Cruising the Persian Gulf has become everything a winter claim for wanderlust they are gradually freeing themselves from the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. The destination is among the most requested to host three major international events this year: Expo2020, which was recently closed in Dubai, Qatar football world cup and grand prize formula 1 in Abu Dhabi. “We had to extend the season, which started in November and ended in March,” says communications managers at Italian-Swiss shipping company MSC. It will continue the route from Dubai to Doha until the end of June with a stop at Sir Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi, The capitals of seven United Arab Emirates, chosen by King Juan Carlos I for his retirement.
With direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Dubai, el Crucero MSC Bellissima, With a capacity of 5,686 passengers, it travels from Rashid port to the artificial island of Sir Bani Yas, then via Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai. All tourists within a week They can visit the main attractions of these cities built with petrodollars in the middle of the Arabian desert, An arid region with suffocating heat that can reach 55 degrees in the middle of summer and where the fog is an integral companion of the trip.
What to see at each of the stops? Less than a day on a cruise:
1- Dubai
Dubai just closed Expo2020. In this huge city of skyscrapers Museum of the Future is a must With dazzling events predicting a possible way of life for 2071.
In its scarce stretch of 35 square kilometers, Dubai showcases ultra-modern architecture with the world’s tallest skyscraper: el Burj Khalifa, 828 meters high. Built between 2004-2010, the building owes its name to the President of the Presidential Complex. United Arab Emirates.
this Dubai Mall With more than 1,200 stores, it is the largest and most visited shopping center in the world. houses in an ice rink, an aquarium with sharks and the popular Gold Souk.
this hotel Burj Al Arab, Shaped like a 321 meter high sail, it stands on an artificial island less than 270 meters from the beach.
this Palmera Jumeirah It is the most famous group of artificial islands filled with hotels and luxury residences in Dubai.
2- Sir, Mourn Me
Founded by Sheikh Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Sir Bani Yas Island, A coastal wildlife sanctuary near Abu Dhabi. The island is home to many wild animals. including Arabian oryx, almost extinct and a temple for birds.
the island is located 250 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi, It is 17.5 km from north to south and 9 km from east to west.
Cruise passengers can have fun a sunny day on the artificial beach built on the island.
3- Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates has a capital majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, The country’s largest and the architectural marvel of the modern world.
It was built between 1996-2007, in white marble, Its four minarets, gold-plated oil lamps and swarovski crystals and a capacity of 40,000 people. The courtyard is decorated with mosaics.
In 2017, Abu Dhabi opened its own museum. Louvre Museum, In the cultural zone of Saadiyat Island. work of french architect Jean Nouvel, Its steel dome appears to float permanently and facilitates the penetration of sunlight.
In hotel Emirate Palace everything is luxury. It is one of the rare hotels with 7 stars. It is a facility with 394 rooms. one of the most expensive suites on the planet: 680 square meters for 12.000 Euro per night.
Abu Dhabi in November Formula 1 Grand Prix.
4- Doha
Must do tour in Doha, capital of the peninsula Train, It is performed in SUVs through the desert until you reach a point where you can see Saudi Arabia in the background. This country, which is similar in size to Murcia, will celebrate New Year’s Eve in November. football world cup in impressive stadiums that will even have air conditioning in the seats.
this west bay It is one of the most popular and exclusive areas of the city, characterized by its skyscrapers and parks. The district is in the heart of the bay, Next to the Corniche and very close to the main attractions of the city.
Built on the shores of Wadi Musheireb, on the site of Doha’s century-old commercial market, el zoco Souq Waqif it seems like an anachronism especially in the background Doha’s gorgeous modernist skyline. The bazaar with its adobe stalls and its winding streets offer a clear view of traditional street life.
Privilege at Yacht Club
“People feel very special here,” he says. Rosalia Scaldaferri Director of MSC Yacht Club, the VIP area of these ships with player sponsorship Sofia Lorenwhich cabin 1508 is always reserved.
As Scaldaferri greets her distinguished passengers, her husband Edo He plays piano in the Yacht Club access hall, a kind of luxury yacht inside the cruise ship Bellissima is 17,1598 tons, 315 meters long and 43 meters wide.
“Details and luxury mark the cruise experience,” Scaldaferri reassures, to the point that every passenger has it. 24 hour butler The same is printing the newspaper of his choice, on the high seas, which places the clothes in the closets of the cabins.