PRE - BEST OF DUBAI
Code: dxbl05
A symphony for the senses, Dubai is a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts. The city's rich history is revealed at the Dubai Museum, housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort. Jumeirah Mosque, a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture, stands in contrast to the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island known to many as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Experience the aromatic Spice Souk and the glittering Gold Souk and browse the wares of the local merchants. Explore the Mall of the Emirates and take in unparalleled views from Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Day 1: November 30th, 2013
Arrive via international flights to Dubai and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers or similar
Meals on own
Check in time is 3:00pm Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Day 2: December 1st, 2013
Breakfast at hotel
Morning at leisure (Lunch at your own expense)
In the afternoon depart for a dune dinner safari - This safari gives you an opportunity to discover the desert within a few hours. Experience the sheer thrill of driving up and down golden yellow sand dunes in our comfortable 4 WD vehicles. We drive past the Bedouin villages and stop at a camel camp to discuss the "news" of the day!
You will then enjoy some thrilling Dune bashing with our experienced drivers over golden sand dunes. Dune Bashing is literally bashing the dunes with the thrill of going up and down them which provokes shrieks of laughter and is full of excitement.
Close to sunset the group arrives at the sunset point t where "time stands still" as you experience the silence of the Desert and watch the stunning vista of endless dunes & the magical desert sunset
After sunset you continue your journey deep into the desert and as the guests descend the dunes the soft light of a Bedouin Village surprises them.
The campsite is specifically built to depict an authentic Bedouin Village with Barasti (dried palm leaves) tents, beautifully lit, decorated with rustic carpets and low tables with soft Arabic music in the background, complete with camels and their keepers. However, the campsite has modern toilets, and basin with running water.
The campsite has one area set-up with hubbly bubbly water pipes (Shisha) where the guests can relax and try a puff or two after your buffet dinner.
As you finish your dinner the tempo increases as a Belly Dancer starts dancing to the rhythm of the Music. There is no better way to experience a True Arabian Evening, than this.
Return transfer to hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3: December 2nd, 2013
Breakfast at hotel and then drive to Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by a cluster of islands. It was founded in 1761. It stands on an island and was named after a breed of gazelle by a Sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe.
Your tour today offers an ideal introduction to the city. Departing from the pier we stop and have a look at the magnificent Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi The majestic Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society - and one of the most beautiful in the world - initiated no less by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of UAE.
From here we drive along the spectacular Corniche and Palace area and around the city of Abu Dhabi, popularly referred as "Manhattan of the Gulf" because of the profusion of the ultra modern glazed skyscrapers, gleaming white mosques and elegant high-rise apartments to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the city's magnificent skyline onto the Emirates Palace the most prestigious hotel in this emirate will give you an idea of the grandeur and future of the state (Photo stop only)
After this proceed to Heritage Village which houses a small museum and depicts the daily activities of the Arab community prior to the discovery of oil.
Lunch will be served at the famous Emirates Palace hotel (restaurant name to be advised).
The Palace is an architectural wonder and an international landmark boasting a staggering 114 domes all covered in mosaic glass tiles. Feel the promise of a majestic experience fit for a king and deserving of an emperor. An enchanting landmark that's a wonder to behold for all who venture through its magnificent gates. Fairytales come to life as your senses are treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Breathe the air of luxury that fills every corner of this serene paradise.
Drive back to Dubai
At Leisure and overnight stay at hotel (Dinner at your own expense)
Day 3: December 3rd, 2013
After checking out of the hotel, you will enjoy a city tour of Dubai
Dubai, the second largest Emirate, is the UAE's commercial centre and is proudly referred to as the "City of Merchants". Dubai offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts - the old and the new, the East and the West. Experience a variety of sights and scents of the Orient in a cosmopolitan setting. The journey through the city centre covers popular landmarks. Visit the Museum, housed in the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort. The Museum features realistic displays, with sound effects, depicting various scenes, which provide a Fascinating glimpse of the historical links of the city with trading and pearl diving.
We then enjoy a ride across the famed Dubai creek in a local water taxi called "abra" to see the bustling activities on the water front and move to Diera side of Dubai. This is followed by a visit to the aromatic spice souk and the extensive glittering gold souk where you can buy exquisite gold jewellery at prices lower than anywhere else in the world.
The tour then takes us for a photo stop of Jumeirah Mosque a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture. Drive on for another photo stop near the world renowned five star hotel which is a famous landmark of the city The Burj Al Arab "
Continuing the experience, our next stop is considered the 8th wonder of the world; The Palm Jumeirah. We drive to the Palm Island for a photo stop of the famous Atlantis Hotel and also experience the beautifully lit Jumeirah coastline
Continue onto the famous Mall of the Emirates, which houses the 3rd largest indoor ski dome in the world, Walk around the Mall and enjoy lunch on your own in the Mall of the Emirates.
