Abu Dhabi,Sir Bani Yas,Dubai,Dubai,Doha,Bahrain,Abu Dhabi

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest of the nation's seven emirates. Covering 80 percent of the landmass of the UAE, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is divided into three parts: the city of Abu Dhabi, the historic Al Ain region centred on a large oasis on an old camel caravan route and Al Gharbia, part of the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert with towering dunes spreading across the Arabian Peninsula. The cruise port lies in the central city of Abu Dhabi, a rapidly growing cosmopolitan metropolis where glittering skyscrapers pierce the sky and five-star resorts spread across natural islands where you'll find golf courses, beaches, marinas, upscale malls, a Formula One race car track, amusement areas and cultural institutions.  Compared with Dubai, the nation's playground and largest city 90 minutes to the north, Abu Dhabi is more family-oriented and, with a population consisting of a higher number of native Emiratis, more traditional in its values. The head of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi is also president of the UAE, and the city is the seat of the national government and a financial centre.  Abu Dhabi's extreme wealth stems from oil, discovered in 1958. The UAE was formed in 1971 when the head of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, persuaded his fellow emirs to form the union and became its first president. The transformation has been swift. Abu Dhabi put its oil money into the development of modern infrastructure, health care, education, arts and culture. Abu Dhabi grew into a modern, Westernized civilization in a little more than a generation, evolving from a society of fishing villages along the coast and Bedouins living a nomadic life in the desert. Still, you'll find it preserves its Arabian traditions and Bedouin hospitality. It is diversifying its stake in oil by developing other industries, including tourism, and is warm and welcoming to visitors.  Abu Dhabi's culture is rooted in Islam, but all faiths are respected and protected by the constitution. The dress code is liberal, and Western wear is common, though native Emiratis often choose to wear their national dress. --By Claire Volkman, Cruise Critic contributor

Located just off the shore of the western region of Abu Dhabi, the island's main attraction is its magnificent wildlife park, the result of years of conservation.

On busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the highway running through the sprawling metropolis of Dubai that connects the old city with its modern eye-catching skylines, a Ferrari whizzes past at 75 miles per hour. It's a police car, a sign that Dubai -- a city often compared to Las Vegas -- has flash to spare. The second-largest and most developed of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai has a well-deserved reputation as an oasis for cosmopolitan luxury travellers with money to burn. Yes, Dubai is a working port city on the Arabian Gulf, a hugely successful aviation hub with links between the West and Asia and, geographically speaking, only hours by car from places that, for most North Americans, are tucked away in the encyclopedia as distant and forbidden lands: Yemen and Saudi Arabia. But the city's most distinctive feature is its pursuit of all things over the top, from self-styled "seven-star" luxury hotels and shopping malls with ski resorts to man-made islands built in the shape of palm trees and continents -- and the fact that the skyline is now pierced by nearly 150 gleaming skyscrapers. As late as the 1950s, however, Dubai was a small-time trading and fishing port. (Pearl diving was a major industry until cultured versions came into vogue.) It's possible -- although it does take some work -- to find remnants of this uniquely Emirati history. A few savvy entrepreneurs are beginning to develop cultural tourism that highlights the emirate's Bedouin roots, as well as the melting pot that Dubai has become. Yet still, it's the modern trappings you'll notice first, from the ultrasophisticated Emirates aeroplanes that you no doubt arrived on to sleek Dubai International Airport to the fact that everyone speaks English. (You won't need to trot out Arabic here -- though attempting "shukran," for "thank you," is always appreciated.) Although North Americans are somewhat scarce, Dubai has long been discovered by the elite from Europe, Australia and Asia, who are magnetically drawn by its resorts, gorgeous beaches, sophisticated nightlife and duty-free shopping. New attractions are opening all the time, adding a cultural layer to the more frivolous activities. That being said, Dubai -- and the United Arab Emirates, in general -- is Muslim, and morality laws are alive and well. Public displays of affection are discouraged (no kissing your partner), and gay travellers have to be discreet, as homosexuality is illegal, although this should not present a problem if you're arriving by cruise ship as you won't be checking into a hotel). Alcohol is only served at hotels and restaurants with licenses, although nowadays, there are a great many of these, and many common prescription drugs are illegal. (Bring copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.) Although beachwear is appropriate at resorts, shorts and tank tops should not be worn around town; even some malls have a dress code. Pack long-sleeved tops, capris or long pants, and long skirts and dresses if you plan to visit mosques or do a lot of walking around. Despite its conservative stance on these cultural issues, Dubai remains a major port of embarkation (as well as the port of call) for cruise travellers on popular Middle East itineraries through the Arabian Gulf or around the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Even if your cruise doesn't begin or end there, you're likely to have an overnight. The "season" runs from October through May and is particularly popular with European lines, such as Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and AIDA Cruises. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises also have a presence here all winter long. If you're looking for a view into the modern Middle East -- and want a guarantee that you'll have sunny, warm weather on your vacation -- Dubai is perhaps your best place to start.

On busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the highway running through the sprawling metropolis of Dubai that connects the old city with its modern eye-catching skylines, a Ferrari whizzes past at 75 miles per hour. It's a police car, a sign that Dubai -- a city often compared to Las Vegas -- has flash to spare. The second-largest and most developed of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai has a well-deserved reputation as an oasis for cosmopolitan luxury travellers with money to burn. Yes, Dubai is a working port city on the Arabian Gulf, a hugely successful aviation hub with links between the West and Asia and, geographically speaking, only hours by car from places that, for most North Americans, are tucked away in the encyclopedia as distant and forbidden lands: Yemen and Saudi Arabia. But the city's most distinctive feature is its pursuit of all things over the top, from self-styled "seven-star" luxury hotels and shopping malls with ski resorts to man-made islands built in the shape of palm trees and continents -- and the fact that the skyline is now pierced by nearly 150 gleaming skyscrapers. As late as the 1950s, however, Dubai was a small-time trading and fishing port. (Pearl diving was a major industry until cultured versions came into vogue.) It's possible -- although it does take some work -- to find remnants of this uniquely Emirati history. A few savvy entrepreneurs are beginning to develop cultural tourism that highlights the emirate's Bedouin roots, as well as the melting pot that Dubai has become. Yet still, it's the modern trappings you'll notice first, from the ultrasophisticated Emirates aeroplanes that you no doubt arrived on to sleek Dubai International Airport to the fact that everyone speaks English. (You won't need to trot out Arabic here -- though attempting "shukran," for "thank you," is always appreciated.) Although North Americans are somewhat scarce, Dubai has long been discovered by the elite from Europe, Australia and Asia, who are magnetically drawn by its resorts, gorgeous beaches, sophisticated nightlife and duty-free shopping. New attractions are opening all the time, adding a cultural layer to the more frivolous activities. That being said, Dubai -- and the United Arab Emirates, in general -- is Muslim, and morality laws are alive and well. Public displays of affection are discouraged (no kissing your partner), and gay travellers have to be discreet, as homosexuality is illegal, although this should not present a problem if you're arriving by cruise ship as you won't be checking into a hotel). Alcohol is only served at hotels and restaurants with licenses, although nowadays, there are a great many of these, and many common prescription drugs are illegal. (Bring copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.) Although beachwear is appropriate at resorts, shorts and tank tops should not be worn around town; even some malls have a dress code. Pack long-sleeved tops, capris or long pants, and long skirts and dresses if you plan to visit mosques or do a lot of walking around. Despite its conservative stance on these cultural issues, Dubai remains a major port of embarkation (as well as the port of call) for cruise travellers on popular Middle East itineraries through the Arabian Gulf or around the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Even if your cruise doesn't begin or end there, you're likely to have an overnight. The "season" runs from October through May and is particularly popular with European lines, such as Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and AIDA Cruises. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises also have a presence here all winter long. If you're looking for a view into the modern Middle East -- and want a guarantee that you'll have sunny, warm weather on your vacation -- Dubai is perhaps your best place to start.

Qatar's capital Doha is home to bazaars, historical sites and a photogenic waterfront promenade. Those traveling on Doha cruises in the Middle East might want to take shore excursions farther afield to the desert or the Pearl -- a nearby manmade resort island. View Arabic antiquities at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art or visit the antique shops and cafes in the city's ancient Souq Waqif market. Tourists to Doha should be aware of local customs, as Qatar is a Muslim country with conservative traditions. Women should pack headscarfs, and visitors may not bring alcohol into the country.

Although Bahrain has been accepting cruise ships since 2008, the small kingdom of islands on the Arabian Gulf doesn't appear on too many itineraries. That's partly because the country lacks the manmade superlatives pursued by nearby United Arab Emirates (where most cruises there embark) or the natural beauty of Oman. The country also experienced some turmoil in 2011 following the Arab Spring that took place one year earlier, which prompted ships to pull out until stability returned. Yet Bahrain offers enough attractions for a one-day visit. The country has a history that dates back to 2300 BC, when the ancient city of Dilmun served as a major trading post between Mesopotamia and India. Remnants of this merchant culture have been found at an archaeological dig near Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain), one of the country's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The modern shopping equivalent can be found in Manama's labyrinthine souk and -- of course, given its location on the Arabian Peninsula -- monster malls. Other draws include the Bahrain International Circuit, a major Formula 1 track that's the site of the Bahrain Grand Prix and a major attraction for gearheads. Some cruise lines offer excursions to Muharraq, which has some traditional homes, a souk and a trail highlighting the country's pearling industry (the other UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest of the nation's seven emirates. Covering 80 percent of the landmass of the UAE, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is divided into three parts: the city of Abu Dhabi, the historic Al Ain region centred on a large oasis on an old camel caravan route and Al Gharbia, part of the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert with towering dunes spreading across the Arabian Peninsula. The cruise port lies in the central city of Abu Dhabi, a rapidly growing cosmopolitan metropolis where glittering skyscrapers pierce the sky and five-star resorts spread across natural islands where you'll find golf courses, beaches, marinas, upscale malls, a Formula One race car track, amusement areas and cultural institutions.  Compared with Dubai, the nation's playground and largest city 90 minutes to the north, Abu Dhabi is more family-oriented and, with a population consisting of a higher number of native Emiratis, more traditional in its values. The head of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi is also president of the UAE, and the city is the seat of the national government and a financial centre.  Abu Dhabi's extreme wealth stems from oil, discovered in 1958. The UAE was formed in 1971 when the head of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, persuaded his fellow emirs to form the union and became its first president. The transformation has been swift. Abu Dhabi put its oil money into the development of modern infrastructure, health care, education, arts and culture. Abu Dhabi grew into a modern, Westernized civilization in a little more than a generation, evolving from a society of fishing villages along the coast and Bedouins living a nomadic life in the desert. Still, you'll find it preserves its Arabian traditions and Bedouin hospitality. It is diversifying its stake in oil by developing other industries, including tourism, and is warm and welcoming to visitors.  Abu Dhabi's culture is rooted in Islam, but all faiths are respected and protected by the constitution. The dress code is liberal, and Western wear is common, though native Emiratis often choose to wear their national dress. --By Claire Volkman, Cruise Critic contributor