Windstar Cruises cancelled and postponed their Inaugural cruise to Fall 2024. My Arabian Gulf adventure has come to a close. Until next time!
Adventure awaits! I am thrilled to be heading to this region of the world and can’t wait for the privilege and to take you along with me. The Arabian Gulf (also known as The Persian Gulf and The Gulf) is adjacent to the Arabian Sea and eight countries have a shoreline here ~ Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). I will be travelling through 4 countries ~ UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.
There are so many wonderful things to see and do including bucket list items and the itinerary is as set as it’s going to be! I’m very excited that I get to spend time with both Bambi and Noor!
Canada to The Middle East
Emirates First Class on the Flagship A380 ~ Suite 3A on the Upper Deck awaits me for a once in a lifetime round trip flight from Toronto to Dubai with a shower, a bar lounge like the movies and a staircase to the Upper Deck
Dubai, UAE
The first few nights are in a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa and overlooking the Dubai Fountain
The iconic Burj Khalifa is 160 stories high and is the world’s tallest building
The Sky Views Observatory has an Edge Walk, an outside Glass Slide (eeek!) and an Observatory
Arabian Adventures is a sand dune buggy ride & a camel ride!
Deep Dive Dubai is a 60m pool underwater attraction that is themed to resemble an abandoned sunken city ~ my Open Water Diver certification will only allow me to dive 20m (Note to self ~ work on the Advanced Open Water Diver certification) ~ recently a Harley Davidson bike was placed underwater and I MUST get a picture sitting on the bike in my diving gear
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Museum of the Future is called “The Most Beautiful Building On Earth”
Of course there is a Christian Louboutin store in the Dubai Mall and oddly enough a Tim Horton’s ~ I’ve recently learned that there are Loubs exclusive to the Middle East ~ fairly confident I’ll be bringing a pair of those home
Dubai Miracle Garden
Skydive Dubai ~ another tandem jump, this one over the Palm!
Helicopter Tour ~ The Grand Tour
The Burj Al Arab is dubbed the world’s only 7 star hotel, the Deluxe Marina Suite is my home away from home for the last 3 nights in Dubai and this hotel IS the attraction ~ I’ll be found having afternoon tea, lounging outside in my cabana by the beach and pool, relaxing at the spa, eating in the Michelin starred restaurants or just hanging out in my 2 storey suite ~ from check in to check out, not a moment will be spent elsewhere
Windstar ~ Inaugural Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf
The Burj Al Arab provides a White Rolls Royce Phantom for the drive to the port ~ I wonder if I can drive?
My cabin awaits along with a recurring fantasy for Red Velvet Cake ~ I did get the recipe on my last sailing with Windstar but it’s just not the same when I make it ~ the BEST red velvet cake I’ve ever had was with Windstar
This inaugural itinerary is perfect!
Sir Bani Yas, UAE
The Arabian Wildlife Park is on this small island (17.5 x 9 km) and has over 11,000 free roaming wildlife from 30 species including giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles
Abu Dhabi, UAE
The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 will be my first Formula 1 race ~ a main grandstand premium plus seat awaits me
Manama, Bahrain
Sightsee through Manama and spend the afternoon with Bambi!
Doha, Qatar
I can’t wait to see Qatar through my friend Noor’s eyes and visit with her for two whole days!
Ras Al Khama, UAE
Sand dunes, beaches and historic attractions
Khasab, Oman
Beautiful views, forts and castles
Muscat, Oman
Al Bustan Palace is stunning and located between the Al Hajar Mountains and Gulf of Oman ~ I booked the Lagoon Access room to enter the water directly from my terrace
Diving at Daymaniyat Island with MolaMola Diving Center ~ all booked and ready for 2 dives
I’ve rented a car for a Road Trip to the Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab and Sur (home of Sinbad the Sailor) ~ I think I’m most excited about Sinbad
A Camel Safari and camping overnight in a tent in the Wahiba Sand Desert with Bediyah Safari
Back to Canada
A quick flight back to Dubai, UAE from Muscat, Oman with Oman Air ~ I have a gap of 12 whole hours until my return Emirates flight which will be spent in Dubai’s First Class Lounge ~ I hear there’s a massive Duty Free store although I have a feeling the little plastic card will be too tired
