Crossing The Suez

Aboard Seven Seas Navigator with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Departure Date

25 April 2024

Duration

19 Nights

Fly Cruise From

£10,329pp

Cruise Reference

ART-7CRRE11

Cruise Overview

Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds.

Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide, tree-lined okulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers.

Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique, with friendly and hospitable people offering a warm welcome to visitors.

Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle".

In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty.

The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old.

Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skyscrapers.

Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents centre.

Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition.
See Khasab’s jutting fjords, and the dolphins playing in the emerald waters, and it’s forgivable to think you’ve stumbled across a surreal Norway.

The burning sun and scorched earth, serve as a constant reminder that you're a long way from Europe, however - although the Portuguese roots mean there's a colonial tint to the city.

Sitting on the Northern coast of Oman, reaching across towards Iran, this is an isolated and fascinating destination to explore.

The remote location, and limited infrastructure here, until recent times, means Khasab has been left to live life at its own pace, and the city sings to its own song sheet.

Even now you can see a blind eye being turned to the smugglers who whisk electronics across the Gulf to Iran, in small speed boats.
Oman's capital city is hemmed in on one side by spectacular jagged-peaked mountains and on the other by royal blue sea.

The architecture is a traditional, sophisticated arabesque blend of white-washed, low-rise buildings surrounded by manicured palms, intricately designed domes set atop the minarets of the mosques, sand-colored villas, a surprising blend of modern art installations, like a giant incense burner that towers over the Corniche, and ancient forts set in the rocky hills.

Though tradition abounds, from distinct, local cuisine to the widely worn national dress, the dishdasha, Muscat is a completely modern city, featuring opulent luxury hotels, international restaurants, excellent cellular and data service, sprawling shopping malls, pristine beaches, lively nightlife, world-class performing arts, and a highly educated population, most of whom speak English, Arabic, and often Hindi.

Muscat is the ideal base for exploring other areas of the country since many of the most desirable destinations are within a few hours' drive.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard Seven Seas Navigator

Launch Year: 1999 Length: 172 Width: 24 Currency: USD Capacity: 482 Crew Count: 378 Deck Count: 8 Cabin Count: 241

Seven Seas Navigator® may be found in two very different regions: the South Pacific or Canada and New England. Take your pick of amazing beauty in both destinations — turquoise waters teeming with bright tropical fish or the blazing orange, red and gold leaves of a New England autumn.

As you gaze at Seven Seas Navigator®, imagine what you’ll hear as well. Listen for sounds of happiness like forks clicking on Versace dinnerware, a ball clacking on a roulette wheel, and a martini being shaken to icy perfection.

You’ll find time spent on board the ship to be just as enriching as time ashore. Relax by the pool, compete in a friendly game of trivia or bocce ball, indulge in treats at afternoon tea and gain insight from an expert lecturer.

Chat up like-minded travellers over a cocktail at Stars Lounge on Deck 6, find your Zen at a yoga class on Deck 12 or update your wardrobe at the boutiques on Deck 7. Do it all on the luxurious decks of Seven Seas Navigator®

Seven Seas Navigator Facilities

Seven Seas Navigator Includes

Cabin Details

Serene ocean views enhance the soothing colour palette in each Seven Seas Navigator® suite. You’ll also find luxurious bath amenities, a cosy robe and our superior Elite Slumber™ beds to ensure a relaxing and revitalizing voyage.

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