Cruise from Egypt to India, exploring the jewels of the Arabian Peninsula on this voyage of cultural awakening. Balance both relaxing and exciting days at sea aboard a luxury cruiseliner with enriching calls-to-port. Make landfall in Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, putting you at the foot of ancient settlements and modern megacities, all the while experiencing cultural contrasts, so vastly different from the Western world.

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012):

Nov 14, 2012

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

The recently renovated Cairo Marriott Hotel, situated at the centre of the city, is surrounded by lush gardens and with a 19th century palace in its midst, on the Nile River. The grand hotel’s 1250 rooms are well appointed, with splendid views of the city and the Nile. One may take meals in any of the restaurants or cafes, which are reasonably priced and enjoyable, and feature especially hospitable staff. The city of Cairo is in itself a bustling source of amusement and history, including the Pyramids, though some guests prefer to stay on the hotel grounds and make use of the fitness centre or swimming pools.

Overnight at Marriott .

This full day tour transports you from present day to the time of the Pharaohs. In the morning, a private vehicle, driver and trained Egyptologist will pick you up and take you for some exploration of two of Egypt's most famous monuments, the great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Sphinx. Later in the afternoon, enjoy viewing fragments of this regions rich history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where your trained Egyptologist will help you further understand how ancient Egyptians lived, and how their way of life has influenced how we live our lives today! Note: Entrance to the Cheops Pyramid, the Mummies room and Solar boat have an additional cost.

Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant.

During this evening tour, enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mafouz, located in the heart of the Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Stroll down the newly opened Al Moaz Street and view the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures from the Islamic world. Also included in this tour is entrance to Beit El Seheimy.  Normally, this location would be closed to the public during the evening, but this exclusive tour allows for entrance inside.  This tour includes a private vehicle, driver and english speaking guide.

Overnight at Marriott .

Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, and the "world's greatest open air museum". Notable sights on the east bank include the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. On the west bank is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles, including Tutankhamun. The nearby Valley of the Queens is said to hold more than seventy tombs.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

Take your flight from Cairo to Luxor. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver in Luxor.

This morning you will meet up with your guide and explore some of the most incredible sites of the country. You will visit the Valley of the Kings where you will have the chance to explore three tombs. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. Then it's off to the nearby Valley of the Queens and also the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. The tour includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Enjoy a dazzling sound and light show which is projected on the walls of Karnak temple.

Welcome to five-star splendor on the banks of the Nile in a city of ancient pharaonic treasures, the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor redefines magnificent contemporary style. The hotel is luxurious, sophisticated and above all, elegant. A sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile. A grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail. A sumptuous health spa. An array of fine dining choices. And every amenity to please the most discerning traveler. The mystical Nile just a whisper away. The temples of Luxor and Karnak preserved in time. Experience a city of fascinating antiquity and indulge in the rich splendor of the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor.

Overnight at Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor.

Relax aboard your cruise vessel as you sail the waters of the Arabian Sea, crossing millennia-old trade routes from the ancient Age of Sail. Find yourself making landfall at historic and cultural hot spots throughout your voyage, allowing you to explore the tropical splendor of Arabian and South Asian ports of call.

Enjoy a private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the most impressive temples of Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide. Start your day with a visit to the Temples of Karnak. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex as your guide explains how the massive facade was constructed. Continue to Luxor Temple which was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometre long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Your private guide will offer interpretation and guide you through the most important parts of the temples.

Transfer in private vehicle with english speaking guide between Luxor and Safaga.

Port charges are included in your itinerary cost.

The RSS Voyager, a trailblazer in the exclusive world of all-suite, all-balcony ships, exceeds even the loftiest expectations for luxury. Considering her size, the amenities are surprisingly plentiful and include four main dining venues where you can dine wherever, whenever and with whomever you choose. With 447 international crew members attending to a maximum of but 700 guests, personal service is exceedingly indulgent throughout. The RSS Voyager offers cruises to Africa and India, Asia Pacific, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Its overall lenght is 204 meters and has a total of 9 passanger decks.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Aqaba (Al-Aqabah) is a coastal town in the far south of Jordan, and the country's only seaport. The town borders Eilat, Israel and there is a border post where it is possible to cross between the two countries (see Wadi Araba Crossing). The town is best known today as a diving and beach resort. The port serves ferries crossing to Egypt's Sinai region including Sharm El Sheikh. It is a short drive from Wadi Rum and Petra in the north.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Today is the first of four consecutive days spent at sea. Sail the Red Sea and experience the relaxation or excitement of luxury cruise travel. For those in the gaming mood, a few hands of blackjack in the elegantly appointed onboard casino are the perfect draw.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Your ship's lounges and nightclubs provide an open invitation to dance into the late-night hours or sing karaoke with friends. Near Compass Rose on Deck 4, happy groups gather around the bar in the Voyager Lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail as the obliging pianoman renders faithful versions of your favorite songs. The stunning Horizon Lounge on Deck 5 provides the perfect dance floor in the shape of a three-quarter moon overlooking the sea. Head to the Conoisseur Club on Deck 4 to settle into a comfortable English club chair and light up a hand-rolled cigar from the climate-controlled humidor.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Continue onward through the Red Sea, as you look to make your way out into the Arabian Sea. In the plush two-tiered show lounge, a nine-piece Regent Signature Orchestra creates concert-quality music for an exhilarating array of productions. Cabaret revues and feature productions are presented, and several of the shows feature professional ballroom couples performing original choreography showcasing Latin, swing, waltz and other styles. In addition, a roster of headline entertainers and specialty programs such as James Bond Martini Night and Beatles Night will be sure to make for an unforgettable evening.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

