Quick answer
Gulf cruises run from November to March, when Dubai and Abu Dhabi are warm rather than scorching. Round trips of 6–7 nights visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Sir Bani Yas Island; the Red Sea opens Saudi Arabia, Jordan (Aqaba) and Egypt.
- Cruise season
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Dec
- Typical length
- 3–7 nights
- Main departure ports
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah
- Popular ports
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Doha, Muscat, Khasab, Jeddah, Aqaba
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 8
Why cruise here
- Short flight from India
- Desert safaris and souks
- Winter sun, December to February
Weather by month in Dubai
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 24 | 25 | 28 | 33 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 41 | 38 | 35 | 30 | 26 |
| Avg low °C | 14 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
| Rain days | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Ports of call
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sir Bani Yas
- Doha
- Muscat
- Khasab
- Jeddah
- Aqaba
- Safaga
Sailings & fares
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Cruise lines sailing Arabian Gulf & Red Sea
Mainstream ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
Visas for Arabian Gulf & Red Sea cruises
The UAE, Qatar and Oman each have their own rules. Many Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or UK/EU residence get a UAE visa on arrival — otherwise a pre-approved visa is needed.
Guides: United Arab Emirates, Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Arabian Gulf & Red Sea?
The cruise season is Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec; the best months are January, February, December.
Do I need a visa for a Arabian Gulf & Red Sea cruise?
The UAE, Qatar and Oman each have their own rules. Many Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or UK/EU residence get a UAE visa on arrival — otherwise a pre-approved visa is needed.
How long is a typical Arabian Gulf & Red Sea cruise?
Most are 3–7 nights, usually from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha.
Which cruise lines sail Arabian Gulf & Red Sea?
MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Marella Cruises, AROYA Cruises, Celestyal, Explora Journeys.