Travel to the Orient has experienced a real boom in recent years – and that is not surprising. An oriental holiday exudes the flair of 1001 nights. Lonely deserts, rugged cliffs, lush green oases and turquoise waters – paired with curious camels, fascinating buildings and proud Bedouins.
Do you prefer tradition or modernity? A day at the beach or sightseeing? Culture or nature? Don’t worry—you don’t have to choose, because the Orient combines it all with a ease that’s second to none.
Most routes depart from Dubai or Abu Dhabi and include—in any combination, depending on the cruise line—Kasbah or Muscat in Oman, Doha in Qatar, Mumbai in India, and Manama in Bahrain.
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The best time for a trip to the Orient
In principle, you can travel to the Middle East year-round. However, the best time to visit is between October and April. During this period, you can enjoy nine hours of sunshine per day and pleasantly warm temperatures, making it ideal for both sightseeing and swimming.
During the summer months, from mid-June through September, the heat becomes unbearable. When the temperature climbs well past the 40-degree mark every day, shore excursions simply become too arduous. Even the sea is warmer than a bathtub at home and no longer offers any relief from the heat.
The most important ports in the Orient
Mumbai
The ferry terminal in Mumbai, an Indian metropolis of 18 million people (which, by the way, was still called Bombay until 1996), is located at Ballard Pier in the southern part of the city. The terminal features a lounge, duty-free shops, and smaller stores. The trip into the city takes about 10 minutes. There are taxis at the port, but be sure to agree on a price before you set off.
Dubai
The Port Rashid harbour is – how could it be otherwise in Dubai – one of the most luxurious moorings in the world. The 1.5km building is state-of-the-art and offers free wifi, prayer rooms, ATMs, an exchange office, a post office, numerous cafes and duty-free shops.
The terminal is located just outside the city. Several malls offer free shuttle buses to the terminal. From most malls you can take the subway.
Alternatively, you can take one of the 8,000 or so taxis in Dubai. They have a taximeter and are considerably cheaper than in Germany. The buses of the Hop-On Hop-Off tours also stop directly at the terminal. You can also reserve tickets from home.
Abu Dhabi
Ferries dock at the Port Zayad industrial port outside the city. The state-of-the-art terminal was completed in 2015 and offers free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange counters, shops, restaurants, and tour operators. Etihad Airways even has a counter here.
There are free shuttle buses to the Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall, as well as to the harbor exit—about three kilometers away—where there are several traditional souks.
There are plenty of taxis waiting in front of the terminal. A ride to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque takes about half an hour and costs about eleven euros. All taxis have meters.
Muscat
Ferries dock at Port Sultan Qaboos. The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses also stop right next to the ship. A free shuttle will take you to the harbor exit, where you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting. Taximeters aren’t used here; you pay by the hour. One hour costs about 25 euros. Minivans are also available for groups of six to eight people.
Alternatively, you can stroll along the Corniche, the harbour promenade, a few hundred metres to the famous Mutrah Souk. After another four kilometres you will reach the Sultan’s Palace.
Complete flexibility is offered by a rental car. The roads are well developed and bilingually signposted. It is best to rent a car from Germany and have it delivered to the terminal.
Aqaba
Aqaba is home to Jordan’s only seaport. A free shuttle bus will take you to downtown Aqaba—just about three kilometers away—in 10 to 15 minutes. Once there, taxis and sightseeing buses will be waiting for you. From the city center, you can either take a day trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, or other destinations in Jordan, explore Jordan on your own, or take a taxi to the Israeli border.
The TOP 7 destinations & sights in the Orient
Burj Khalifa
At 830 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and an absolute must-see on any trip to the Middle East. An observation deck has been set up on the 124th and 125th floors, at a lofty height of 456 meters. The 360-degree view is breathtaking. On the 148th floor, at a height of 555 meters, there is another observation deck—complete with a terrace. But the competition isn’t resting on its laurels: Saudi Arabia plans to open the Jeddah Tower by the end of the decade. Planned height: a staggering 1,000 meters.
