Adventure awaits in 2023! 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 ~ a once in a lifetime event
What do you first imagine when you hear Emirates First Class? Emirates offers a truly luxurious flight including a Shower Spa and a Lounge along with caviar and Dom Pérignon!
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Dubai, UAE
- The first few nights are in a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa (which is the tallest building in the world) and overlooking the the Dubai Fountain
The iconic Burj Khalifa is 160 stories high and is the world's tallest building.
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- Sky Views Observatory ~ an Edge Walk, an outside Glass Slide (eeek!), and an Observatory
- Arabian Adventures Safari ~ sand dune buggy & a camel ride!
- Deep Dive Dubai ~ 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 ~ “The Most Beautiful Building On Earth”
- Dubai Mall ~ of course there is a Christian Louboutin store and oddly enough a Tim Horton’s
- Dubai Opera ~ I’m regularly checking to see if there are any shows during my time in Dubai
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Skydive Dubai ~ another tandem jump, this one over the Palm!
- Helicopter Tour ~ The Grand Tour
- Gyrocopter Flight
- Check into the Burj Al Arab ~ 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 on the terrace 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 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 ~ the BEST red velvet cake I’ve ever had was with Windstar
Soak up sunshine and authentic Middle Eastern hospitality during this 10-day Persian Gulf cruise to Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
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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
- Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 ~ a main grandstand premium plus seat awaits me! My first Formula 1 race!
Manama, Bahrain
- Visit with Bambi
Doha, Qatar
- Visit with Noor
Ras Al Khama, UAE
- Sand dunes, beaches, and historic attractions!
Khasab, Oman
- Beautiful views, forts, and castles!
Muscat, Oman
- Al Bustan Palace ~ this stunning hotel is 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 ~ all booked and ready for 2 dives!
- Rented a car for a Road Trip to the Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, and Sur (home of Sinbad the Sailor) ~ I think I’m most excited about Sinbad
- Camel safari and camp overnight in a tent in the desert ~ bliss!
Back to Canada
- A quick flight back to Dubai, UAE from Muscat, Oman with Oman Air
- There is a gap of 12 whole hours until my return Emirates flight which will be spent in Dubai’s First Class Lounge