£3599pp—Cruise the Arabian Gulf on a 6-star ship

This ultra-all-inclusive cruise gives you a glamorous introduction to the Emirates. You'll watch each city shimmer over the horizon from a plush suite with a private veranda. Destinology was selling this package for £4699, but it is now £3599—£1100 less than normal.

What's included

• Direct flights
• Private transfers
• A 1-night pre-cruise stay at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai, with breakfast and dinner
• A 7-night all-inclusive cruise on Explora II, in a Ocean Terrace Suite (OT2), with a balcony
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Gratuities

When
Fly from London, Birmingham, or Manchester on 12 December, 2026. 

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary

• Dubai... fly direct overnight, then get a full day to explore. We recommend going to the top of the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views across the city. Afterwards, spend the night at the Ritz-Carlton before boarding Explora II the next morning.
• Abu Dhabi... you could visit world-leading museums, including the Louvre. Alternatively, just stroll the Corniche promenade and soak up the stylish ambience.
• Doha... discover souks and bazaars amid the cutting-edge modern architecture. Traditional dhow cruises sail frequently from the perfectly crescent-shaped bay.
• Bahrain... the capital has an impressive Manhattan-style skyline. We recommend trying the arak, a local grape spirit flavoured with aniseed.
• Dammam... this is a fairly new port opening as a gateway to eastern Saudi Arabia. Wander the modern city, or visit the Heritage Village to see traditional architecture, vintage cars, and ornate arcades.

Finally, sail back to Dubai and hop in a private taxi to the airport.

Ship details
Explora II is a new ultra-luxury cruise ship launched in 2024. It's the second ship from Explora Journeys, and takes a sleek, understated approach to indulgence.

Almost everything is included in the cruise fare, and it's all of the highest quality. Even at the casual buffet, chefs cook up dishes right in front of you. There's also a raw oyster bar and free-flowing champagne. For sit-down evening meals, there's no main dining room like on regular ships. You can dine around across six restaurants, with options ranging from high-end sushi to prime steak.

The deck plan really shines on this itinerary, as it is designed to showcase outdoor spaces. There are five heated pools, including an infinity pool. There are also five hot tubs dotted around the ship and an open-air sky bar.

All suites feature 75-square-foot balconies—large enough for a comfortable daybed. There's also a separate living area and walk-in closet. Fixtures are all top-end, and include Dyson Supersonic hairdryers and 60-inch TVs. 

Cruise Critic calls Explora II "exceptionally beautiful", and says its "easy to forget you're on a cruise ship". It concludes that the "boutique-hotel approach to cruising is a game-changer". 

Other options

• Upgrade to a Club Room at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai from £25 per person, per night, and enjoy lounge access which includes meals and alcoholic drinks.
• Extend your stay at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai from £199 per person, per night, including daily breakfast and dinner.

Transfers & baggage
Private airport transfers and 25kg checked baggage are included.