Day tickets cost 32 euros, and evening tickets cost 50 euros. So a visit to the world’s tallest building isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s all the more impressive for it.
Sheikh Zayid Mosque
The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third-largest in the world, is Abu Dhabi’s main tourist attraction. Its 82 domes can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. The interior features over 1,000 columns, the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, and chandeliers adorned with 24-karat gold.
The mosque is open to visitors daily (except Friday mornings). Admission and guided tours are free, but be sure to check the strict dress code. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, so you can see the mosque in daylight and later at night when it’s lit up.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island lies off the coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is a world apart. Here, there’s none of the glitz and glamour you’d find elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates. The kilometers-long, powder-white beaches invite you to relax and linger. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf is the only sound you’ll hear on the beach. The island is a nature reserve home to over 15,000 animals, many of which are already threatened with extinction in other parts of the world. Twice a day, safari tours take place, just like the ones you’d find in Africa.
Gateway of India
Mumbai’s most famous landmark, the Gateway of India, is a monument in the shape of a triumphal arch. It was opened in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V. Today the square around the building is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.
The old Dubai
With Dubai’s fast pace of life, where hypermodern skyscrapers seem to spring up every month, the desert city’s roots are easily forgotten. Wander the narrow streets of Al Fahidi, the historic part of the city, to see what life was like before the boom. Many original buildings have been preserved here to this day.
Then hop on an abra, a traditional open wooden boat, to get from Bur Dubai to Deira on the other side of Dubai Creek. A crossing costs just 30 cents, making it by far the cheapest sightseeing activity in the city. In Deira, you’ll find famous markets like the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
The fjords of Oman
The Omani Musandam Peninsula is rugged and secluded along the Strait of Hormuz. The landscape makes you feel like you’re in Norway—only much hotter. During your trip to the Middle East, you should definitely take a ride on a dhow, a traditional wooden boat. There are tours of varying lengths, with or without dolphin watching or snorkeling. No matter what you choose, the Omani fjord landscape, with its rugged mountains plunging steeply into the sea, is breathtaking.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the most important mosque in all of Oman. It is one of the few mosques in the world that non-Muslims are allowed to enter, and is definitely a must-see when visiting Muscat. 300,000 metric tons of Indian sandstone were used here to create a magnificent and intricately decorated structure. The mosque, with its five minarets, is open to visitors every morning (except Fridays).
Questions & answers about the Orient holiday - everything you need to know
What is the climate like on the Arabian Peninsula?
The climate is subtropical to tropical and in almost all regions it is very dry. In the summer, the 40 degree mark is cracked daily. In the interior it gets even hotter. The little rain falls in January or February.
What clothes should I take with me?
Before you leave, find out if there is a specific dress code on the ship and in the restaurants. Be sure to pack a bikini and swim trunks, as well as flip-flops or sandals and a pair of comfortable (athletic) shoes.
When going ashore or on excursions, be sure to observe local customs in the Middle East and dress respectfully. For women, this means keeping your shoulders and knees covered. Hot pants and spaghetti-strap tops aren’t just disrespectful to the locals—in the United Arab Emirates, for example, you could even be fined for wearing such revealing clothing. With a knee-length skirt or capri pants, paired with a loose-fitting short-sleeved T-shirt, women can’t go wrong. To be on the safe side, you can bring a shawl or sarong to drape over your shoulders.
Men are best off wearing long, slim-fit pants, such as those made of breathable linen. If you insist on wearing shorts, they should also reach the knee. It’s best to leave tank tops in the cabin and wear polo shirts or T-shirts on shore.
When visiting a mosque—for example, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi—the dress code is very strict. Women who are not dressed in accordance with Muslim customs—that is, no short, tight, or see-through clothing; ankles, head, hair, neck, and nape must be covered—will be provided with a black abaya and veil on site. Men are only allowed to enter if they are wearing long pants.
Is it possible and advisable to take a trip to the Middle East with a baby or toddler?
A trip to the Middle East is the perfect vacation for families with babies and toddlers! Keep in mind, though, that you should travel in the winter if possible, when it’s not so hot. Temperatures around 40 degrees aren’t comfortable for little ones and can quickly turn exciting outings into grueling ordeals.
