MSC returns to the UAE

For its 2013/2014 winter season, MSC Cruises will return to the United Arab Emirates.

On November 5, the MSC Lirica will set off on a 19-day/18-night grand voyage from Genoa, Italy, arriving in Dubai on November 22 after calls in Civitavecchia; Valletta; Piraeus; Port Said and Safaga in Egypt; and Salalah and Muscat in Oman.

From November 23 until March 29, 2014, MSC Lirica will offer 18 eight-day/seven-night cruises from Dubai, calling at Abu Dhabi; Khor al Fakkan; Muscat and Khasab, with an overnight stay in Dubai.

During MSC’s Emirates sailings, travellers can enjoy shore excursion programmes.

Khor al Fakkan is an ideal gateway from where to discover desert dunes, typical wadis and oases, as well as the rugged Masafi and Hajar Mountains and the beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy trips to the oldest mosque in the UAE, Fossil Rock, famed for fossils dating back some 80 million years and Camel Rock, an outcrop in the middle of the desert.

Travellers in Muscat will visit the Al Alam Palace, the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its five impressive minarets.  Popular sites include the old town’s bustling souk, the Bait Al Zubair archaeological museum and the exclusive Amouage perfumery with its natural fragrances.

A cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow is also available and an ideal way to discover Khasab – known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’ because of its twisting coastline – and its fjord-like waters, fishing villages and limestone cliffs.  Travellers can enjoy a refreshing swim at the historical Telegraph Island and maybe spot a dolphin.

In Dubai, travellers can head to the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Palm Jumeirah or indulge in some shopping. In Abu Dhabi travellers can experience the architecture, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, the Al Ain archaeological site and Manarat Al Saadyat. Travellers can also experience the some of the best shopping opportunities or riding the one of the world’s fastest roller coasters at the Ferrari World Theme Park.