Port guides

Luxor

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

Safaga will set your imagination spinning as the gateway to Luxor. Head back to the start of human history and find yourself at Karnak’s staggering complex of temples. Let Egyptologists fill in the missing pieces at Luxor Temple, built with prolific pharaoh patronage. Sail high over the Valley of Kings on a private hot air balloon and go underground to unlock the mystery at Tutankhamun’s tomb. Pay respect to the only woman Pharaoh and salute Egypt’s most considerable, Colossi of Memnon. Sparkly Safaga Red Sea escapades to stony burial chambers, mighty monuments and expressive artistry – this region offers a millennia-old flavour of the world’s greatest ancient wonders.

1,285 cruises

Aswan

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

Aswan, a city on the Nile River, has been southern Egypt’s strategic and commercial gateway since antiquity. It contains significant archaeological sites like the Philae temple complex, on Agilkia Island near the landmark Aswan Dam. Philae’s ruins include the columned Temple of Isis, dating to the 4th century B.C. Downriver, Elephantine Island holds the Temple of Khnum, from the Third Dynasty. ―

1,264 cruises

Edfu/Esna

Middle East & Red Sea

Edfu is an Egyptian city, located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, with a population of approximately sixty thousand people. Edfu is the site of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus and an ancient settlement, Tell Edfu. About 5 km south of Edfu are remains of ancient pyramids.

1,264 cruises

Esna

Middle East & Red Sea

Esther Nara Yoon, better known by her stage name Esna, is a Korean-American singer-songwriter active in South Korea. Her first extended play, eSNa The Singer, was released in October 2015. She has also written songs for other artists, including the 2014 hit single "Some".

1,262 cruises

Kom Ombo

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

Kom Ombo or Ombos or Latin: Ambo and Ombi – is an agricultural town in Egypt famous for the Temple of Kom Ombo. It was originally an Egyptian city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. Nubt is also known as Nubet or Nubyt. It became a Greek settlement during the Greco-Roman Period.

1,099 cruises

Dubai

UAE · Middle East & Red Sea

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.

135 cruises

Abu Dhabi

UAE · Middle East & Red Sea

The United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi, where your MSC cruise ship awaits your return, offers an intriguing contrast to its freewheeling neighbour Dubai, a little over an hour’s drive down the coast. Leading attractions on your Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar cruises to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates include the extravagant Emirates Palace hotel and the even more spectacular Sheikh Zayed Mosque, while the various attractions of Yas Island, home to the vast Ferrari World theme park, lie just down the road. The blockbuster attraction at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is a dream excursion for any F1 fans. The “world’s biggest indoor theme park”, it offers a wide range of Ferrari-themed rides and displays which will appeal both to kids and grown-ups, including the chance to drive an F1 simulator or to ride the Formula Rossa roller coaster (the world’s fastest) or to experience race-day acceleration in the G Force “tower of speed” – as well as numerous gentler family-oriented rides. Dedicated motorsports enthusiasts will also enjoy the big display of classic and contemporary Ferraris , and the virtual tour of the firm’s famous Maranello factory. Some 15km from central Abu Dhabi, the mighty Sheikh Zayed Mosque dominates all landward approaches to the city, its snowy-white mass of domes and minarets visible for miles around and providing a spectacular symbol of Islamic pride at the entrance to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Completed in 2007, the mosque was commissioned by and named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, who lies buried in a modest white marble mausoleum close to the entrance. The mosque is one of the world’s biggest and certainly the most expensive, having taken twelve years to build at a cost of around US$500 million. It’s also unusual in being one of only two mosques in the UAE open to non-Muslims.

105 cruises

Dendera, Egypt

Middle East & Red Sea

Dendera, also spelled Denderah, ancient Iunet, Tentyris or Tentyra is a small town and former bishopric in Egypt situated on the west bank of the Nile, about 5 kilometres south of Qena, on the opposite side of the river. It is located approximately 60 kilometres north of Luxor and remains a Latin Catholic titular see.

101 cruises

Doha, Qatar

Middle East & Red Sea

A journey to Qatar becomes special on an MSC cruise. A cruise to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar will introduce you to Doha, the country's futuristic capital on The Gulf. The city is preparing to host the 2022 World Cup, enhancing its already awesome skyline with new super modern skyscrapers. The Aspire Tower in Doha (300 meters) dominates the skylines. It is the highest building of the country, whose shape is akin to a torch. This building is located near the city of sport, which has already hosted events such as the XII Pan Arab games and which will have a central role during the World Cup. Much of Doha, including places of worship such as the new mosque in the Qatar Faculty of Islamic studies, seems to be already in the future. Don't miss a visit to the Pearl, a futuristic artificial circular port which is being developed to the north of the city centre, and yet, as you will notice on your MSC excursion, the ancient heart of the city still beats strong. In the historical centre of Doha you will find a Suq where everything – from camels to gold – can be exchanged, and the Al Khoot fortress, dating back to the end of the nineteenth century and now converted into a museum. During your cruise to Doha with MSC Cruises, some excursions will lead you on the discovery of the north of the country and the history of this fascinating Emirate. In Ash Shamal the Al-Zubara fortress rises up from the middle of the desert and dates back to the thirties. The building, which at first sight seems an enormous sand castle, has been completely restored and transformed into a museum. Near the fortress you can also visit the archaeological remains of another, even older, defensive structure, Qal’ at Murair. Also you will find Zubara, a village of traders and pearl divers, a settlement which dates back to the nineteenth century, and later abandoned.

92 cruises

Aqaba

Jordan · Middle East & Red Sea

Improbably carved into the rusty-red rock of the Jordanian desert, the ancient city of Petra has been mesmerising visitors since being rediscovered by Westerners in 1812. Siq Canyon provides a suitably grandiose welcome, cutting a deep track through layers of fiery sandstone, and building up the suspense, before you first set eyes on the Lost City’s majesty. An early start is best to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving you chance to beat the crowds and avoid the brunt of the heat. The Treasury is perhaps Petra’s best-known structure, having featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the mystical hiding place of the Holy Grail. Imprinted deep into the sheer sandstone, it’s a dramatic, spectacular achievement of human endeavour. Look closely, and you’ll see the indentations of bullet holes scarring the urn that sits atop it – fired by Bedouins fuelled by rumours of ancient treasure within. Petra developed as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, and the sophistication of the Rose Kingdom’s rock-hewn buildings is matched only by the elaborate and advanced water collection and transportation system that quenched its thirst and provided the means to thrive, despite its remote location and the intense burn of the sun. Look out for the delicate water channels that lace the city as you explore. High above the city - up a daunting 800-step climb - stands the Monastery. It’s lesser known, but larger and - whisper it quietly - perhaps even more impressive than the Treasury. The High Place of Sacrifice is an even tougher hike - with only occasional electric-blue lizards scattering from your footsteps as you rise - but the views of the remarkable city, embossed into the mighty sandstone cliffs below, will last a lifetime.

62 cruises

Sir Bani Yas Island

UAE · Middle East & Red Sea

An enchanting stop on this MSC Cruise to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar is Sir Bani Yas island. It has nothing to do with the hyper-technological progress which you will admire on your trip to the capital, Abu Dhabi. The MSC Beach Experience on Sir Bani Yas means relax. It includes a delicious barbecue lunch of succulent burgers and other grilled delights, fresh salads and vegetables, pastries and fruit. And you can enjoy cocktails, ice-cold beers and soft drinks from the island’s six bars. Entertainment options range from beach tennis and volleyball to paddle boarding and snorkelling, not forgetting gym and dance activities and fun beach parties. Meanwhile, the inflatable water park and kids’ play area will keep children happy all day. Without leaving the beach, you can pamper yourself with a revitalising massage or beauty treatment provided by our expert MSC Aurea Spa personnel. And if you’ve booked an island tour–or decide to join one at the last minute–you’ll find our Excursion Office right there on the beach too. On Sir Bani Yas, just like on the islands of Dalma and the six nearby Discovery Islands, an enormous nature reserve has been designated to species in danger of extinction, be they from the Arabic peninsula or from Africa. You can explore a one-of-a-kind island destination. Go horse riding or jeep riding; take your time at wildlife watching hides, then settle down on a traditional dhow for a mini cruise. On Sir Bani Yas, everyone can enjoy the beach experience of their dreams or experience a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and the protected bay areas.

59 cruises

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia · Middle East & Red Sea

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.

58 cruises

Bahrain

Middle East & Red Sea

During an MSC cruise to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar, you will also disembark in Bahrain, an island 40km long and just 15kn wide in The Gulf. This country with a thousand-year-old culture, is also called “the kingdom of the two seas”, because its waters border with those of Qatar to the south and with those of Saudi Arabia to the west. In the course of your stop in Bahrain, an excursion will take you on a discovery of its charming capital, Manama. The city, where modern skyscrapers stand side-by-side with old buildings, has strong ties to nomadic traditions: its inhabitants often head out to the desert and stay in large white tents to participate in the ancient tradition of falcon hunting. The National Museum is an excellent starting point for a visit to the capital: an opportunity to learn about the history and customs of this territory. The Al Fateh Mosque, on the other hand, is a mystical experience. It is an immense holy building with two imposing minarets, which can host up to 7,000 faithful, built from materials brought from all over the world. For example, the thousand Indian lamps of inlaid wood, the gigantic Austrian chandelier of Swarovski crystal, and the Italian Carrara marble. A short distance from the capital, there is Qal’at al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort). Of great quality, in part due to recent reconstruction efforts, the fort in its current form is evidence of 16th century “raiding” by Portuguese sailors. However, the hill on which it is set has been the site of several human settlements over the centuries. Finally, you cannot leave Bahrain without having bought, or at least admired, the marvelous and extremely prized pearls gathered in its sea.

57 cruises

Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

Dive into raw desert adventures, glittering treasures, and world-class reefs. Float through a riot of colourful coral off Shark Bay and delve into the depths of perfectly preserved Thistlegorm. Travel out to the beating soul of Cairo for the great Pyramids and Sphinx, visit laid-back Dahab’s Blue Lagoon, or hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings. Stop by Old Sharm to browse Souqs and impressive mosques, zip through the desert to local Bedouin villages, climb holy Mount Sinai and drop into the world’s oldest working monastery. It’s not just the year-round sunshine that lights up this beautiful region.

42 cruises

Safaga

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

Port Safaga (Bur Safaga in Arabic), where your MSC cruise ship awaits your return, is a village on the Red Sea coast. The town, whose economy is driven by the nearby phosphate mines, consists of a single windswept avenue running straight on, past concrete boxes with bold signs proclaiming their function. Silos and cranes identify the port, which runs alongside (but remains out of bounds) for most of this distance. However, inland from Port Safaga, a shore excursion on your MSC Grand Voyages cruise can be the opportunity to discover Luxor and the overwhelming concentration of relics in the area. A tourist mecca ever since Nile steamers began calling in the nineteenth century, visitors come to view the remains of Thebes, Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom capital, and its associated sites. The town itself boasts Luxor Temple, a graceful ornament to its waterfront and “downtown”, while a mile or so north is Karnak Temple, a stupendous complex built over 1,300 years. Across the river are the amazing tombs and mortuary temples of the Theban Necropolis, an attraction not to be missed on your holiday in Egypt.

41 cruises

Salalah

Oman · Middle East & Red Sea

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.

36 cruises

Khasab

Oman · Middle East & Red Sea

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.

25 cruises

Suez

Egypt · Middle East & Red Sea

A canal linking the Red Sea and Mediterranean is an old dream. Evidence of attempts to construct such a seaway across the desert isthmus have been detected dating from Egypt’s pharaonic era and Persia under the rule of Darius. Venetian doges plotted, and Napoleon fervently wished for one, to save ships the 4,300-nautical mile diversion around Africa. When the 120-mile canal from Suez to Port Said was opened in 1869, the seafaring map underwent its most impactful change in history. The canal is at sea level, so no locks are required. Your ship will meet other ships of every sort and size from every corner of the globe around the entry at Suez, to join the single northbound convoy allowed each day. It starts from Suez at four in the morning, proceeding at a sedate 8 knots (to reduce erosion of the banks) and passing the first of two southbound convoys in the Great Bitter Lake. The second southbound convoy leaves later, passing your ship later at the Bailah Bypass. On average, about 97 ships transit the canal each day. Sights during the transit tend toward the monotonous: the ship ahead and the one behind, and an endless bank of sand on either side, ceaselessly refreshed by dredges stationed along the shore and pumping wet sand over the berm. The town of Ismailia with its tall, minareted mosque is a welcome diversion, as are the two bridges and one massive powerline crossing the canal. The transit takes between 11 and 16 hours. At Port Said, your ship passes into the Mediterranean Sea.

24 cruises

El Sokhna

Middle East & Red Sea

Egypt is not shy of national treasures. While away your time in acres of nature that make Sokhna a salty playground. Explore an underwater world of reefs and petrified forestry, amble through Red Sea monasteries, and heal body and soul in sulfur springs. Yet no visit is complete without a trip to the immortal greats. Set off for the eternal talent at the Pharaohs’ stomping ground. Cast Egyptologist eyes and perhaps a camera on the almighty Pyramids, Valley Temple and Great Sphinx. With a backdrop of mountains and turmeric-hued beaches, unique nature rubs shoulders with one of the Seven Wonders.

19 cruises

Khor al Fakkan, UAE

Middle East & Red Sea

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.

10 cruises

Fujairah, UAE

Middle East & Red Sea

The only emirate on the Gulf of Oman rather than the Persian Gulf, Fujairah boasts beautiful, unspoiled beaches. The Hagar mountain range looms majestically behind the port and separates it from the rest of the country. Get a sense of Fujairah's past at the archeological museum or its beautifully restored fort overlooking the old village and date palm oasis. Browse the souks for carpets and pottery and sample local delicacies such as salt-crusted hammour fish, a type of grouper.

4 cruises

Ain Sukhna, Egypt

Middle East & Red Sea

Ain Sokhna is a town in the Suez Governorate, lying on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez. It is situated 55 kilometres south of Suez and approximately 120 kilometres east of Cairo.

3 cruises

Toliara

Madagascar · Middle East & Red Sea

Toliara is a city in Madagascar. It is the capital of the Atsimo-Andrefana region, located 936 km southwest of national capital Antananarivo. The current spelling of the name was adopted in the 1970s, reflecting the orthography of the Malagasy language.

3 cruises

Karnak

Middle East & Red Sea

2 cruises