You'll venture into the Gulf of Aden today, as you make a final push onward toward Salalah, Oman. In addition to planned activities in the Fitness Center, take advantage of other sports-related activities throughout the ship. Deck 12 provides golf cages, shuffleboard, paddle tennis and a full-circle jogging track. One flight down, the teak pool deck is one of the most expansive at sea, including a large heated pool, two whirlpools and table tennis.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Salalah is the capital and seat of the governor or Wali of the southern Omani province of Dhofar. Salalah is a city of antiquity, boasting both the ruins of the fortified town Sumharam, an important port from 100 BC – AD 400, and the alleged resting place of Job in nearby Jabal Gadu. The city is a popular destination for tourism due to the natural attractions of the nearby mountains and abundant stands of frankincense trees lining mountain wadi courses. Around the city and into the mountains the countryside is lush and green during the monsoon period with the vegetation supporting herds of cattle. The climate supports wildlife often more commonly associated with East Africa, such as leopards and hyenas.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Today you'll spend a full day at sea, cruising onward toward Muscat, Oman. Onboard enrichment programs allow you to experience your own specific area of interest with lectures, classes and workshops of the highest caliber, led by experts in their fields. Select sailings feature complimentary enrichment programs called "Spotlights" that provide an enhanced view of a topic, led by guest experts.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Muscat is the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity of the strategic Straits of Hormuz. The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians and the Portuguese Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and the only one on the Gulf of Oman in the country's east. Fujairah is home to the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates which was built in 1446 of mud and bricks. Watersports are becoming popular amongst locals and tourists alike in Fujairah, including diving, waterskiing, windsurfing, and jetskiing.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Dubai. It is also the seat of government of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is ruled by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – the current ruling Emir of the UAE. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. Approximately 860,000 people lived in Abu Dhabi as of 2007. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Doha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf, it had a population of 998,651 in 2008, and is also one of the municipalities of Qatar. Doha is Qatar's largest city, with over 80% of the nation's population residing in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, and is also the economic centre of the country. Doha also serves as the seat of government of Qatar, which is ruled by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Doha is home to the Education City, an area devoted to research and education. Doha was the site of the first ministerial-level meeting of the Doha Development Round of World Trade Organization negotiations. The city of Doha also held the 2006 Asian Games, which was the largest Asian Games ever held. It will also host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in five stadiums.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is one of the country's main cities, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the emirate. Famous for its soaring skyline rising from the desert, it is a relatively new, world-class city, which is growing quickly. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only six star hotel, and the massive Palms mini-city, and its indoor ski hills - its an exciting city and worth a stopover.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

You have the morning today to further explore Dubai, as your ship is moored at port until your 2:00pm departure time. If you'd rather, you can instead spend time on board with some of your new cruise friends, enjoying the lounges, pool deck or the daily activities.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Take a moment to maintain your daily regiment in the fitness center on board. Canyon Ranch fitness experts lead popular exercise classes, such as pilates, yoga and aerobics, and are on hand to offer advice and demonstrate proper usage of the equipment.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

As you cruise toward your final destination, Mumbai, take some time to experience the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. These shipboard gems provide a realm of perfect tranquility and renewal. Here you’ll enjoy a healthy sampling of the spa and wellness services of legendary Canyon Ranch health resorts. An array of treatments includes signature massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayurvedic and seaweed treatments.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

Mumbai (Bombay), the cosmopolitan capital of India is located in the west of India. Its most recognizable monument is the Gateway to India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. From there you can catch a boat to the Elephanta Island, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see rock-cut temples and caves dating back to the 6th century. There are museums such as the Gandhi, art galleries, bazaars, parks and temples. Bollywood, the film industry in Mumbai produces over 400 films a year and is therefore, the largest movie industry in the world. The actors enjoy their god-like statuses and dwell in exclusive mansions on Malabar Hill.

Overnight at RSS Voyager (17N).

After breakfast this morning, you'll bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates and disembark from your ship, as your cruise journey has concluded.

Port transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

The tour covers the Gateway of India, the heritage buildings of Kala Ghoda, Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. If you feel like walking, you can ask the Guide to take you to the traditional marketplace of Bhuleshwar, or the crowded lanes of Mohammed Ali Road. The streets are brightly lit, and crammed with businessmen whose day is far from over. Street food vendors are busy selling local delicacies to a hungry crowd.

Bubbling with big-city delight, Vivanta by Taj - President offers lovely views of the city. A haven of comfort and style, this hotel offers a welcome respite of tranquil relaxation, while still being close to the city's main business district, so guests are just steps away from all the excitement it has to offer. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed and offer a wide range of modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Dine at one of the various restaurants and take part in a variety of recreational activities offered at the resort.

Overnight at Vivanta by Taj - President (City Center).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .