Cruise passenger numbers are increasing year on year and they are a type of holiday everyone should do at least once. They offer a unique form of travel and you can see the world without spending time stressing in airports, on trains and carrying a large backpack around a city. Cruises seem to be completely off some people’s holiday radar and for others there is no better way to spend your leisure time.

Firstly, cruises are a great way to explore the world and see many different places on the one holiday. You can visit the most intriguing and exotic destinations, all without spending time waiting on your flight in the airport. Every cruise will stop in at least one port, and longer excursions stop at many more. You can explore historic landmarks, ancient ruins and nearby beaches. Dubai, the Caribbean, Bruges and the Netherlands are just some of the fantastic destinations you can cruise to. There is a destination for everyone, whether you want to enjoy culture and moments or beautiful beaches, just like those in the Sunny Shores slot on RoseSlots.com. This game provides a completely immersive summer experience with its beach theme and summer background music, which we all love to experience in reality too! There is no faster or cheaper way to destination hop and visit multiple islands in a short space of time. It’s great going to bed and waking up in a new country.

Another reason to spend your hard earned pennies on a cruise, is that it’s all-inclusive. Everything you need for a vacation is in your hands at the cost of one fare. Instead of adding up the cost of a hotel, airline travel, other forms of transportation, meals and entertainment, it is all included for you on a cruise. They can also be quite cheap, depending on the cruise line, so if you do some shopping around you can find something to suit almost any budget. The only additional extras you will need to pay for are spa treatments, other excursions at the ports which aren’t included in your cruise package, alcohol (if you don’t have a drinks package, and miscellaneous items that you may not have packed in your suitcase.

A cruise is a perfect worry-free vacation. Usual travelling takes immense planning and research to perfect your day’s intintary, including searching for hotels, excursions and the best restaurants. However on your cruise, everything is already organised for you. There will be a selection of activities available on-board, and some at the ports, pre-organised, which you can go to if you wish. The cruise line will be experts at planning these activities and will always know the best things to do for you to enjoy your holiday.

It is a great way to meet new and interesting people. Cruises tend to be very social, and as many people are sharing the same experience, you are certain to meet some like-minded people that you will get along with. As it is a confined space, you will see the same people most days and this gives you the opportunity to get to know them. There are many themed and special interest cruises available, such as a Disney cruise, a Sci-Fi sea cruise or even Walking Dead or Star Trek themed cruises. Planet Cruise has a wide range of cruises with something to suit everyone.

If you live a very busy lifestyle, have a hectic work schedule or many family commitments, a cruise can be the perfect way to disconnect from everyday life. As your phone will not work at sea and the WiFi can be expensive, it is the ideal way to shut off your mind and get away from the stresses of day-to-day life. Many people on holiday are tempted by ‘just one more email’ and struggle to switch off, worrying about the mountain of papers on their desk when they return to work. Being out in the middle of the ocean, looking at the stunning views from the deck, can be the perfect escape for those with busy lifestyles. The panoramic views 24/7 are a wonderful distraction!

The dining on cruises is also well renowned for being fabulous. The cruise lines offer inclusive dining, as well as an increasing number of ships offering a variety of alternative onboard restaurants. All tastes, occasions and budgets are catered for, with a wide selection of food from continental favourites to foreign cuisines. The speciality restaurants are generally themed, steakhouses, French bistros, Japanese sushi or sports bars. Room service is usually available 24/7 on major cruise lines and is also frequently free of charge. Each port you stop at will also serve a new culinary experience, so you can try lots of different local delicacies.

A multitude of onboard activities awaits you on a cruise. Movie theatres, waterparks, swimming pools, spas, jacuzzis, basketball courts, comedy clubs, ping pong, kids clubs, gyms and bars are just some of the exciting things you can find on board. You will never be bored and short of something to do when you are sailing from port to port. When you reach each port you will also find plenty of excursions to do, such as scuba diving, historical trips and shopping.

Cruises are now attracting a younger demographic. Previously many thought they were just for older couples, retired individuals and families, however cruises can cater to everyone. Instead of dragging your backpack on trains and hostels around Europe, the younger crowd are now choosing a cruise as a perfect way to experience many different cultures and countries on one trip.

Sold on a cruise? We thought so! If you don’t know where to start, check out this article from Forbes on the best cruises to take in 2019 to get some further inspiration and start planning your trip. 30 million people are expected to sail the high seas in 2019 and you should be one of them!

