🎉 New Year During a Cruise in the Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf is especially ideal during the winter months thanks to its warm weather, calm seas, and luxurious cruises. In December, the temperature ranges from +22 to +27 °C — perfect for a holiday. 🌞🌊
🛳️ What’s Included in the New Year Cruise
A voyage on the luxurious Costa Toscana 5* cruise ship, featuring restaurants, boutiques, jacuzzis, pools, and entertainment lounges.
Ports of Call
🏙️ Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE) – the cruise often starts and ends here.
🕌 Muscat (Oman) – a historic port city.
🏛️ Doha (Qatar) – home to modern art and rich culture.
🎆 New Year’s Eve on Board
Night party with DJs and live music 🎶
Festive dinner with international cuisine 🍾🍤

Stunning fireworks over the sea, with views of Dubai or Abu Dhabi’s skyline 🎆

December 31 / Day 1
10:45 – meeting at Zvartnots Airport with the group leader
13:45 – departure from Yerevan (flight number 3L442, duration 3 h 10 m)
16:55 – arrival in Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Transfer to Beach Rotana Residences 5 hotel
Free time
From 19:00 to 01:00 – we celebrate the New Year

January 1 / Day 2
08:30 – excursion to Abu Dhabi’s sights
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is the largest, wealthiest emirate with the largest oil reserves; its emir heads the country, and here lies the capital of the UAE. The city of Abu Dhabi is located on the Persian Gulf coast. The vast desert extends to the west, and at the border with Oman, at the foot of Jebel Hafeet mountain, lies another major city of the emirate — Al Ain.
Abu Dhabi is becoming more beautiful day by day: skyscrapers like Manhattan, modern comfortable hotels, one of the region’s longest promenades with a magnificent park, unusual fountains, bay views, sandy beaches, restored old forts. It means that relaxation in Abu Dhabi is no less interesting than in Dubai.
People from around the world come to see the luxurious Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which adorns the entrance to the city: it impresses with its size and lavish interior.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The mosque is named after the first president of the UAE, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; his tomb is located next to it.
The Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque was officially opened in 2007 during Ramadan. Unlike other mosques, it allows entry to all who wish; it is considered one of the UAE’s most famous landmarks and a tourist hub.
It can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers simultaneously, with the main prayer hall designed for 7,000. The mosque is distinguished by its lavish interior and exterior: the chandeliers are entirely covered in gold leaf and Swarovski crystals.
The mosque houses the world’s largest carpet, created by artist Ali Khalil.
Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)
Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi is not only a beautiful and grand building but also a functioning presidential palace where world leaders are received with traditional Arab hospitality. Visiting it will give you insight into the history and culture of the emirates, diplomatic relations, and the values underlying UAE foreign policy.
Old City
In Abu Dhabi, amid skyscrapers, malls, and modern mosques, only one ancient structure from the 18th century remains — Al Hosn Fort.
For tourists, a small village was recreated to reflect the architecture and life of emirate residents before the oil era: Heritage Village is an open-air museum where you can touch the country’s history.

Return to the hotel
Free time

January 2 / Day 3
Check-out from the hotel
Transfer to Abu Dhabi port
Boarding the Costa Toscana 5* cruise ship
Costa Toscana 5*
Costa Toscana is one of Costa Cruises’ fleet working on LNG (liquefied natural gas), the cleanest fossil fuel, which significantly reduces emissions.
The ship is named after a famous Italian region known for its beauty, stunning landscapes, and elegant towns. Costa Toscana will amaze you with hospitality, design, and various innovations. Interesting itineraries, a diverse entertainment program, excellent restaurants, and a wide selection of onboard leisure activities make the journey unforgettable.
The ship features 19 bars, a beautiful spa area, a water park with slides, four pools, and a children’s area. Costa Smeralda hosts its CoDe – Costa Design Museum, dedicated to Italian design.
Costa Toscana is a place embodying Italian design, tasty cuisine, and enjoyable cruising for passengers of all ages.
Orientation tour on board with the group leader

Free time
22:00 – ship departure from Abu Dhabi port

January 3 / Day 4
07:00 – arrival at Dubai port
Excursion to Dubai’s sights
DUBAI
Dubai! How beloved it has become by Armenians: yes, our tourists love this city. And there are reasons. The enormous leap the country has made from the past to the future is most noticeable in Dubai. It is the second-largest emirate by area, but the most populated. Its capital city, Dubai, is considered to represent the whole UAE.
This city-state is the most modern and progressive in the Emirates and develops at an incredible pace. It is the country’s largest business, financial, trade, and cultural center. Also, Dubai is a favorite vacation destination for tourists from around the world.
Mohammed’s Palace
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the tenth ruler of Dubai, who came to power in 2006. His residence is located in the southern part of Dubai. Tourists are not allowed to enter the palace grounds: you can stroll only along the nearby palm alley, admiring the palace walls and the freely wandering birds.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah area is a true marvel of modern architecture: artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree with 16 symmetrical “fronds.”
To protect the island from destructive waves, it is surrounded by a crescent-shaped breakwater.
Madinat Jumeirah
Built in the style of an Arabian fort, the resort complex includes five-star hotels, eastern souks, and a pristine beach — it is a “city within a city.”
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made structure in the world, hosting four of the tallest residential buildings with breathtaking views. Considering the average height of the top 10 tallest buildings, this city has the highest skyline in the world.
Burj Khalifa is nearly twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building, standing at 828 m (2,722 ft).
The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountains near Burj Khalifa are some of the tallest and largest in the world: arch lengths up to 275 m and water jets reaching up to 140 m height (~50‑storey building). The fountains were designed by WET, the same company behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina rightfully carries the title “the pearl” of the city. Despite its modest area — only 4 km² — it is considered one of the most prestigious and stylish districts: artificial sea canal 3.5 km long connected to the sea. “Marina” means “a dock for yachts.”

