MIDDLE EASTERN MAGIC

Discover new frontiers with Windstar Cruises.

SINCE the beginning of time, voyagers have navigated by the wind and stars. For those traveling with Windstar Cruises, this still rings true — a sense of wanderlust is the only compass needed. The luxury small ship cruise line now has an all-suite yacht in the Middle East that serves only 312 guests. Choose from more than a dozen itineraries across the Middle East — including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and other stops along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf — as it’s time to let your inner explorer chart its own course.

Desert Dunes

Join a trained driver for an Arabian Desert dune exploration session in a specially equipped 4x4. Maneuver over rugged terrain and scenic sand dunes. Drifting down the dunes on a board is another option and sandboarding is a top thrill for many desert enthusiasts. And for an authentic experience, there’s no better way to scan the expansive horizon than from atop a camel — just as nomadic Bedouins observed the same landscape centuries ago.

Bedouin Banter

Often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Middle East,” Jordan’s Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. Celebrated for its narrow gorges, towering cliffs, and expansive caverns, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to nomadic Bedouin shepherds, known for their hospitality as much as their traditional meals.

Red Sea Snorkeling

When it comes to diving and snorkeling, the Red Sea tops nearly every “world’s best spot” list. The plethora of marine life — more than 1,200 species of fish, 44 species of shark, and vibrant coral reefs dating back 7,000 years — are the reason enough the Red Sea is a celebrated destination.

This extreme biodiversity is recognized and monitored by the Egyptian government and a section of the sea is considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world.

Wildlife Island

Experience the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, including the endangered Arabian oryx. View the wildlife and learn about conservation efforts to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem on a private safari with an expert guide.