After lunch (on own) you drive pass the Sheikh Zayed road and stop for a visit of "Burj Khalifa" the tallest building in the world. You will be directed to the observatory tower of Burj Khalifa which is famed as " At the Top "
At The Top is a world class, premier observatory offering 360 degree unparalleled views from the Gulf to the Arabian Desert which is located on level 124 of Burj Khalifa , the world's tallest building. The guest experience includes a unique, interactive Burj Dubai Exhibit, a high speed lift ride, access to level 124, high powered, state of the art telescopes and the world's highest outdoor observation terrace overlooking the ever growing skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding panorama.
After this you will proceed to the Port Rashid to embark your ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change.
DAY 1
Arrive via international flights to Dubai and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers or similar
Meals on own
Check in time is 3:00pm
DAY 2
Breakfast at hotel
Morning at leisure (Lunch on own and at own expense)
3:30pm Transfer towards the desert by 4WD Jeeps
4:30pm Deflation of tires and dune drive
5:30pm Arrival at camp site
6:00pm Dinner
9:00pm Return transfer to hotel
Overnight at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers or similar
DAY 3
Breakfast at hotel
8:30am Transfer to Abu Dhabi
10:30am Arrive in Abu Dhabi and start of the tour
10:30am Abu Dhabi city
2:00pm Lunch at the Emirates Palace
4:00pm Return transfer to Dubai
6:00pm Expected arrival in Dubai
Dinner (on own and at own expense)
Overnight at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers or similar
DAY 4
Breakfast at hotel
8:30 Check out and proceed for Dubai City Tour
1:30pm Visit At the top Burj Khalifa - Observation deck
3:00om Arrival at Port Rashid and check-in/board the ship
Expected Weather: Warm and Sunny (Average temperature - 26 degrees Celsius /78.8 degrees Fahrenheit)
What to Bring: Summer wear, Comfortable shoes, Sun glasses, hats etc.
For the visit of Grand Mosque -
" Modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing, long sleeves, long skirts and
trousers
" No transparent (see-through) clothing
" No shorts for men
" No shorts and skirts must be ankle length
" No tight clothing, no swimwear and no beachwear.
" Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque, so we recommend slip off shoes
" Headscarf for ladies is essential (these can be provided when at the entrance of
the mosque)
Currency: UAE Dirham (1 U$D = 3.65 AED)
Electricity: 220 volts
Documents and Visa Requirements:
The following nationalities are entitled for a free 30 day tourist visa on arrival.
Europe - France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain Monaco, Vatican city, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein.
North America - USA
Pacific Rim - Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea
Accommodation: 5 Star deluxe hotel - Jumeirah Emirates Towers or similar
We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards.
Address: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Shekh Zayed Road, Dubai, U.A.E
Program Includes for guests:
" 3 Nights accommodation at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel or similar on twin
sharing bed and breakfast basis.
" Arrival transfer from Dubai Airport to hotel using a luxury A/C vehicle.
" Dune dinner Safari in 4WD Land cruiser Jeeps with a maximum of 04 pax per Jeep
which includes Dune drives with English speaking chauffeur, soft drinks, water,
Henna lady, Belly dance show, camel rides and BBQ dinner at the Travco Camp site
" 1 lunch at the Emirates Palace hotel - specific restaurant/venue will be advised
buffet lunch) including water, soft drinks and tea/coffee.
" 1 Full day tour of Abu Dhabi using a luxury A/C 45 seater coach accompanied by an
English speaking tour guide and all entrances.
" 1 Full day tour of Dubai using a luxury A/C 45 seater coach accompanied by an
English speaking tour guide and all entrances.
" Entrance fees to the Observation deck of Burj Khalifa
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated arrival information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
" Meals other than specified above (No meals included other than the 03 breakfasts +
BBQ dinner at the camp site + lunch at the Emirates Palace)
" Any alcoholic beverages during the desert dinner.
" Any tips of personal nature or portage at the airport / hotel / guide / bus
drivers
" All expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls & mini-bar etc.
" Anything which is not mentioned in our column " our quote includes"
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
PRE - BEST OF DUBAI
Price: $1,299.00 per guest based on double occupancy.
PRE - BEST OF DUBAI (Concierge-Level Suites and Above Only)
Price: $1,234.00 per guest based on double occupancy.