The Middle East is a popular region among cruising lovers. The Arabian countries that one can visit during a Middle East cruise have a complex culture and an impressive history. Since 2010, the tourism in this area continues to grow at a rapid pace. More and more tourists choose Middle East itineraries for their holidays. Stable countries such as the United Arab Emirates are currently receiving numerous cruise ships. The Arabian Gulf, as well as the Suez Canal and the Nile River became central cruise routes for many people.

People who seek exotic experiences should definitely opt for a Middle East cruise at least once in a lifetime. Because of the guaranteed hot weather and the oriental feel, most tourists who choose this location are European, but not restricted to them. Most of the destinations in a Middle East cruise are enchanted by the Muslim culture, which is eye-opening and worth to remember. This article is meant to be a guide for any person who desires to build an itinerary for a Middle East cruise. Here are details related to the most popular routes, ports and stops in this region:

Routes

The most popular routes are:

• The Arabian Gulf.

The Arabian Gulf is probably the most selected cruise route among people who want to visit the Middle East. The location that tourists visit when they choose The Arabian Gulf as their main route include Dubai and Muscat. Of course, tourists can choose where they want to travel and they can use other means of transportation to reach their desired destination. An Arabian Gulf usually lasts around seven nights. Oman is another popular destination when choosing the Persian Gulf cruise line.  

• The Suez Canal.

The second most popular cruise line in the Middle East is the Suez Canal. In many cases, the Suez Canal can be included as a subsegment of a bigger cruise, but this all depends on the preferences and possibilities of the tourist. For a longer cruise, choose a line that includes the Suez Canal as well. For a shorter one, choose a cruise that only passes through the Canal. Such cruises include the Red Sea, so the destination possibilities are more numerous. Tourists who select the Suez Canal line have as a main destination the Valley of the Kings or Jordan’s Petra.

• The Nile River.

Cruises on the Nile River line encompass the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt. Nile River cruises cover locations such as Luxor, Karnak, Edfu and Aswan. Depending on the preferences of the tourists, the cruise can reach Alexandria, in the northern part of Egypt. Nile cruises can last anywhere from three to seven nights, based on how many destinations are included in the itinerary.

Ports

The biggest ports are:

• Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is probably the most famous port in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the wealthiest part of this area. The port is located centrally and the area is full of luxurious resorts where people can spend several days. Abu Dhabi is also full of tourist attractions, cultural institutions and business centers. The number of activities that one can choose in Abu Dhabi is tremendous, ranging from playing golf to sunbathing or shopping at the most impressive malls in the world.

• Aqaba.

The Jordanian city of Aqaba is often on the list of people who choose Middle East cruises. A cruise that has Aqaba as a main destination often includes attractions in Egypt and Israel. Aqaba is the top destination for people who are passionate about snorkeling or scuba diving because of the clear waters and coral reefs in the area. The beautiful sights also make it a great location for cruising. Ships stop to Aqaba in a large number because many tourists want to visit Petra, which is only two hours away from Aqaba. The lost city of Petra is probably the biggest tourist attraction in Jordan.

• Luxor.

Luxor, also known as Safaga, is a location in the south region of Egypt. This Egyptian port is also crowded at most times of the year. Tourists visit Luxor mostly for the Valley of the Kings, which may represent the highlight of an Egyptian Cruise. The temples of Luxor and Karnak represent the main tourist attractions in this area. Even though the Valley of the Kings can only be reached by driving, a cruise stop in this port is mandatory for a perfect Middle East cruise.

Stops

A few location highlights for a Middle East cruise:

• Madina.

Madina is the most suitable choice for people who seek spiritual growth. The area is known for its cultural history and it is a popular destination among people who want to discover the customs of the Muslim people. Of course, the luxury hotels in Madina are not disappointing either. Madina is a well-developed location that is definitely worth a stop.

• Egypt.

Egypt is one of the countries that can boast an old history. Every year, the country is visited by over 12 million tourists, attracted by the mystery and legends surrounding the ancient pyramids, pharaohs and gods. The history of this civilization hides many secrets and curiosities that are still attracting more and more visitors.

• Israel.

Israel is a peaceful, developed state nowadays, a place where all the Jewish people in the world are fond of. The community is a united one, characterized by the desire to preserve the common cultural heritage. Tel Aviv is a very beautiful city that will remain in tourists’ memory. With large and airy boulevards, the cities offer you an ecclesial vision of architecture. In addition to glass buildings houses that are true masterpieces of Oriental architecture can be noticed.