£1499pp – All-inc UAE & Oman cruise w/Dubai stay

There's nothing quite like the "spectacular emptiness of the Arabian landscape", says Lonely Planet. With this scenic cruise-and-stay package, you can escape the cold and sail to some of the most stunning spots along the sun-soaked Arabian Gulf. For £1499 per person, your trip kicks off with a luxurious three night stay on Dubai's famous Palm island, before you board the fun-filled MSC Opera for a week-long voyage, saving you up to £677 on packaging the trip together yourself.

What's included

• Return flights to Dubai, with checked luggage
• Private transfers
• Three nights at the 5-star Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, in a Deluxe Double Room, with breakfast
• 7-night all-inclusive cruise aboard MSC Opera in an Interior Stateroom, with all meals, Premium Extra Drinks Package, gratuities, and Wi-Fi included

When
Travel from London on 15 November, 2023. Travel on 22 November from £1699; 6 December from £1799; or 27 December from £2799.

Depart from Manchester from £1589 per person or Glasgow from £1624 per person.

For more information, see Optimus Holidays' website or call 0203 336 7014 and quote Travelzoo for our exclusive deal price.

Itinerary
A luxury resort awaits you in Dubai — you'll spend your first three nights at the 5-star beachfront Dukes The Palm in the heart of the Palm Jumeirah island, where "outstanding" service is a highlight and everyone enquires about "guests' wellbeing with a smile", says The Daily Telegraph. Located on its own private beach, the hotel boasts an infinity pool, lazy river, health club, and indoor pool, as well as numerous water sports to try.

Restaurants include the Great British Restaurant, a steakhouse by the beach, and Khyber — an outpost of the iconic Mughal-themed Mumbai restaurant, and where sampling the butter chicken is a must. For lighter bites, take high tea at the glamorous Champagne and Tea Lounge, or for something a tad stronger, there's the Cigar and Whisky Lounge.

Atlantis, The Palm, home to the world's largest water park, the View at the Palm observation deck, and the new Nakheel Mall, are all within walking distance of this sun-soaked resort.

Your stay concludes with a transfer to the cruise terminal to board the MSC Opera. Cruise highlights include:

• Khasab… discover the vibrant town set against the dramatic Musandam Peninsula, tucked between the rugged Al Hajar mountains and the cobalt sea. We recommend a visit to the 17th-century fort built by Portuguese colonists.
• Muscat… Oman's capital is infused with medieval Middle Eastern heritage and is famed for its raucous souks and low-rise Arabian architecture. According to Condé Nast Traveller, the city is the "Gulf's undiscovered gem".
• Abu Dhabi… is home to the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, "a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture and design" (Lonely Planet) that's open to non-Muslims, plus The Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Sir Bani Yas Island… one of the eight desert islands off Abu Dhabi's coast is a savanna-like habitat for thousands of animals such as Arabian oryx, cheetahs, gazelle, Barbary sheep, giraffes, and ostriches. The shoreline is dotted with ancient mangroves, and there is an archaeological site, too.
• Dubai… spend a final night here before your flight home, with time to admire its cloud-brushing skyscrapers and world-class shopping malls. 

Ship details
Sail under blue skies on MSC Opera, a "fun-filled ship with top-notch entertainment" that "looks and feels contemporary", according to Cruise Critic.

Kick back on a lounger with your favourite novel at the double pool complex complete with Jacuzzis, or book a rejuvenating massage in one of the treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. The ship's spa also has a sauna and a Turkish bath (chargeable).

You can start your day with a power walk on the track around the ship, work out in the gym, attend aerobics and Zumba classes, or play mini golf, before heading to a cooking demo or a dancing class.

Mediterranean and international flavours take centre stage on the dining scene. You can choose to have your meals at either the L'Approdo or La Caravella restaurants. There's also a pizzeria, and a self-service venue for buffet meals. The cosy café serves fabulous Italian coffee, ice cream, and light refreshments, and there are four bars onboard.

Try your luck at the casino, while away the evenings with a cocktail in hand at the piano bar, or show off your moves on the nightclub's dancefloor after catching a show at the theatre.

Other options

• Sail in an Oceanview Stateroom from an extra £300 per person
• Sail in a Balcony Stateroom from extra £500 per person

Transfers & baggage
Private transfers and a 23kg checked baggage allowance are included.