Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Your action-packed, half-day excursion starts at the pier, where you will meet your guide before heading to the Burj Al Arab Hotel, in the Jumeirah district. Built in the shape of a towering sail, this magnificent structure is the tallest hotel in the world that stands over water, measuring just over 321 meters high. Next stop is the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most photographed sites in Dubai, and a fine example of Middle Eastern architecture. Then tour the fascinating Dubai Museum, which is located in the Al Fahidi Fort (built in 1787), and view artifacts from Dubai's pearl fishing days. Afterwards, head to the abra (water taxi) station and trade your motorcoach for a water taxi which will take you across the creek to Deira. Here, you will have time to join the crowds in the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, haggling for gifts and souvenirs, before returning to Port Rashid.

This half-day driving tour is perfect for passengers who are curious to learn more about Dubai but don't want to walk long distances, or spend an entire day away from the ship. Your narrated journey starts at Port Rashid, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide before heading to the magnificent Burj Al Arab Hotel. This 321 meter building is famous for its sail-shaped tower. Drive across the city to view the Jumeirah Mosque, a superb example of Islamic architecture, and one of the most photographed sites in Dubai, before heading to the ancient Al Bastakiya quarter, which is famous for its traditional wind towers. Enjoy a photo stop at Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House, which dates back to 1896, and now showcases photographs, coins and historic documents. Try your hand at haggling for gifts at the Gold Souk, where traders sell everything from gold bars to necklaces.

Craft your own itinerary when you explore the very best of Dubai at your leisure via a hop-on hop-off open-air double-decker bus. There's something for everyone in this glamorous city, with over 24 stops-from the towering Burj Khalifa and the 7-star Burj Al-Arab to the mysterious gold and spice souks. Choose from historic to modern attractions, hopping off when something entices and then back on when you are ready to see something new. The tour ticket is valid for the entire day, and frequency of the buses is every 20 minutes. Entertaining, recorded commentary is available in 12 languages: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Hindi and Farsi, in addition to live English tours guides on the red loop. A complimentary shuttle will bring you back to the ship at the conclusion of your exciting day..

This exhilarating half-day narrated tour is a wonderful introduction to this Middle Eastern city, starting with a warm welcome from your guide at Port Rashid. View Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most photographed sites in Dubai, and a fine example of Middle Eastern architecture, before heading to the Burj Al Arab Hotel, which is 321 meter high and built in the shape of a towering sail. Visit the Mall of the Emirates, home to Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East before getting your own blood racing with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 2,680 feet. Take a high speed elevator to the observation deck on level 124, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean. Time permitting, enjoy a stroll through sprawling Dubai Mall, as you shop for gifts and souvenirs.

Set sail for a romantic evening cruise aboard a beautiful and spacious dhow. Used for centuries to transport people and goods along Dubai Creek, this traditional Arab sailing vessel has been converted into a floating restaurant offering modern amenities. And when the sun goes down and the stars come out, it's time for an adventure you'll never forget! So get ready for a night out on the town---Dubai style. The dhow dinner cruise offers an intriguingly different view of the beautiful city of Dubai, which is a delightful mix of traditional and modern ways of life. Once seated inside the spacious dhow, you can sit back and relax as the captain cruises down Dubai Creek and past many of its most spectacular sights. From this perspective you can enjoy a different view of landmarks such as Sheikh Saeed's House, and Diwan, or the Ruler's Court.

At Port Rashid, you will board your 4-wheel drive vehicle for the exciting journey to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. In the 1990's, the ruler of Dubai became concerned about the disappearance of the country's wildlife, particularly the Arabian Oryx (a type of antelope), and so he established this reserve as a place where animals could roam safely. This vast tract of land is also home to a luxury spa that attracts visitors from all over the world. Your driver will stop frequently so that you can take photographs as you head to the lively Arabian campsite. Here, you will first enjoy a memorable camel ride. Afterwards, you will return to your 4WD vehicle for the captivating return journey across this spectacular landscape, before arriving back at your ship.

At Port Rashid, you will board your 4-wheel drive vehicle for the exciting journey to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. In the 1960's, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum became concerned about the disappearance of the country's wildlife, particularly the Arabian Oryx (a type of antelope), and so he established this reserve as a place where animals could roam safely. This vast tract of land is also home to a luxury spa that attracts visitors from all over the world. Your driver will stop frequently so that you can take photographs as you head to an exclusive and private, lively Arabian campsite, not open to the public. Here, you will first enjoy a memorable camel ride before relaxing over a delicious barbeque served with beer and wine. Your entertainment continues with a traditional belly dancing performance. Afterwards, you will return to your 4WD vehicle for the captivating return journey across this spectacular landscape, before arriving back at your ship.

