Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

This journey entails sightseeing in urban, coastal, and desert locales, often on foot. Your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities such as spa facilities, and more to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers at your hotels
• Swim at the beaches in Dubai, Telegraph Island, and Eilat
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot

This trip exposes you to the ancient and modern cultural heritage of five Middle Eastern nations.

• Behold Dubai’s striking, modern architectural marvels like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Burj al Arab, a modern skyscraper hotel built in the shape of a sail from a traditional dhow boat
• Enjoy a spectacular Egyptian folkloric show, the Alf Leila Wa Leila Fantasia 1001, replete with elaborate costumes, music, belly dancers, horsemen, and more
• See the stunning Sound & Light show at the ruins of Karnak
• Shop in the traditional gold and spice souks of Dubai, and the Haffa Souk of Salalah
• Enjoy onboard lectures
• Learn about the Israeli kibbutz lifestyle at Kibbutz Yotvata
• Witness traditional dhow shipbuilding in Sur, Oman

You’ll be surprised by the natural diversity of these desert lands.

• Hai Bar OR Dolphins (Choice of tours from Eilat)
• See how rare and endangered species such as Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, red-necked ostriches, Arabian leopards, and more are being reintroduced into the Negev Desert at the Hai Bar Animal Reserve
• Observe the behavior of bottlenose dolphins up close — and swim with them — at Eilat’s Dolphin Reef lagoon
• Behold the spectacular fjords of Musandam on a dhow cruise along the Straits of Hormuz
• Cruise the Red Sea
• Visit Petra and see how people there adapted to nature
• Drive though Jordan, from Aqaba — via Petra — to Amman, with changing scenery and landscape

You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the broad spectrum of sights and scenes on this cruisetour — from the timeless monument and sweeping seascapes to intimate portraits of daily life. Here are a few tips:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high; or get low and shoot from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace artistic challenges by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take selfies! You’ll want to have some mementos of your milestone journey
• Look beyond landmarks. Sometimes everyday scenes are more revealing of the spirit of your destination. But in deference to cultural norms here, remember to ask your subjects if they mind being photographed before snapping their picture!

This journey spans some 7,000 years of human history as you behold the wonders of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, and the UAE.

• Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Luxor, and Karnak — all part of the UNESCO site of Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis
• See the lost Nabataean city of Petra (UNESCO)
• In and around Salalah, Oman, explore the Land of Frankincense (UNESCO)
• See the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Amman, including the Citadel, on a city tour
• Walk in the footsteps of T. E. “Lawrence of Arabia” when you visit the Jordanian port of Aqaba and ride through the surrounding desert wadis

Hear the sounds of the region during onboard performances as well as special shore activities.

• Enjoy a spectacular Egyptian folkloric show, the Alf Leila Wa Leila Fantasia 1001, replete with elaborate costumes, music, belly dancers, horsemen, and more
• Listen to a piano player on board during days on sea and between Salalah (Oman) and Safaga (Egypt)
• See the stunning Sound & Light show at the ruins of Karnak, which recreates pharaonic times with music, storytelling, and illuminations

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Destination Manager to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 8-888-888-8888 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.