Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Cruising the Arabian Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys
Dubai - Muscat
Dates:
13/01/2026
to
21/01/2026
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This exploration of the southern Persian Gulf and the cities that dot its shores begins in Dubai, a small coastal hamlet fewer than 100 years ago that is now a world class center of commerce and finance. It is home to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as well as to fabulous spice and gold markets.
Sail first to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Here you may discover two stunning symbols of Arab and Islamic pride: the Louvre Abu Dhabi with a collection of art spanning millennia and originating from all corners of the globe; and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, arguably the pinnacle of modern Islamic architecture.
A day on the island of Sir Bani Yas, once a barren desert, now transformed into a wildlife sanctuary for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and east Africa, is followed by a visit to Doha. The pride of Qatar and the site of the 2022 World Cup, Doha is where you will find the shopping oasis of Souq Waqif – the heart of the city where literally everything is for sale – and the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, constructed on its own island and home to the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.
Your ship will then drop anchor in Khasab, Oman, a sleepy fishing village nestled among the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, where you may explore these narrow inlets aboard local dhows, looking for the pods of dolphins that frequent these waters and admiring the majesty of the Hajar Mountains in the background.
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, the final port of call before your voyage ends in Muscat, Oman, lies on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and serves as your gateway to the 16th-century Fujairah Fort and Museum and to Al Bidya Mosque, the second oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
Ref : DM3545US - EU130126
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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04/01/2025 to the 19/01/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- An overnight in port in Dubai.
- Experience the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
- Visit I. M. Pei's Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Explore the world-famous souks of Dubai and Doha.
- Sail the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula.
- Admire the iconic architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Ports of Call & Excursions
13 January 2026 14 January 2026 - Dubai
Embarkation 13/01/2026 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 14/01/2026 at 22:00
Vertiginous, excessive, immoderate… Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, stands out for its architectural follies. Home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, with a total height of 828 metres, almost three times that of the Eiffel Tower, the city is also famous for the gigantic scale of the Palm Islands, its artificial islands in the form of a palm tree. You can explore more traditional districts not far away, with visits of the souks of Deira or the Gold Souk. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover Dubai Museum: located in an 18th-century fort, it tells the city’s history from Antiquity to the present day.
15 January 2026 - Abu Dhabi
Arrival 15/01/2026 early morning
Departure 15/01/2026 evening
The political capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi stands out thanks to its exceptional cultural offering. In the Saadiyat Island district, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel as a museum town inspired by traditional Arab architecture, creates a dialogue between objects and works from civilisations from all over the world around the great universal questions. A little further, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts a sumptuous decor of marble, gold and glass. Abu Dhabi is also the gateway to the Al Ain oasis and its 150,000 date palms, a remarkable testimony to the settling of nomads in the region since Neolithic times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16 January 2026 - Sir Bani Yas
Arrival 16/01/2026 mid morning
Departure 16/01/2026 late afternoon
You’ll make a port of call on the island of Sir Bani Yas, a real naturalist dream that has been dedicated to the conservation of endangered animal species since 1971. This enchanting former reserve of the Emir of Abu Dhabi is planted with more than two million trees. Nominated “The World’s Leading Sustainable Tourist Destination”, it has one the largest populations of Arabian oryxes. The ruins of one of the oldest Christian monasteries of the pre-Islamic era, dating back to 600 AD, are visible there.
17 January 2026 - Doha
Arrival 17/01/2026 early morning
Departure 17/01/2026 late evening
On the banks of the Persian Gulf, discover Doha, the capital of Qatar. Rising out of the desert, the city has managed to maintain its traditions in spite of a frantic race for modernity. The cliff bordering Doha Bay has magnificent views over the city centre’s enormous constructions. The silhouette of the Museum of Islamic Art rises up near the quays, where the region’s typical sailboats, known as dhows, are docked. This “fortress”, designed by Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid, is home to the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. Not far, the lively district of Souq Waqif and its colourful stalls are also an unmissable visit.
18 January 2026 - At sea
Arrival 18/01/2026
Departure 18/01/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
19 January 2026 - Khasab
Arrival 19/01/2026 early morning
Departure 19/01/2026 late afternoon
Located in the country’s north, on the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is a city in the Sultanate of Oman. In the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, this small port built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and surrounded by a chain of rocky mountains was established at the mouth of Wadi Khasab. You will love its authentic scenery and particularly its fjords, which cut through the landscapes in a spectacular fashion and have earned it the moniker “Norway of Arabia”. In the city, Khasab Castle and its atypical architecture are well worth a visit to discover the history and culture of Oman.