Home to over 50 million planted blooms, the Dubai Miracle Garden is a spectacular attraction that showcases the best in botanicals displayed in a series of immense sculptures and intricate designs. Your 6.5-hour day begins with a motorcoach drive to Al Barsha South, where this one-of-a-kind park offers a plethora of "Instagrammable" scenes-around every corner a new and fantastical flora-covered structure. Feast your eyes on blooming pyramids, stars, igloos and hearts as you stroll the grounds, a miraculous mega garden smack in the middle of the desert. Peacocks roam, a floral clock tells time, and the butterfly garden houses over 15,000 butterflies from 26 species of delicate beauty. Continue on to The Farm, a culinary haven set within lush surroundings. This restaurant and culinary "hub" allows friends and family to enjoy quality food and time together in a serene, tranquil setting. The food served is influenced by a global table, with Thai, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian flavors and delicacies.

An approximately 90-minute drive brings you to some of the most memorable landmarks that Abu Dhabi has to offer on a fascinating 10-hour excursion. The Grand Mosque, your first stop, is not only stunningly beautiful on the outside; its interior is also a record-breaker. The carpet inside is officially the world's largest, and the mosque is home to the world's largest chandelier. Continue on to Heritage Village, which serves as a window to the region's past. Stop to photograph the Emirates Palace hotel, widely regarded as a national landmark, located on a mile of private white-sand beach and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Drive into the city center and pause for lunch at one of the finest restaurants by the seaport. Then, visit the incredible Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. Designed as a seemingly floating, dome-like structure, its art-filled galleries tell the story of humanity in 12 inspiring chapters. Return to port at the end of this awe-inspiring day.

Savor the flavors of Dubai while feasting on the city's beauty and history during a cruise down Dubai Creek. Dubai is a welcoming oasis and considered to be the beating heart of the UAE and the business hub of the Middle East and a relaxing dinner cruise is an ideal way to experience this impressive city. From the pier, you'll board the Bateaux Dubai, a luxurious dining vessel. During the two-hour cruise, you'll marvel at the startling contrasts of the city, with soaring steel and high rises on one side of Dubai Creek and traditional sand houses on the other from the sleek glass-enclosed interior as a state-of-the-art sound system delivers a superb acoustic experience. Your dinner will be freshly prepared in an enclosed kitchen and the open bar serves a variety of beverages. Once you've completed your epicurean journey of sight, scent and taste, you'll return to your ship.

This enjoyable, treat-filled day starts with a picturesque journey to Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like palm-tree, that sits off the coast of Dubai. Board your catamaran and cruise towards Palm Jumeirah. Cruise past the equally impressive Jumeirah Beach Residence development. Back at Dubai Marina, head to the 321 meters high Burj Al Arab Hotel, commonly described as the world's only "seven-star" hotel. On arrival at this towering, sail-shaped resort, you will be shown to the tea-room, an opulent dining area that boasts stunning views of the ocean. Enjoy tea, tea sandwiches, tiny choux pastries, cakes, cookies and home-made preserves before heading back to the ship.

Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of one of the country's most vibrant cities. From the ship, it's a short drive to the harbor where a state-of-the-art seaplane awaits. Step aboard and take a comfortable seat; have your camera ready, the large windows provide never-ending views. Feel your pulse soar as the captain flies over such sights as the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. Built in the shape of a towering sail, the 1,053-foot-tall structure is the world's tallest all-suite hotel over water. A landmark you can't miss is the 2,717-foot-tall Burj Khalifa, acclaimed as the world's tallest building (for a look at Dubai from the structure's observation deck, see the other options in this port). More see-worthy sights include Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made archipelago; Dubai Marina; and the World Islands, designed to resemble a world map. A water landing completes this thrilling excursion.

Enjoy dressing up for a 'Culinary Flight' at the esteemed Burj Al Arab, an eminent emblem of modern Dubai. Each of the five courses will be served in five different restaurants offering a variety of world cuisines. Once you arrive, you'll be led to the 27th floor to the Sky View Bar; soaring over 600 feet above sea level, its floor-to-ceiling windows boast spectacular views of Dubai's skyline. Appetizers await next door at Al Muntaha followed by an Arabic buffet at Al Iwan, richly decorated in red and gold boasting a huge atrium with ocean views. For the next course, you'll be escorted to Junsui which offers Far East Asian cuisine. Make room for the main course served in Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab's signature restaurant offering fresh seafood and Wagyu beef. Your culinary journey ends with dessert at Sahn Eddar.