Dubai Winter Gulf Cruise
A 7-night winter cruise from Dubai on MSC or Costa, calling at Abu Dhabi, Muscat and either Doha or Bahrain (varies by ship and season) — a comfortable add-on for families already in the UAE, with Indian food on board and no port-day flights.
Day by day
Fly to Dubai and board
Direct flights from Ahmedabad to Dubai take about 2 h 45 m. Dubai cruise ships sail from Port Rashid or Mina Rashid, roughly 20–30 minutes from Dubai International Airport depending on traffic. Embarkation opens 3–4 hours before sailing; arriving on an early flight gives enough buffer to check in without rushing elders through the terminal. The ship sails out along the Dubai coastline in the evening, with the skyline lit up — a good photo moment.
UAE capital
A short overnight sail brings the ship to Abu Dhabi by morning. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi are the two sights most families prioritise on a shore excursion or independent taxi trip; the mosque requires modest dress, provided at the entrance if needed. Back on board by the evening sailing.
Sea day
A full day at sea between the UAE and Oman. Pool deck, spa, a matinee show, and the ship's Indian food counter for lunch are the easy options. This is typically the first formal night of the cruise, with a dressed-up dinner in the main restaurant.
Oman's coastal capital
Muscat is a popular stop — the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Mutrah Souq and the corniche are all reachable on a half-day shore excursion. Indian passport holders travelling on a cruise typically clear Oman under the ship's group shore-pass arrangement rather than an individual visa, but this depends on the cruise line and current rules, so we confirm the exact requirement for your sailing before booking. Return to the ship by the evening.
Sea day
Another sea day as the ship repositions towards Qatar or Bahrain, depending on the season's itinerary. Kids club runs a full day programme; adults often use this day for the spa or the casino. A good day to rest before the next port.
Final port of call
Doha excursions cover the Corniche, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art; Bahrain excursions cover the Bahrain Fort and Manama Souq. Both are comfortable half-day stops with reasonable walking. Indian vegetarian food is generally easy to find ashore in both cities if a family wants to eat out.
Return sailing
A final sea day heading back to Dubai. Pack the evening before, as luggage is usually collected overnight ahead of an early disembarkation. A last dinner in the main dining room, with the ship's farewell show.
Disembark and fly home
The ship docks in Dubai early morning; disembarkation is by allotted time slots. Allow 3–4 hours between docking and your Ahmedabad flight, more if the family wants a few hours at Dubai Mall or the airport duty-free on the way out.
What's included
- Return Ahmedabad–Dubai flights
- 7 nights in the cabin category booked, on board MSC or Costa
- All meals on board, including the Indian food counter
- Entertainment: shows, deck activities, kids club
- UAE visa assistance (Indian passport holders need a UAE visa; we file it on your behalf)
- Port transfers between Dubai airport and the cruise terminal
Not included
- Shore excursions at Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha/Bahrain
- Alcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi package on board
- Gratuities/service charge, usually billed per person per night
- Oman/Qatar/Bahrain port fees or individual visas if the group shore-pass does not apply to your sailing
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing in an inside/oceanview cabin (standard) or balcony/suite (premium), indicative for 2026, including Ahmedabad–Dubai flights. Winter cruising runs only November to March; we confirm current sailings, ship and exact port rotation, which changes by season and cruise line, before booking.