Africa, North Africa
Star Collector: Comprehensive Middle East Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable odyssey circumnavigating the Arabian Peninsula, exploring modern ports, ancient ruins, and futuristic cities throughout the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Observe fish darting between twisted mangrove roots during a coastal kayak cruise of Sir Bani Yas Island’s tranquil lagoons. Swim beside your traditional dhow anchored in the turquoise waters defining the Omani Fjords outside Manama, Bahrain. Sip sweet, amber-hued tea beneath glittering chandeliers inside the opulent Emirates Palace, the UAE’s most prestigious hotel. Roll out at dawn on a desert safari beyond Ras Al Khaimah, pausing for honeyed dates, smoky Arabic coffee, and curious camels. Tour the monumental Valley of the Kings, King Tut’s Tomb, and Hatshepsut’s Temple during an overnight night port stay in Safaga near Luxor, Egypt. Venture into the desert beyond Sharm el Sheikh for an authentic Bedouin dinner as a setting sun caresses pink sand dune crests.
• Find the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, overnighting there
• Pack light with complimentary daily laundry service
• Dammam is the gateway to UNESCO site Al Ahsa, with its intricate cave system
• Overnight in Doha and shop the extravagant malls and narrow alleys of the oldest souk in Qatar
• From Sharm el Sheikh find the bush at St. Catherine Monastery where Moses was said to have received the Ten Commandments
• Appreciate the beautiful views along Jeddah’s waterfront corniche, a very modern city full of old traditions and lasting cultural impressions
• Overnight near Luxor with time to see the this impressive collection of temples and tombs
• Have your camera ready for wildlife shots at the Sir Bani Yas
Highlights
• Find the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, overnighting there
• Pack light with complimentary daily laundry service
• Dammam is the gateway to UNESCO site Al Ahsa, with its intricate cave system
• Overnight in Doha and shop the extravagant malls and narrow alleys of the oldest souk in Qatar
• From Sharm el Sheikh find the bush at St. Catherine Monastery where Moses was said to have received the Ten Commandments
• Appreciate the beautiful views along Jeddah’s waterfront corniche, a very modern city full of old traditions and lasting cultural impressions
• Overnight near Luxor with time to see the this impressive collection of temples and tombs
• Have your camera ready for wildlife shots at the Sir Bani Yas
In Dubai, sports run the gamut from camel races in the desert to an indoor ski mountain. Architecture spans Bedouin tents and Arabian wind towers to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Archipelagos miraculously appear in the image of palm trees and planets. It’s a lot to take in. By all means, add some extra days here to get your head around this amazing city that seems to be all things to all people.
Sir Bani Yas Island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, geological features and man-made attractions, dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, a savannah-like reserve for over 16,000 animals including roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. See flocks of flamingos on the white-sand beaches and the ruins of an ancient Christian monastery. They operate the region’s first wind turbine and work to protect their delicate ecosystem.
The sparkling city of Doha boasts gleaming skyscrapers and mosques with intricate carvings, extravagant shopping malls and a 4-mile Corniche. Lose yourself in narrow alleyways of the oldest souk in Qatar amidst the raucous noise of bartering. Find the Museum of Islamic Art, resembling a giant sandcastle and appreciate the beauty of the sea and coastline.
This modern metropolis is known for its airy waterfronts, sandy beaches, and as a popular destination for arts, sports and entertainment. Also heralded for international cuisines and a striking contrast of historic and modern architecture. It is also the gateway to Al Ahsa, a UNESCO site that is one of the world’s largest natural oases and an intricate cave system.
Manama is best known as a trade, financial, and commercial center; and the seat of numerous banks. The lovely skyline is decorated with modern glass and steel spires. Manama has a thriving nightlife with popular bars and clubs and although an Islamic country, alcohol is legal there. A visit to the famous Bab el-Bahrain Souk will yield narrow stalls with a wide variety of perfumes, spices and gold.
The capital of the United Arab Emirates sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf and connects to the mainland by a short bridge. It is one of the nation’s two most prosperous emirates because of its rich oil fields, both onshore and in the Persian Gulf discovered in 1958, and one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Among the many sites to see are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Emirates Palace, The Corniche and Yaz Mall.
