This 15 Night Cruise Holiday from Rome to Dubai takes you from Rome in Italy to Dubai in United Arab Emirates. You’ll explore the cities of Rome and Naples in Italy. You’ll tour Athens in Greece, Ephesus in Turkey, Suez Canal in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan and Dubai in United Arab Emirates.

Summary

Day 1 – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Day 2 – Naples / Capri, Italy

Day 3 – Cruising

Day 4 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 5 – Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Day 6 – Cruising

Day 7 – 8 – Suez Canal, Egypt

Day 9 – Aqaba, Jordan

Day 10 – 14 – Cruising

Day 15 – 16 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Details

Day 1 – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Welcome to Italy! With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the largest empire in the world is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-famous art and vibrant street culture.

Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a 3-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese.

Whether it is Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

Day 2 – Naples / Capri, Italy

With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is an active Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay.

Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples’ first bishops were buried in the second century A.D.

Walk along the Miglio Sacro (“Holy Mile”) and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district with a zuccherato (sweetened espresso) in hand.

Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius – it is an easy 20- to 30-minute hike will take you to the summit – and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterward.

Day 3 – Cruising At The Sea

Play any way you like.

NORTH STAR: It’s time to raise the bar on adventure – with 360-degree views of the world from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star observation capsule – winner of the Guinness World Record for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

SOLARIUM: Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.

ROCK CLIMBING WALL: Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.

ADVENTURE OCEAN: Are we there yet? Is a thing of the past. We keep every kid entertained with games, events, age-appropriate activities and more in our award-winning youth program.

Day 4 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece’s powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans.

Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece’s naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.

Day 5 – Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the Celsus Library, built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street; paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis, you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Day 6 – Cruising At The Sea

Let the flavor fest begin

COASTAL KITCHEN: Exclusively for suite guests, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. The menu is filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees.

CHOPS GRILLEÔ: For more than a decade, the chefs at Chops Grille have specialized in serving up quality, hand-cut meat. Dinner at this hallmark Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant goes far beyond the typical steakhouse experience, though, with reimagined classics like succulent Maine lobster, gruyere cheese tater tots, white truffle-scented mushroom soup, and of course, expertly prepared prime beef.

SOLARIUM BISTRO RESTAURANT: Emphasizing fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Solarium Bistro offers a bright and breezy gastronomic getaway at sea. Serve yourself from stations piled high with Med-inspired dishes and savor every bite inside or al fresco beneath the sun ÔÇö or the stars.

THE CAFE @ TWO70: The Cafe@Two70 is a gourmet marketplace where every meal comes with a side of captivating views. Choose from a variety of savory hot-pressed sandwiches, crisp custom-made salads, homemade soups and more, all packed up picnic-style, so you can enjoy them while looking out floor-to-ceiling windows in Two70┬« or anywhere else onboard.

Day 7 – 8 – Suez Canal, Egypt

Opened in 1869 and built to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is home to some of Egypt’s most picturesque sights.

As you pass through, you’ll pass canal-side cities and villages: At the northern entrance is Port Said, a cosmopolitan port city with lush public gardens, sandy-hued mosques and European-inspired architecture. Halfway along the Suez Canal during your cruise, you’ll sail by Ismailia; admire the city’s 19th-century colonial villas and expansive, manicured lawns.

In the south, you’ll be treated to views of the seaport city Suez, including ornate mosques, the gardens of the Ganayen neighborhood and the towering Suez Canal Bridge that connects Africa and Asia.

Day 9 – Aqaba, Jordan

A small town nestled on the Red Sea; Aqaba blends relaxation and historic allure. Stroll along the Corniche, the esplanade that parallels King Hussein Street, to take in views of the Red Sea coastline’s bright waters.

Cruise to Jordan and make your way to the black-, green- and white-striped flag of the Arab Revolt perched atop Aqaba Flagpole, the sixth-largest free-standing flagpole in the world, reaching 130 meters into the air.

Don’t miss the sandy-hued Mamluk Castle, also called Aqaba Fortress, where the epic 1916 battle featured in the classic film “Lawrence of Arabia” took place. Then, head to Al-Ghandour Beach, where you can wade in the Red Sea’s warm waters or snorkel among its colorful reefs.

Day 10 – 14 – Cruising At The Sea

Nights you’ll never forget

MUSIC HALL: At Music Hall, no night sounds the same as the last. Get a front row view from anywhere on the dance floor while live music plays, or take in the scene in an intimate hideaway corner with your favorite cocktails.

THE GIFT: Embark on a musical journey of fantasy and illusion that begins one stormy night with the arrival of a magical gift.

TWO 70: By day, it’s an open area living room with panoramic views through windows two decks high. By night, the lights go down, the windows become screens and the space comes alive with aerialists, robots and much more. This is Two70, a place that can take you anyplace.

NORTH STAR BAR: After you’ve taken a ride on the North Star, featuring brilliant 360^o views from 300 feet above sea level, celebrate your unforgettable ascent with something sparkling, mixed, frosty, or tropical. At North Star Bar, the sips are just as impressive as the sights.

Day 15 – 16 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, one of the seven territories that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a sprawling multicultural city that has grown enormously in recent decades.

Here, you’ll find everything you could possibly ask for in a modern metropolis: world-class shopping, architectural triumphs and luxurious ways to dine and relax.

Cruise to Dubai and stroll along the Dubai Marina waterfront past the many large yachts and futuristic high-rises. Relax on the sandy beach at Kite Beach or Sunset Beach, overlooking the iconic sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab.

Explore the charming Souq Madinat Jumeirah village, with its network of canals that pass Arabian-style hotels and lush gardens. Then, check out the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood and its distinctive sand-colored traditional buildings.

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