£999pp—9 nts: Dubai 'QE2' stay & beach break

Experience two different sides of the UAE in one trip with a twin-centre package that takes the stress out of booking a holiday like this. Nonstop flights, transfers throughout, deluxe city and all-inclusive beach stays, plus excursions in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are all taken care of for less than £1000 per person.

What's included

• Return flights with Emirates, with 20kg checked baggage
• All overseas transfers
• Three nights at the 4-star Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai, in a Classic Room, with daily breakfast
• A Heritage Tour of the ship
• Six nights at the 4-star Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, in a Double Room, with all-inclusive board
• A desert safari with transportation and barbecue dinner

When
Depart from London Gatwick on 13-14 May, 2024. Fly from London Heathrow or Manchester from £1099 per person.

Travel in October from £1149 per person; in January; April, 2023, from £1159 per person; in March, 2024, from £1229 per 

For more information, visit the Etihad Holidays website. To book this offer, call 020 4579 3552 and speak to a consultant.

Dubai hotel details
For nearly 40 years, the Queen Elizabeth 2 served as the flagship ocean liner for Cunard Lines—the epitome of glamour at sea, it hosted Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, Nelson Mandela, and more. "The ship, sensitively restored to her former glory, is like a time capsule replete with period furniture, original paintings and replica carpets from her sailing heyday", says The Daily Telegraph.

You can take a dip in the indoor pool, or work out in the fitness centre. Take in sea views through large windows from the Lido restaurant during breakfast (included). Daily afternoon tea is served for a fee at the Queens Grill, and you can sip on a wide selection of draught beers and watch live screenings of sport events at The Golden Lion, a traditional British pub.

You'll stay in a Classic Room that has wood panelling and porthole windows, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

During your 3-night stay you'll take a guided Heritage Tour of the vessel (included). Further afield, the Dubai Museum at the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, and Dubai Creek are 10 minutes' drive by taxi. The hotel also offers regular shuttle for no extra charge to La Mer beach, and Dubai Mall, and the nearest metro station.

Ras Al Khaimah hotel details
The 4-star Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island is on the shores of the man-made Al Marjan island, in Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour's drive from Dubai—transfers are included. You can relax on a lounger on the private beach, or at the infinity pool with views over the Arabian Sea.

You can book massage or beauty treatments at the spa (fees apply). There's a 24-hour gym for the all-important workouts, and active guests can also play beach volleyball, giant foot darts, and billiards. A mechanical bull, arcade and boxing machines, a bouncing castle, and a water trampoline add to the fun. Younger guests are welcome at the kids' club with a soft playground; a separate pool for children is also at hand.

Your package covers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Flavors buffet restaurant. À la carte venues, such as a seafood and a Pan-Asian restaurant are available for a supplement. Drinks are served at the lobby café, the pool bar, and the beverage beach truck.

Your air-conditioned room has a furnished private balcony, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as a fridge. Wi-Fi is free.

During your 6-night stay you'll head out on a safari with a barbecue dinner in the Arabian desert, as the sun sets over the sand dunes (included). You can also tour the rugged Al Hajjar Mountains, and visit the remote Dhayah Fort, or visit the National Museum and a pearl farm in town—the hotel can help with excursions for a fee.

Other options
Stay in Dubai with half-board basis (daily breakfast and dinner) from an extra £50 per person.

Transfers & baggage
Both are included in this package.