Do your research on the individual cruise lines and ships and check how family-friendly they are: Is there a kids’ club? What language is spoken there, and from what age does it open? Is there a kids’ pool, a playground, or a playroom? Meal times are also important: Nothing is worse than having to keep a hungry early riser occupied for hours until breakfast is finally served. Surrounded by other families, the kids will quickly make friends, which not only means fun for the children but also a few relaxing minutes on a sun lounger for Mom and Dad.
Even going ashore with little ones is no problem. For babies, an ergonomically designed baby carrier is recommended. It gives you more flexibility than a stroller. Don’t plan your itinerary too tightly, and make sure to include a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. Especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are many playgrounds along the beach promenades and in parks.
People in Arab countries are laid-back and love kids, so you don’t need to feel guilty if your little ones cry. Before you leave, ask if local taxi companies have child seats available, and if possible, book a taxi with one in advance.
Which shore excursions are recommended in the Orient?
The highlights of any trip to the Middle East are the excursions that let you discover a new country. In cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, or Doha, guided city tours are highly recommended. The distances within these cities are quite long, and on a tour, you won’t waste precious time using public transportation or searching for a taxi.
If you go ashore in Aqaba, don’t miss a trip to Petra and Wadi Rum—two absolute highlights in the entire Arab world!
Oman beckons with its capital, Muscat, which offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Explore the souks and admire the architecture on a city tour, or simply relax for a few hours on the white-sand beaches. If you’d like to see more of the country, you can take a trip to the fascinating forts in Nizwa and Jabrin Castle.
If you’re stopping in Mumbai, we recommend a trip to the Elephanta Caves, located on a small island just off the coast of the city. Or you can soak up all the chaos that India is so famous for on a city tour.
Can I organize excursions in the Orient myself?
Of course! If you organize your own excursions, you can put together an itinerary that works best for you. You don’t have to spend the whole day following a tour guide around with a bunch of other tourists.
If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, it’s much easier to connect with locals than in a large tour group. So you have a much more authentic travel experience!
In some countries, like Oman, the best way to get around is to hire your own car. In other places, like Mumbai, public transport is cheaper and more convenient.
One interesting option is to book a tour from Germany through a local provider. These often offer more choices and are less expensive than those offered by the cruise lines. However, it’s definitely worth comparing prices and services carefully.
If you’re traveling on your own, make sure you’re back on board in time! It’s best to allow a little extra time in case you get stuck in unexpected traffic or run late. The ships won’t wait and will depart from the dock on time.
Is the sea state in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf very strong?
The Indian Ocean, and especially the Persian Gulf, are much calmer than the Atlantic or the European North Sea and are therefore not only well suited for Oriental beginners, but especially for those prone to seasickness.
During the winter months, from December through February, it’s windier in the Orient than in the summer. Even a Ferry can start to rock a bit at times. However, it’s just as impossible to predict the swell as it is to predict the weather.
It’s best to pack medication and other remedies for seasickness. If necessary, you can also ask the ship’s doctor for help. And if things get really bad, sick bags are provided.
Do I need a passport or is an identity card sufficient for the trip to the Orient?
Since you will be leaving the EU and the Schengen Area during your trip to the Middle East, you will need a passport. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip. This also applies to children! They need their own passport and cannot be listed on their parents’ passport.
Our Thoughts on the Trip to the Orient by Ferry
You can’t go wrong with a trip through the Orient. The cities on the itinerary are modern, clean, have a Western feel, and are safe. At the same time, they’re “different” and exotic enough to give you an exciting vacation.
The Orient continues to score with its proximity to Europe. Short flight times not only mean a more pleasant journey without jet lag, but also cheaper airline tickets.
The Middle East’s calm waters make it perfect for your trip, and it’s also a good place to start for those travellers who have only been to Europe so far, and now want to stretch their feelers a little further without having to take a lengthy twelve-hour flight.
So step aboard and experience the Orient as it is written in a picture book!