Free time
Leisure aboard the ship: theatre, shows

January 4 / Day 5
Additional excursions to Dubai’s sights
Leisure aboard the ship: theatre, shows

January 5 / Day 6
Leisure aboard the ship
13:00 – ship departure from Dubai port

January 6 / Day 7
08:30 – arrival at Muscat port (Oman’s capital) (stop 10 h 30 m)
Excursion to Muscat’s attractions (optional)
MUSCAT
Muscat is the capital of Oman, a progressive and tolerant city thanks to its diverse population: Arabs, Indians, and others live here.
In spring, Muscat is especially beautiful, as everything blooms, and its lush greenery — rare in this country — is manmade. The city also offers many historical and cultural attractions.

Return to the ship
Free time
19:00 – ship departure from Muscat port
Leisure aboard: theatre, shows

January 7 / Day 8
Time at sea
Free time
Leisure aboard: pool, jacuzzi, theatre, shows

January 8 / Day 9
07:00 – arrival at Doha port (Qatar’s capital)
08:30 – excursion to Doha’s sights
DOHA
Doha is the modern Middle East. Around half of Qatar’s population lives in Doha, and almost all are wealthy or at least well-off. Pearls were once harvested from the local waters of the Persian Gulf, but then vast oil reserves were discovered, and today every citizen receives their share of the proceeds.
Tourists come to Doha to see an amazing city where skyscrapers and modern life coexist with old Arab traditions. Here you can visit luxurious shopping malls and theme parks, as well as see how Bedouins live. But locals’ and tourists’ favorite pastime is camel racing in winter and spring when the heat subsides.
Corniche
Corniche is one of Doha’s main attractions — a pleasant promenade along the Persian Gulf: nearly 7.5 km of waterfront, luxurious hotels, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Pearl Monument, a fish market, old port, gardens and parks.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is located in central Al Souq district and is considered one of the city’s most colorful places. It has existed since Doha was a village, located near a river for boat access. Bedouins traded simple goods here, but in 2003 much of it fell into disrepair and burned down; in 2006 Qatari authorities decided to restore Souq Waqif to preserve its historic and architectural uniqueness.
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is a modern complex with three theatres (opera, drama, and open-air amphitheatre), two mosques — Blue and Golden, a large garden, galleries, and art shops. Daily concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, and shows are held here. During the tour, you can see modern sculptures and then refresh yourself in a ventilated plaza where cold air rises from the ground.
The Pearl Qatar
The Pearl Qatar is an artificial island covering about 400 hectares, 350 m from Doha’s prestigious West Bay area. One of the best man-made wonders in the Middle East, built by UDC.
The island’s name is closely linked to its historic heritage: pearls were once harvested off Doha’s coast. Pearl Island is inexplicably beautiful — here Qatar created its own Venice.
Lusail
At the end of the city tour, we will take you to Lusail: a new micro-district known for its luxurious Raffles hotel and architecture shaped like crossed Bedouin swords.

Return to the ship
Free time
17:30 – ship departure from Doha port
Leisure aboard: theatre, shows

January 9 / Day 10
07:00 – arrival at Abu Dhabi port
Disembarkation
Transfer to Abu Dhabi Airport
14:05 – departure from Abu Dhabi
17:45 – arrival in Yerevan

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Old Town
Sheikh Mohammed’s Palace
Palm Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah
Burj Khalifa
The Dubai Fountain
Dubai Marina
Muscat

TOUR PRICE
Price per person in an inside cabin (based on double occupancy)-1590€

Price per person in an oceanview cabin (based on double occupancy)- 1750€

Price per person in a balcony cabin (based on double occupancy)- 1890€

Price per person for single occupancy in an inside cabin – 1990€

Price per person for single occupancy in an oceanview cabin – 2290€

Price per person for single occupancy in a balcony cabin – 2490€

PRICE INCLUDES

Accommodation on the Costa Toscana 5★ cruise ship (7 nights, full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hotel accommodation for 2 nights
All transfers with our private buses
All excursions according to the itinerary:
Dubai (UAE)
Muscat (capital of Oman)
Doha (capital of Qatar)
Abu Dhabi (capital of the UAE)
Tour escort and assistance throughout the entire trip
New Year’s Eve celebration with gala dinner (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Airfare: Yerevan – Abu Dhabi – Yerevan-400€
Checked baggage: 1 piece up to 20 kg for all flights
Hand luggage: up to 7 kg, size 55×38×20 cm for all flights
Cruise service fee – €11 per day, total of €77 for the entire cruise (paid onboard)
Travel insurance (optional):
5,000 AMD (for travelers up to 65 years old)
9,000 AMD (for travelers 65+ years old)
Entrance fees to museums and sightseeing places are not included and are paid separately, if desired

The first payment for one person’s reservation is 800€
The remaining balance must be paid by November 31, 2024
Payment can be made at our office:
15/1 Movses Khorenatsi St., Office 501, Yerevan.
All payments are made in AMD at the latest exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Armenia.
Contact number:
+374 96 028 028 (office)
We wish you a pleasant journey with SST Armenia Tour Operator!