You will soon have an exciting new way to visit Ras Al Khaimah: an Arabian Gulf cruise. From late 2025, Celestyal Discovery will be calling into Ras Al Khaimah on its dreamy four-night Iconic Arabia cruise.
Here, we:
- Explain the itinerary for the four-night Iconic Arabia cruise
- Shine a spotlight on a cruise highlight: a day in Ras Al Khaimah
- Show you what Ras Al Khaimah cruise guests can enjoy seeing and doing during their time in this scenic and welcoming destination
The Four-Night Iconic Arabia Cruise: What to Expect
Here’s a summary of the iconic places you can visit and the cruise ship facilities.
The Itinerary
The four-night Iconic Arabia cruise sets sail from Abu Dhabi. As you cruise the Arabian Gulf, you can visit four ports and three countries. They are:
- Abu Dhabi in the UAE
- Doha in Qatar
- Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE
- Khasab in Oman
Abu Dhabi: Depart 19:00, Day One and Return 9:00, Day Five
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE. It’s admired for its majestic buildings and opulent buildings, luxury hotels and shopping, and its island location. Abu Dhabi is set on several islands connected by bridges to each other and the mainland.
As the embarkation and disembarkation port, you can have as much time to explore Abu Dhabi as you like either before or after the cruise.
Doha: Day Two, 8:00 to 18:00
You have a full day ashore to explore Doha, the waterfront capital city of Qatar. It’s a city where ancient traditions meet modernity and multiculturalism. Marvel at the futuristic skyline as you approach the city, explore its traditional spice souks, and eat outstanding food from all over the world.
Ras Al Khaimah: Day Three, 11:00 to 23:59
On day three, you return to the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah offers a contrast to the city buzz you’ll experience on days one and two; this Emirate is known for its spectacular nature and scenery, both at the coast and in the nearby desert and mountains.
You can read more about Ras Al Khaimah and what there is to do in the spotlight section below.
Khasab: Day Three, 08:00 to 18:00
Khasab is often called the “Norway of Arabia” thanks to its beautiful fjords and crystal clear water. Spend the day exploring these by dhow, a traditional Arabic boat, and visiting ancient desert forts.
Then, return to Abu Dhabi overnight for a morning disembarkation.
Accommodation
You’ll be traveling aboard Celestyal Discovery, a 680-cabin ship that will offer luxury, entertainment and adventure. It has all you need and more for a comfortable four-night adventure. This cruise ship features:
- 60 balcony cabins
- 34 suites
- 4 restaurants and 7 bars
- A swimming pool
- A spa
Spotlight on Ras Al Khaimah: An Adventure-Packed Cruise Destination
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. It is the Northern-most Emirate, occupying a lot of the spectacular and mountainous tip of a peninsula that stretches out into the Arabian Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah offers three natural highlights:
- 68 km of pristine beaches and mangrove-lined coastline
- Wild desert scenery
- The Hajar Mountains, home to the UAE’s tallest peak: Jebel Jais
You can also enjoy cultural attractions and more. Here are some of the best things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Explore the Hajar Mountains
The Hajar Mountains are a short drive from the coast and would make an excellent excursion from your cruise ship. You’ll have plenty of time to explore their natural beauty and take part in some adventurous activities..
Here is what Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains can offer. You can:
- Scale Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak at 1,934m above sea level, on foot or by vehicle.
- Enjoy amazing vantage points from the Jais Viewing Deck Park across the mountains, desert and back to the coast and Arabian Gulf.
- Take a ride on the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, or experience a bird’s-eye view from the Jais Sky Tour, a series of six exhilarating ziplines up in the mountains.
- Choose from 16 km worth of hiking trails, suited to all ages and abilities.
- Explore the Jais Ropes Course, a family-friendly, high-altitude high ropes trail.
Wonder at the Desert Scenery
There are several ways to experience the desertscape of Ras Al Khaimah.
You could head to the hideaway camp in the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi resort, Sonara Camp. By day, watch wandering oryx and gazelle amongst the dunes. Then, stay for a spectacular sunset and traditional evening entertainment before heading back to Celestyal Discovery for a late-night departure.
Bassata Desert Village is a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp. It offers a mix of cultural experiences like dance shows, and outdoor fun such as dune buggy and camel rides.
Horse-riding from Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre is another way to appreciate the beauty of the desert.
Enjoy a Magical Coastline
Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline is tranquil and characterized by white, sandy beaches and mangroves. These mangroves are home to abundant wildlife, including flamingoes and local species of heron and kingfisher. You can spend time immersed in their beauty by kayaking.
Several luxury resorts make the most of peaceful inlets or pristine stretches of beach. There are some truly beautiful private beaches with cabanas, loungers and bars for a restful day. Or if you are feeling more active, there are many watersports adventures on offer. Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches also offer a jaw dropping sunset.
Coastline cultural attractions in Ras Al Khaimah include Suwaidi Pearl Farm, where you can learn all about the traditional pearl farming way of life, and Al Jazeera Al Hamra Village. This abandoned but well-preserved fishing village offers an unforgettable glimpse into the past.
The Iconic Arabia Cruise in Ras Al Khaimah
On the four-night Iconic Arabia cruise, you can visit a variety of special places dotted around the Arabian Gulf. Your day in Ras Al Khaimah will be a memorable one.
With so many interesting excursions within a short drive, Ras Al Khaimah has the right option for everyone, whether you want to kick back on a private beach, learn about traditional Arabic life or enjoy an adrenaline-fueled mountain adventure.
Find out more about Ras Al Khaimah and get essential travel information here.
