villages and the tombs of prophets. But it is mainly the rugged landscape and the beaches that appeal to visitors with a penchant for unspoiled destinations. Indeed, Salalah has to be appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track location and for the uniqueness that marks the Dhofar region. Go to Salalah Cruises visiting Salalah

Salalah photo — Day 7 Dec 4, 2027 Salalah 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Salalah is the capital of Dhofar Province, which is the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Green areas scattered across town give the city a tropical atmosphere and have earned it the name "Garden City." It is a laid-back place with a few resort hotels dotting the sandy seashore. The Dhofar region has been known for centuries for the production of frankincense. The narrow belt and the mountain range benefit from the southwest monsoon winds, which are an unusual feature for the Arabian Peninsula. The moisture-laden winds bring rain from the end of June to August. Heavy mists blanket the coast and mountains during these months, creating lush, green hillsides and cooler temperatures, the perfect environment for frankincense trees to grow. Behind the mountain range lies the hot desert, unaffected by the monsoon, and the domain of the hardy Bedouins and their camels. Along the coast lie miles of deserted beaches, bordered by a brilliant blue sea. Other attractions around the countryside include ancient forts, archaeological sites, fishing villages and the tombs of prophets. But it is mainly the rugged landscape and the beaches that appeal to visitors with a penchant for unspoiled destinations. Indeed, Salalah has to be appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track location and for the uniqueness that marks the Dhofar region. Go to Salalah Cruises visiting Salalah

Day 9 Dec 6, 2027 Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore Surrounded by striking mountains on one side and soft sandy shores along the coast, Muscat was already a thriving port in ancient times. As the capital of modern Oman with wide avenues and architecture that features both contemporary and traditional design, parts of the city still retain their medieval appearance, including two ancient Portuguese forts flanking the rocky cove around which the city is built. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Muscat was an important outpost for the powerful kings of Hormuz. In the 16th century, the Portuguese took possession of Muscat, but lost their dominance in the Gulf when the city came again under Omani rule in 1650. Since the mid-18th century, members of the Al-Busaidy dynasty have been the rulers of Oman. From the time of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said's accession to the throne in 1970, the Sultanate has gone from an underdeveloped country to a modern state with imposing government buildings, hospitals, new roads, a university and a sport complex. Muscat's picturesque old buildings still co-exist with modern commercial and residential quarters, giving the city an ambiance all its own. The seaside palace of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos, offers a spectacular sight, as it stands between steep rocky hills. Greater Muscat covers a huge area divided into three sections: the old port area, the main trading and residential area, and the modern Central Banking District. Sumptuous villas and deluxe hotels are part of an ongoing building boom. Strong development in tourism has gained Oman a new role as an intriguing, fascinating and safe destination. Oman is full of treasures - from historic palaces and traditional buildings to captivating landscapes and gracious people. Its advent into modern age has managed beautifully to blend age-old mystique with a taste of the 21st century.

Day 10 Dec 7, 2027 Khor al Fakkan, UAE 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Set on the bay of Khor Fakkan is a little Emirate gem known as the creek of two jaws and for its dramatic Hajar Mountains. Check out archaeological sites which include ancient graves and a ruined Portuguese fort, then head west to biodiverse Wadi Wurayah’s waterfalls and pools. Cruise the rugged coast by dhow, dine Bedouin-style on mountain-cradled beaches and scuba dive through coral reefs. Up your game to canyon in rocky wadis, paraglide off cliffs and mountain bike through craggy goat paths. Further afield, visit the ancient village of Sabatyn and Musandam's fjords, aka Norway of Arabia, known for its spectacular iridescent waters. Exploit senses at spice markets before soothing them at hammams using delicious homegrown ingredients. This is spirit lifting stuff on the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Go to Khor al Fakkan, UAE Cruises visiting Khor al Fakkan, UAE

Khor al Fakkan, UAE photo — Day 10 Dec 7, 2027 Khor al Fakkan, UAE 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Set on the bay of Khor Fakkan is a little Emirate gem known as the creek of two jaws and for its dramatic Hajar Mountains. Check out archaeological sites which include ancient graves and a ruined Portuguese fort, then head west to biodiverse Wadi Wurayah’s waterfalls and pools. Cruise the rugged coast by dhow, dine Bedouin-style on mountain-cradled beaches and scuba dive through coral reefs. Up your game to canyon in rocky wadis, paraglide off cliffs and mountain bike through craggy goat paths. Further afield, visit the ancient village of Sabatyn and Musandam's fjords, aka Norway of Arabia, known for its spectacular iridescent waters. Exploit senses at spice markets before soothing them at hammams using delicious homegrown ingredients. This is spirit lifting stuff on the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Go to Khor al Fakkan, UAE Cruises visiting Khor al Fakkan, UAE

Day 11 Dec 8, 2027 Khasab 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore It may be known as the Norway of Arabia - in reference to the spectacular fjords that cut and shape the Musandam Peninsular - but Khasab's scorching sun and desert landscape is a constant reminder that you're a long way from Europe. Sitting isolated on Oman’s Northern coast - cut off by a slice of the United Arab Emirates' territory - this small city has a dreamy, introverted atmosphere - until you head out in a 4X4, to slip and slide across its rip-roaring mountain scenery that is. View less Explore the incredible desert fjords and folding sandy mountains by boat, and be on the look out for the rubbery noses of bottlenose and humpback dolphins poking through the water. Legendarily friendly and curious, don’t be surprised to see them swimming through the blue waters with you, displaying all of their aquatic athletic prowess as you sail by traditional wooden dhow. Cruise up along the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, and marvel at the long stretches of dramatic golden fjord scenery. Back on land, learn of local history at Khasab Castle, which was originally built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, to defend the narrowing of the Persian Gulf at this highly strategic point. It's accompanied by a museum, which depicts local life here back through the ages. Or drive out to Bedouin villages and hold on tight during the white-knuckle drive up to the viewpoint at Khawr Najd - where sweeping views of the flayed fjords unveil themselves. Go to Khasab Cruises visiting Khasab

