3 affordable festive season cruises...

Entice GCC-based travellers to sample cruising with NCL's exciting itineraries departing from Dubai and Doha

As the cruise sector continues to grow in the region, leading cruise lines are launching more itineraries spanning the GCC countries. Predominantly popular with US, UK and EU travellers wishing to explore the Middle East, these cruises also provide local travel agents with the chance to sell cruising to first-timers based in the region.

Key selling points include affordability with all-inclusive packages typically presenting greater value than hotels, as well as savings made on flights. With local embarkation and disembarkation ports in Qatar and the UAE, residents can either avoid the cost and stress of flying entirely, or they may only require one-way flights for the outbound or return leg of their journey.

Norwegian Cruise Line is leading the way this December with three exciting itineraries, ranging from seven to 20 days, on the Norwegian Dawn (pictured), departing from the Gulf.

Doha Cruisetour – from Doha to Mauritius
The 20-day itinerary of the 'Doha Cruisetour' extends far beyond its name with stops in some of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. After departing from Doha in Qatar, the Norwegian Dawn will visit Dubai and Fujairah in the UAE; Muscat, Oman; Port Victoria and La Digue in The Seychelles; Mombasa, Kenya; Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Antsiranana, Madagascar and Port Louis, Mauritius
Departure dates: 31 December 2023, 20 January 2024
Price: From US$2,358 per person

Middle East: Saudi Arabia & UAE – from Dubai to Doha
Norwegian Dawn's seven-day 'Middle East: Saudi Arabia & UAE' itinerary departs from Dubai, UAE and calls at Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, also in the UAE; Manama, Bahrain; Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and Doha, Qatar.
Departure dates: 20 and 27 December 2023
Price: From US$299 per person

Middle East: Saudi Arabia & UAE – from Doha to Dubai
Travelling from Doha, Qatar, the Norwegian Dawn will visit the same destinations in a different order with stops at Manama, Bahrain; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas and Dubai in the UAE.
Departure dates: 13, 20 and 27 December, and 3 January
Price: From US$299 per person

For more information, visit www.ncl.com; to partner with NCL, contact Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, +447961 300729, rransom@ncl.com