20 January 2026 - Fujairah
Arrival 20/01/2026 early morning
Departure 20/01/2026 early afternoon
The easternmost of the United Arab Emirates unfolds onto the Gulf of Oman. Unique to the region, the geography of Fujairah is composed of lush mountains and fertile plains, as well as the vast deserts that the Emirate shares with its neighbours. It is the majestic massif of the Al Hajar Mountains that brought rain to the territory, creating the oases that were vital to the development of agriculture. Fujairah also offers travellers the possibility of visiting its historic treasures such as its castle, an old fort dating back to the 16th century, or the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the United Arab Emirates, which was built in 1446.
21 January 2026 - Muscat
Arrival 21/01/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 21/01/2026 at 07:00
Unlike neighbouring metropolises, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman has chosen to ban towers and skyscrapers and to cultivate the peninsula’s traditional and refined architectural style: low houses, domes, moucharaby windows, and wooden balconies. This authenticity adds to the charm of this small former maritime city protected by mountains and the forts constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. There is no doubt that you will fall under the charm of the treasures of Omani craftsmanship: the souk in the old district of Mutrah is a perfect example of this, as is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Discover Doha
Let yourself be seduced by the sumptuous cityscape and treasures of Doha on a panoramic tour of the Qatari capital.
Rising out of the desert, Doha blends the ultramodern and the traditional with its futuristic skyscrapers and bustling historic centre. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, it offers a rich cultural experience, from avant-garde museums to man-made landscapes.
After taking in the panoramic views of the Qatari cityscape and watching the camel parade that takes place every morning and afternoon on the lawn in front of the Amiri Diwan, you continue your tour among the towers of West Bay. Here, history seems to meet the future in a constantly changing setting. Then admire Qatar's most prestigious addresses at Pearl Qatar. On this artificial archipelago, stretching over nearly four million square metres of reclaimed land, the different islands have been divided into ten districts with a distinct architectural style and theme. Take a photo stop at the Porto Arabia promenade overlooking the marina.
Finally, visit the Qatar National Museum. This museum tells the unique story of Qatar and its people, from the earliest times to the present day, and also looks to the future. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who drew inspiration from the local sand rose, its architecture symbolically evokes the desert, its silence and its eternal dimension, but also the spirit of modernity and boldness that shook what seemed unshakeable at the time. The museum occupies an impressive 40,000 square metres. The exhibitions highlight historical objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue on the impact of this rapid change.
-
This tour involves 1.5 km (less than a mile) of walking on flat ground. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. While no dress code is imposed, we suggest dressing modestly (covering knees and shoulders). The parade of camels may be cancelled without prior notice by the local authorities. On Fridays, this tour can only take place after 3.00 pm.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Dubai to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Sightseeing including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, and the Royal Opera House; lunch in a local restaurant; a hotel day room (Sheraton Oman Hotel or similar); and dinner in Muscat at the end of the cruise to accommodate evening flights home
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship or hotel to the airport in Muscat at the end of the cruise on the day of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Discover Doha
Let yourself be seduced by the sumptuous cityscape and treasures of Doha on a panoramic tour of the Qatari capital.
Rising out of the desert, Doha blends the ultramodern and the traditional with its futuristic skyscrapers and bustling historic centre. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, it offers a rich cultural experience, from avant-garde museums to man-made landscapes.
After taking in the panoramic views of the Qatari cityscape and watching the camel parade that takes place every morning and afternoon on the lawn in front of the Amiri Diwan, you continue your tour among the towers of West Bay. Here, history seems to meet the future in a constantly changing setting. Then admire Qatar's most prestigious addresses at Pearl Qatar. On this artificial archipelago, stretching over nearly four million square metres of reclaimed land, the different islands have been divided into ten districts with a distinct architectural style and theme. Take a photo stop at the Porto Arabia promenade overlooking the marina.
Finally, visit the Qatar National Museum. This museum tells the unique story of Qatar and its people, from the earliest times to the present day, and also looks to the future. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who drew inspiration from the local sand rose, its architecture symbolically evokes the desert, its silence and its eternal dimension, but also the spirit of modernity and boldness that shook what seemed unshakeable at the time. The museum occupies an impressive 40,000 square metres. The exhibitions highlight historical objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue on the impact of this rapid change.
-
This tour involves 1.5 km (less than a mile) of walking on flat ground. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. While no dress code is imposed, we suggest dressing modestly (covering knees and shoulders). The parade of camels may be cancelled without prior notice by the local authorities. On Fridays, this tour can only take place after 3.00 pm.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.