6 of the best Middle East cruises to...

As the Middle East cruise trend grows, we highlight some tempting itineraries

Cruise lines sailing the Middle East this February include Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard and Uniworld. Here’s a look at some of the itineraries on offer.

Ship: Emerald Azzurra
Cruise line: Emerald Cruises
Departure: 2 February 2023
Duration: 7 nights
Emerald Azzurra is a110-metre-long superyacht with a maximum of 100 guests and a crew of 64, allowing for elevated levels of service. Cabin categories include Oceanview Stateroom, Balcony Suite, Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Yacht Suite and Owners Suite. Facilities include six bars and restaurants, an Elements Spa, a gym and an infinity-style pool. The ship departs from Aqaba, Jordan then heads to Egypt to explore Sharm El Sheikh, Ain Sukhna, Hurghada and Safaga, before visiting Eilat, Israel, and then returning to Aqaba.

Ship: Costa Toscana
Cruise line: Costa Cruises
Departure: 3 February 2023
Duration: 7 nights
Having made her maiden voyage in 2021, Costa Cruises' new flagship, Costa Toscana has new LNG propulsion engines making for increasingly sustainable travel. The ship comprises 2,600 suites and 15 restaurants, and this seven-night journey – ideal for cruise beginners and inbound travellers wanting to explore more of the GCC – departs from Dubai (UAE) and calls at Doha (Qatar), Muscat (Oman) and Abu Dhabi (UAE) before returning to its port of origin.

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Ship: MSC Opera
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Departure: 19 February 2023
Duration: 7 nights
MSC Cruises’ MSC Opera was built along more classic lines than her sisters in the Musica and Fantasia classes, enabling guests to visit destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. MSC Opera accommodation includes staterooms for families, balcony staterooms and suites. This eight-night cruise calls at Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, before returning to its original departure port of Dubai.

Ship: Queen Mary 2
Cruise line: Cunard
Departure: 2 February 2023
Duration: 12 nights
After renovation that cost more than US$100 million, which was completed in June 2016, Queen Mary 2 was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. Brimming with heritage, the vessel is the world’s largest and most renowned ocean liner. Departing from Dubai, the itinerary includes stops in the Omani capital of Muscat with two stops in Malaysia (Penang and Port Kelang) before reaching Singapore. For Valentines that are in love with history, this is the perfect cruise.

Ship: SS Sphinx
Cruise line: Uniworld
Departure: 11 February
Duration: 11 nights
The SS Sphinx offers two gourmet dining venues, a swimming pool, massage room and 42 suites. All staterooms and suites onboard have French balconies and feature bespoke decor by Egyptian artisans and regionally sourced materials, such as Egyptian cotton. This 11-night 'Splendours of Egypt & The Nile' cruise departs from Luxor in Egypt and sails to Dendera, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Esna before returning to Luxor.

Ship: La Belle de L'Adriatique
Cruise line: CroisiEurope
Departure: February
Duration: 7 nights
Renovated in 2017, the MV La Belle de l’Adriatique is an itimate four-deck ship. Accommodating only 197 passengers, its petite dimensions mean it can dock in the heart of cities. The cabins on the upper and boarding decks have large windows, and those on the main and lower decks have portholes. The restaurant is located on the main deck, where all your meals are served during the cruise. The itinerary begins at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with visits to Aqaba, Jordan and Hurghada, Egypt before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.