Day 12 Dec 9, 2027 Dubai Arrives 07:00 Bold, brash and brilliant, Dubai’s explosion of wealth and wonder has created a dizzying, logic-defying desert wonderland. Boundary-pushing architecture, which gently nods to the region’s past - and a relentlessly futuristic vision - makes Dubai one of the most dynamic destinations on the planet. The hyper-speed transformation, from fishing village to glitzy mega-city, has been truly astounding, and it’s hard to avoid feeling humbled, as you stand dwarfed by cloud-scraping architecture, and some of the most elaborate, audacious engineering projects ever conceived. Fuelled by abundant oil reserves, it’s an understatement to say that there is cash to splash here. Whether it’s the gleaming sports cars that purr along the streets, or the luxury shopping malls that are decked out with colossal aquariums and amusement parks, credit cards are flexed with abandon here. The sheer scale of Dubai is stupefying, and the sight of the iconic Burj Khalifa towering over its not inconsiderable neighbours is surreally spectacular. Rocketing up a staggering 830 metres, the world’s tallest building is an elegant affair, tapering up into the ever-blue sky, and headlining this record-breaking city’s list of architectural wonders. The Dubai Fountain performs here each evening - a blur of colour and haze, its waters dance before the almighty tower behind. Dubai isn’t all about the skyward scramble, however, and the Miracle Garden is a vibrant, violent explosion of multicoloured flowery landscaping. Elsewhere, white-sand beaches like Sunset Beach grant sanctuary to take it easy, and enjoy splendid views of instantly recognisable buildings like the Burj Al Arab, and the reclaimed islands that fan out across Dubai’s warm sea waters. Desert landscapes of rolling sand dunes raise the pulses of the adventurous, while fine-dining and lively nightlife makes Dubai a luxury destination that truly has it all. Go to Dubai Cruises visiting Dubai

Dubai photo — Day 12 Dec 9, 2027 Dubai Arrives 07:00 Bold, brash and brilliant, Dubai’s explosion of wealth and wonder has created a dizzying, logic-defying desert wonderland. Boundary-pushing architecture, which gently nods to the region’s past - and a relentlessly futuristic vision - makes Dubai one of the most dynamic destinations on the planet. The hyper-speed transformation, from fishing village to glitzy mega-city, has been truly astounding, and it’s hard to avoid feeling humbled, as you stand dwarfed by cloud-scraping architecture, and some of the most elaborate, audacious engineering projects ever conceived. Fuelled by abundant oil reserves, it’s an understatement to say that there is cash to splash here. Whether it’s the gleaming sports cars that purr along the streets, or the luxury shopping malls that are decked out with colossal aquariums and amusement parks, credit cards are flexed with abandon here. The sheer scale of Dubai is stupefying, and the sight of the iconic Burj Khalifa towering over its not inconsiderable neighbours is surreally spectacular. Rocketing up a staggering 830 metres, the world’s tallest building is an elegant affair, tapering up into the ever-blue sky, and headlining this record-breaking city’s list of architectural wonders. The Dubai Fountain performs here each evening - a blur of colour and haze, its waters dance before the almighty tower behind. Dubai isn’t all about the skyward scramble, however, and the Miracle Garden is a vibrant, violent explosion of multicoloured flowery landscaping. Elsewhere, white-sand beaches like Sunset Beach grant sanctuary to take it easy, and enjoy splendid views of instantly recognisable buildings like the Burj Al Arab, and the reclaimed islands that fan out across Dubai’s warm sea waters. Desert landscapes of rolling sand dunes raise the pulses of the adventurous, while fine-dining and lively nightlife makes Dubai a luxury destination that truly has it all. Go to Dubai Cruises visiting Dubai

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 89-day span: $6,145 · range $6,145–$9,500

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $9,500

$863 / night

Fare rows

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,500

$863 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,950

$904 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,450

$950 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Premier Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,470

$951 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,700

$972 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Grand Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,900

$990 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,180

$1,107 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cove Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,500

$1,227 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,750

$1,250 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,250

$1,295 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Retreat Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,210

$1,382 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Serenity Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $23,330

$2,120 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cocoon Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $27,035

$2,457 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $67,575

$6,143 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 21, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Explora Journeys and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

All cabin grades (15) Detailed cabin specs available at booking.

Name	Supplier code	Type
Ocean Terrace Suite
Cove Residence	CO	Suite
Cocoon Residence	CR	Suite
Deluxe Penthouse	DP	Suite
Grand Penthouse	GP	Suite
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite	GT	Suite
Owner's Residence	OR	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT1	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT2	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT3	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT4	Suite
Penthouse	PH	Suite
Premier Penthouse	PP	Suite
Retreat Residence	RR	Suite
Serenity Residence	SR	Suite

Ship

Your ship EXPLORA I 5★ **63,900** GT **922** guests Built **2023** EXPLORA I, the first of four luxury best-in-class ships, will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready to set sail in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design. With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category. Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpools on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind. Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct restaurants will provide unrivalled variety at sea. Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on provenance and wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be in place to unwind and relax. The wellbeing experience onboard was inspired by our love for the sea, with a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes make keeping well while on holiday effortless and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences at each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible both onboard and ashore. Go to EXPLORA I Cruises on EXPLORA I

A Journey Across the Arabian Gulf’s Timeless Shores

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Price history

Ship

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