James Beard Foundation: Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf
 
Muscat, Oman to Dubai, UAE
Thu Feb 1, 2024 - Sun Feb 11, 2024,
 10 days
 on Star Legend
?All-inclusive from
$3,889
?Cruise Only From
$2,999
VIEW ALL SAILING
DATES & FARES
ADD TO
WISH LIST
REMOVE
FROM
WISH LIST
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Muscat, Oman to Dubai, UAE
Glide past bronze desert coastlines punctuated by 500-hundred-year-old Portuguese fortifications and shimmering, contemporary city skylines. The Persian Gulf is a cultural enigma rich in contrasts, abundant in both modern and ancient destinations bound by timeless traditions. Ride camels or air-conditioned 4x4s across endless golden sand dune crests. Wander amid masterpieces by European and Asian artists in the new Louvre Abu Dhabi, a breathtaking domed architectural marvel that hovers above the sea. Savor succulent lamb and local fish throughout regional cuisine, admire contemporary coastal havens, and experience friendly and authentic Middle Eastern culture in seaside desert surroundings unmatched anywhere in our world.
voyage map
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 1: Muscat, Oman
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.
 
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 2: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
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.
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 3: Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
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.
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 4: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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.
 
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 5: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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.
 
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 7: Manama, Bahrain
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.
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 8: Doha, Qatar
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.
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 9: Doha, Qatar
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.
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 10: Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates
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.
 
VIEW THE JOURNEY
Day 11: Dubai, UAE
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.
Popular Highlights
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Find the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, overnighting there
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Dammam is the gateway to UNESCO site Al Ahsa, with its intricate cave system
Doha, Qatar
Overnight in Doha and shop the extravagant malls and narrow alleys of the oldest souk in Qatar
Khasab, Oman
See traditional dhow boats in the fjords of Oman
Manama, Bahrain
In Manama, visit the archaeological site of Qal'at al-Bahrain
Ras Al Khama, United Arab Emirates
Discover the beauty of the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
Sir Bani Yas UAE
Have your camera ready for wildlife shots at the Sir Bani Yas safari then get ready for a feast at Windstar's Signature Beach Party
Itinerary at a Glance
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
PlatformWatersports Platform: 
Thu Feb 1
Muscat, Oman
Arrive:  
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Feb 2
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Feb 3
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Feb 4
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Feb 5
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Arrive:  
Depart:  10:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Feb 6
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Feb 7
Manama, Bahrain
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Feb 8
Doha, Qatar
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Feb 9
Doha, Qatar
Arrive:  
Depart:  2:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Feb 10
Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Feb 11
Dubai, UAE
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 

James Beard Foundation cruises include:

• Chef-hosted dinner with wine pairing
• 2 cooking demonstrations on board - recipes included
• Market tour with the Chef

Meet The Chef - Omar Anani
Chef Omar Anani is a Palestinian-Egyptian American restaurateur and the chef-owner of the James Beard-nominated Saffron De Twah, an award-winning modern Moroccan bistro on the east side of Detroit. He is a two-time finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef - Great Lakes. His food truck, The Twisted Mitten, was the first halal food truck in Michigan and has been recognized as one of the best food trucks in the country by USA Today and Food Network, featuring cuisine from multiple cultures, fusing flavors and textures from all around the world.
Select Sailing
Soak up sunshine and authentic Middle Eastern hospitality during this 10-day Persian Gulf cruise to Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Stretch your legs amid cannons and battle-scarred corridors at Al Jalali and Mirani, 500-year-old Portuguese fortifications built to protect Oman’s Muscat Harbor. Step aboard an authentic dhow near Khasab and sail into narrow turquoise channels making up the Fjords of Musandam, Oman’s Norway of the Middle East. Fly down the world’s longest zipline on the slopes of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Ride atop an ambling camel during an overnight stay in Abu Dhabi. Roll out on an extended SUV safari and test your balance sand surfing prior to dining on Middle Eastern cuisine during an overnight visit in Doha, Qatar. Soar up 124 floors to the expansive observation deck in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure.
Insider Tips
  • Wear a hat or headwear to protect your scalp from bright desert sunlight. Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing serves you well in the heat, and clothing coverage customs vary across the Gulf States. Few places require traditional head-to-toe concealment, but follow guidelines and dress accordingly prior to embarkment, especially when visiting mosques or sacred sites.
  • People in Saudi Arabia are friendly, welcoming, and steeped in their culture. Greet them with a Salam Alaykum,” (as-salam-u-alay-koom) which means “peace be upon you.”
  • UAE contains several world record sites including the world’s largest carpet that is 60, 601 sq. ft., the world’s longest zipline traveling 1.76 miles and up to 93 mph and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, standing 2, 717 feet tall with 160 stories.
  • The people of Oman usually drink kahwa (their traditional coffee with cardamom) with dates and their traditional dessert (halwa). Hospitality is a cherished part of their culture and they may offer you a bag of dates which it is respectful to accept and delicious too.
Star Legend
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Legend still tucks into small ports like Sinop and Honfleur or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal. We can’t wait to welcome you on board for your next 180 degree from ordinary adventure! Learn more about the newly renovated ship and the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.
LEARN MORE →
Accommodations & Pricing
This all-suite ship completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love.
Star Porthole Suite
Star Porthole Suite
These rooms represent a nod to the sailing tradition of porthole windows. And while sailors might have had cramped quarters, your 277 square foot stateroom is wonderfully spacious and furnished with all the modern amenities and comforts of home.
? Cruise only from $2,999 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $3,889 per guest
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $3,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $4,189 per guest
Ocean View Suite 1
Ocean View Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $3,349 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $4,239 per guest
Star Ocean View Suite 1
Star Ocean View Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $3,399 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $4,289 per guest
Ocean View Suite 2
Ocean View Suite 2
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $3,449 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $4,339 per guest
Ocean View Suite 3
Ocean View Suite 3
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $3,499 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $4,389 per guest
Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $4,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $5,189 per guest
Star Balcony Suite
Star Balcony Suite
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $4,499 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $5,389 per guest
Balcony Suite 1
Balcony Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $4,699 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $5,589 per guest
Star Balcony Suite 1
Star Balcony Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $4,899 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $5,789 per guest
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Brand new Deluxe Suites welcome you with 468 square feet of casually elegant living space and an ocean viewing French balcony. All these suites feature 3rd berths, and a sleep-inducing queen bed easily converted to twins.
? Cruise only from $5,899 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $6,789 per guest
Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
? Cruise only from $6,899 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,789 per guest
Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
With 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, Interactive TVs, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort. 
? Cruise only from $8,099 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $8,989 per guest
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
? Call for Availability
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
? Call for Availability
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Cooking Demonstrations
Open Bridge
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Local and Live Performances
Signature Sail Away
Crew Talent Show
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Take In The Sun
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Shopping With The Chef
Watersports Platform
ALL DATES &
FARES
Seas the Sun Sale
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $89 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Thu, Feb 1 - Sun, Feb 11, 2024
STAR LEGEND
$3,889
$2,999
THIS
SAILING