lioness27

Hello all, We are on a cruise out of Dubai this Dec, 2023, with a day stop in Abu Dhabi. We would like to visit the Grand Mosque, the Presidential Palace, and see from outside, the Louvre. Any suggestions on how to do this via transport in the most timely fashion??

This is an MSC cruise, departing Dubai, Dec 3rd, on the MSC Opera

Hello all, Is anyone going on this cruise?? We have several questions pertaining to the ports of call. 1) Abu Dhabi: we wish to visit the Grand Mosque. We've heard early morning is best, and we've also heard to reserve our time slot ahead of time. What is the best/easiest way to get there from the terminal?? We also wish to visit the Presidential Palace (maybe have a coffee/drink inside), as well as see the Louvre (just from the outside/ not necessary to visit inside) Any suggestions as to how to go about this in the easiest and most timely manner, we are there for 10 hours only. Thank you

Thank you everyone for your amazing recommendations!! And for taking the time to write all details, great info, we will use all of it!!

Hi Kernow, I do have a question. Is it worth the extra $$ to get a balcony on the ship? We've done both insides and balconies, enjoyed a balcony on a transatlantic, not certain if it will be as useful on this cruise. What do you think?

Thank you kernow, awesome info! Will let you know if I have more questions

I live in Montreal, not Quebec city (3 hours away). However, I can make some basic recommendations. Quebec city is a beautiful city, with alot of interesting architecture, and of course, food. I recommend staying in the old part of the city (cobblestone streets, French cafès & restaurants, lots of character). You can basically walk to everything of interest from this area (maybe not the cruise port). The grandest hotel, with best location and views is the Fairmount Chateau Frontenac (however, could be expensive, depends on your budget). You can get very charming smaller hotels, less expensive, in the same area. For ground transportation, I recommend taxis/uber (unless the hotel you choose has airport transfer and/or cruise transport.) Happy to help with any other questions.

Thank you for responding. It is at the beginning of December, 7 days. Older ships are fine, we've done a few, and enjoyed them (as you said, more intimate). Did you do any of the excursions? If so, which ones would you recommend, or not, and why? Our stops are: Khasab, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas. (we have several days before and after in Dubai). Thank you

Thank you, "mom says". Great recommendations. It is a package deal out of Montreal, with stays included in Dubai, flights incl, etc. So, we figure it's a safe and convenient first trip to this part of the world.

Hello all, Going on a 7-day cruise out of Dubai in Dec'23, on the Opera. Has anyone actually been on this cruise, and if yes, what were the excursions like (cost, also). Thank you Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. We have never been to this part of the world, we've done some research, but always nice to hear from others who have experienced it (culture, food, tips on what to do/what not to do, etc)

Hello all, We are considering an MSC cruise, 7-day, out of Dubai. We've read some reviews, some bad, some acceptable. We would like to know more from all of you, especially with regards to the following: - shore excursions: are they super expensive, and are they worth it -is the balcony worth the extra price, regarding the views (we have never been in this part of the world) -important things to know before we go Thank you so much!!!

Hello all, We are considering a 5-day cruise on Celebrity Beyond. We are having difficult choosing between the various veranda categories, possibly aquaclass if the price difference is no more than $300 (this price difference has been noted on other Celebrity ships, not the Beyond). Help please