Cruise the Arabian Peninsula from the Gulf of Oman to the Red Sea, passing through waters thick with history and getting to know Middle Eastern treasures from incense and oil to delicious cuisines and seaside resorts. These are the waters that were home to Sinbad, that formed China’s maritime Silk Road, that Moses once parted, and that carried the Queen of Sheba to her summer palace at Khor Rori. Watch dolphins play in beautiful Omani fjords. Go ashore to follow UNESCO’s Frankincense Trail to the ruins of ancient Al Balid and Zafar. Explore desert oases, sultans’ palaces, and colorful souks filled with magical wares and encounters. In between, spend relaxing days at sea doing as you please and watching the desert and mountains pass by – changing from red to gold to red again as the sun crosses the sky.

In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16^th 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.
 

Jeddah is considered the commercial center of Saudi Arabia with a vibrant blend of modernity and history. Enjoy the modern landmarks of the city, stroll along the waterfront corniche, admire the world’s tallest fountain and walk the streets of Al Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Hijazi-style old town.