From Shanghai to Dubai, 3 exotic cruises worth a sail

First stop Far East: Royal Caribbean departs on a 5-night cruise from sparkling Shanghai. Credit: SF Brit.

By Kim Windyka

Sure, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas are all fabulous choices for a cruise getaway, but sometimes you’re in the mood to try something out of the ordinary. And what better way to indulge that interest than by setting out on a one-of-a-kind exotic cruise through Asia, India or Africa? Ports that are off of the beaten path and generally longer itineraries make for an unforgettable experience you’ll be able to savor long after you return home. Take a look at three exotic itineraries that will give you a taste of these unusual and exciting sailings.

5-night Far East
Before your evening departure from Shanghai with Royal Caribbean, admire the city’s architecture or explore a silk factory. Continue on to Naha, Okinawa where you can tour stately Shuri Castle — considered a World Heritage site — or take in the scenery at the gorgeous Bios Hill Botanical Gardens. Then, check out famed sites like the Grand Hotelor peruse cultural gems from the Forbidden City at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan before finishing your cruise in bustling Hong Kong.

10-night Red Sea Voyage
You’ll cruise with Azamara out of Sokhna, Egypt and spend two days each in vibrant and unique ports. First, visit the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, a tourist haven where sun, surf and water sports rule. Continue on to famed Luxor for a 2,000-year step back into history as you walk amongst the ancient statues and monuments. The Jordanian city of Petra boasts the country’s only port, and offers great opportunities for diving and other beachside pursuits. Finally, a must-see on your final stop in the Israeli city of Eliat is the Coral World Underwater Observatory, which boasts a Caribbean reef encounter, marine gardens, touch pools and more.

Spend the night in posh Burj Al Arab before a Dubai and India cruise. Credit: Shahram Sharif.

12-night Dubai & India
This Royal Caribbean cruise sets sail from glitzy Dubai and makes stops in some of India’s best ports. First, you’ll dock in the landmark Indian city of Mumbai, where you can enjoy attractions like Mahalaxmi Temple or take in stunning views at the Hanging Garden. Your next stops in both Mormugao and New Mangalore promise even more natural beauty and marvelous beaches. Sail on to Cochin, where history, architecture and cuisine reign supreme. Make sure to take in at least one museum on your final stop in Oman’s capital city of Muscat, or just play ruler for a day at the Sultan’s Palace!

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Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guide and the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.

Tagged: Middle East