The most northerly of the seven Emirates, Ras Al Khama (RAK City) is known for its slower pace, rich culture and beautiful beaches. Through the centuries RAK City was an important trading post known for magnificent pearls. Sites to see here include the National Museum with a comprehensive collection of local artifacts and the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
Fujairah is known for sparkling, uncrowded beaches, considered one of the best places for SCUBA diving. The nearby Hajar Mountains Wadis offer scenic hiking. Sites to see include the Al-Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah Fort, Bithnah Fort and Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Please note: Wear flat, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen and bring a shawl, cardigan or light jacket to cover up due to differences in temperature/ climate, and local currency. Guests are required to bring the original passport for this tour as it crosses the border between UAE and Oman, which will require some time.
In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16th century Al Jalali and Mirani, Portuguese forts. The city has numerous mosques including modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 164 foot (50m) dome and prodigious Persian carpet, and that can accommodate 20,000 people. Wander the lively fish market and busy Mutrah Souk. There are plenty of soft sand beaches leading to pristine Gulf of Oman water full of fish and turtles.
Jeddah is considered the commercial center of Saudi Arabia with a vibrant blend of modernity and history. Enjoy the modern landmarks of the city, stroll along the waterfront corniche, admire the world’s tallest fountain and walk the streets of Al Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Hijazi-style old town.
Over 2,500 years ago, Yanbu was the staging point on the incense and spices trading route from Yemen to Egypt to the Mediterranean. It is also the gateway to Alulu with its red-sand desert landscapes, Nabatean monuments like UNESCO site Hegra, and is considered the SCUBA capital of Saudi Arabia with its beautiful Red Sea coastline.
Located on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the city of Safaga is a charming beach resort and gateway to Luxor – known as the “world’s greatest open air museum”. Luxor is home to the Valley of the Kings, and features one of the most impressive collections of temples and tombs in the world. Windstar offers a two-day excursion to the land of the pharaohs.
This classic Red Sea resort glitters like you would expect a “sheik’s peninsula” to glitter, from the shiny brass lamps in the Old Town souk to the sleek private yachts that try (but fail) to eclipse our all-suite Star Plus yacht. Watersports are big here and the snorkeling is outstanding. For many, though, the main attraction is a humble bush at St. Catherine Monastery, located on the spot where Moses was said to have received the Ten Commandments.
Known as a place where people come to unwind, Ain Sokhna’s name means “Hot Springs” and refers to the nearby springs considered to have healing powers. Nearby are Egypt’s oldest monasteries, St. Anthony and St. Paul, and the Suez Canal. The soft sandy shores and transparent beauty of the Red Sea here make Ain Sokhna a diver’s paradise and other water sports are also popular here.
Your choices here are a symphony of contrasts. Take a thrilling 4x4 ride across undulating desert dunes. Go snorkeling or diving in some of the finest underwater gardens in the world. Or . . . how about a submarine adventure under the Red Sea. This beautiful oasis by the sea has it all.
Jordan’s only port and considered the playground for the rich and famous of the Middle East with its vast beautiful beaches, opulent resorts, and lively nightlife. Aqaba is also the gateway to Petra, that legendary UNESCO city carved into the cliffs of the desert where ornate buildings form a city which once was a trading center of the world. There is nothing like emerging from a narrow gorge to see the towering pink façade of the famous Treasury.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Cabin. From
$6,799 USD pp
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Interactive TV
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Safe
Direct Dial Phone
L'Occitane Bath Amenities
Fresh Fruit
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 522 ft (159 meters)
Passenger Capacity: 312
Built / Refurbished: 1988 / 2007
Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.
These all-suite yacht completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love. New public areas, including two new dining venues, a new spa, infinity pool, and fitness area. The yachts also boast all new bathrooms in every suite and a new category of Star suites, featuring a new layout. With ocean views and at least 277 square feet of comfort, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are the perfect yachts to watch glaciers and fjords drift by from the serenity of your suite.
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride still tuck into small ports like Sanary-sur-Mer and Wrangell or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal and Keil Canal.
Inclusions
• Ocean transportation
• Stateroom or suite accommodations
• All meals and entertainment on board the ship
Exclusions
• Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, transfers prior to or after cruise (dis)embarkation, or optional programs or activities
• Shore excursions, and additional conveniences or conveyances not specified in the itinerary
Small Ship Cruise
27 Days from
$6,799 USD pp
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