Experience the rich tapestry of the United Arab Emirates on a journey that blends architectural grandeur, world-class art, and the timeless allure of the desert. This carefully crafted program invites you to explore cultural icons such as the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the globally renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi. Spend three serene nights at the luxurious Marriott Al Wathba Desert Resort, where modern comfort meets Bedouin charm. Amid golden dunes and starlit skies, thrill to a dune-bashing adventure and unwind in tranquil surroundings. Each experience offers a window into the UAE’s soul — a harmonious blend of heritage, innovation, and natural beauty.
Special Note:
•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Abu Dhabi Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Marriott Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa. Drive time is approximately 1 hour from the airport.
A transfer is included for guests flying to Abu Dhabi on this day. Should your flight arrive in Dubai, additional charges will apply.
Nestled in the serene surroundings of the desert, this resort offers a peaceful retreat away from the city and this first day offers a gentle introduction to your desert escape, allowing you to settle in, unwind, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings at your own pace.
As the sun sets over the dunes, take a moment to reflect and look forward to the enriching experiences that await in this enchanting desert haven.
Standard check-in time is 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival, or you may choose to store luggage at Reception and begin to enjoy the facilities of the resort.
Lunch and dinner will be on your own arrangement, with several dining options available at the hotel.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
DAY 2
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the resort, followed by a leisurely morning to unwind or explore the serene desert surroundings at your own pace.
In the late afternoon, set off with the group for an exhilarating dune bashing adventure across the golden sands, followed by a desert-style dinner under the stars.
A 45-minute drive will bring you deep into the golden expanse of the Al Khatim Desert, renowned for its soaring sand dunes that rise up to 300 meters (984 feet). Your desert adventure begins as your experienced desert driver deflates the tires to adapt to the ever-shifting sands—before setting off on an exhilarating dune bashing experience. Feel the thrill as you climb steep dune faces and descend into sweeping valleys, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the open desert.
As the sun begins to set, pause atop one of the dunes to take in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photographs of the desert bathed in golden light.
Continue to a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp where you will enjoy a dinner under the stars all while being captivated by live performances, including belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and a mesmerizing fire show. You may also choose to try camel riding, sandboarding, or have your hands adorned with henna designs, immersing yourself in timeless desert traditions.
After this magical evening, return to your hotel in the comfort of your 4x4, with lasting memories of your desert escape.
**Note: Guests do not drive. The dune dinner safari takes place in 4-wheel drive vehicles and the drive can be quite bumpy. This is not recommended for anyone with bad backs or if they are pregnant. We recommend having a light lunch prior to the commencement of the tour. Please wear casual clothing and bring a light sweater or jacket for the evening hours. This tour is subject to weather conditions. Seating for the dinner is on low divan cushions as per the typical Bedouin way of dining
DAY 3
After breakfast at the resort, enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace, enjoying the luxurious amenities and tranquil desert setting—whether it's lounging by the pool, visiting the spa or take part in any of the included activities below:
Archery (45 minutes)
Test your precision and focus with one of the world’s oldest hunting techniques. In this engaging competition, participants shoot arrows at targets marked with concentric rings, aiming for the gold center to score maximum points. A perfect blend of tradition and sport, this is a chance to channel your inner archer.
Camel Ride (1 hr.)
Experience the timeless charm of desert travel on a traditional camel ride. As you sway gently across the sand, discover why camels have long been revered and remain a vital symbol of the region's culture and heritage.
Falcon Show (1 hr.)
Delve into the rich legacy of Arab falconry in this captivating show. Watch majestic birds of prey soar and dive under the guidance of skilled falconers, who will share insights into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of this ancient art. A truly memorable journey into the heart of Middle Eastern tradition.
Note:
Timings for the above activities will be provided in your Welcome Letter or communicated by the resort staff.
Lunch is at your leisure today, giving you the flexibility to dine whenever it suits you best.
For moments of relaxation, you may indulge in treatments at the Saray Spa (additional cost), maintain your routine at the fully equipped fitness center, or simply unwind by the breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the desert.
In the evening, savor an included, delightful dinner at the resort.
DAY 4
Following breakfast, check out and begin the journey through the ever-changing desert and urban landscapes towards Abu Dhabi city, a one hour drive away.
Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour showcasing the vibrant contrasts of Abu Dhabi, where contemporary architecture rises alongside cultural landmarks. Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a true masterpiece of Islamic design, adorned with marble domes, intricate mosaics, and reflective pools.
Continue to the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi where you’ll explore a world-class collection of art, history, and culture housed under the museum’s iconic floating dome. The curated galleries blend Eastern and Western influences, offering a rich, cross-cultural experience.
Following this introductory tour, transfer to the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal where you will embark the ship.
**Note: The Grand Mosque does not provide ladies a headscarf or abaya free of charge and there are very few shop on sight to buy them. Ladies, please come prepared with something to cover you head or entrance will unfortunately be denied. For both men and women: no transparent clothing, no shorts or skirts, no sleeveless shirts, no clothing with profanity and no tight clothing (including leggings) or beachwear.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests who do not arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program without notice will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm. Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at Abu Dhabi Airport.
You are met at the paging area of the terminal and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.
3:00pm Check in time at the resort
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at Marriott Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Free time at the hotel, lunch on your own
3:30pm Depart on a desert safari followed by dune bashing experience and dinner at camp
9:00pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at Marriott Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
DAY 3
8:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Free time at the hotel.
You can participate in the included activities: Archery, Camel Ride and Falcon Show – times to be advised
Lunch on your own
7:00pm Dinner at the resort
Overnight at Marriott Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
DAY 4
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Check-out and transfer to Abu Dhabi city
9:00am Arrive to Abu Dhabi city and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Abu Dhabi
9:30am Transfer to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
10:00am Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
11:30pm Transfer to Louvre Abu Dhabi
12:00pm Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi
1:30pm Transfer to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
1:45pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
What to bring:
Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing that can be layered, umbrella or rain jacket, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, head covering for mosque visit
Local Currency:
UAE Dirhams and USD is also accepted
Electricity
The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. We recommend you bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodation:
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 56620
Phone: +971 02-204 4444
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Please Note:
•Arabs are generally shy and do not like pictures to be taken of them or their children. Out of respect, please ask permission first.
•When visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you must not wear tight, transparent or see-through clothing, shorts or above the ankle skirts, sleeveless shirts, clothing with profanity. Ladies must wear clothing that covers all the way to wrists and ankles and should bring a head scarf. Men should wear pants and shirts with sleeves at least to the elbow.
•Resort Activities mentioned on Day 3 are subject to availability and weather conditions and may be cancelled on short notice should safety or operational issues arise.
•Please note that during Islamic holidays, alcohol will not be served, and belly dance performances will not be featured at the desert camp. All other entertainment offerings will remain unaffected.
•Participants bringing a wheelchair must be able to make their way on and off the tour coaches with little to no assistance. Wheelchairs cannot be brought to the dune desert dinner.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi – Deluxe Desert View Room (subject to change)
•All entrances and tours per the above itinerary
•Transfers – private transfer on Day 1 if flying to Abu Dhabi and group transfer on Day 4
•Hospitality Desk for groups of 15 guests or more
•Meals including water as per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service
•Any personal expenses or added activities at the resort (Ie: Spa service)
•Meals or beverages other than specified above
•Transfers from Dubai Airport
Please note:
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $2,499 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
