Indian Ocean Cruises

Most cruises to Arabia and India are part of world cruises, with the exception of cruises from Dubai which are starting to attract a growing number of cruise lines who will set up limited seasons for 10 night cruises between November and March. Dubai is an unquestioned highlight of the region and the majority of cruises that visit the "City of Gold" will generally spend at least one night in port. Other destinations in Arabia include Salalah and Muscat in Oman, bustling Abu Dhabi and stunning Sir Bani Yas island. Cruises visiting India call in at incredible Mumbai, Cochin the city of canals, the beaches of Goa and the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

After exploring the tea plantations, temples and Elephant Orphanage of Sri Lanka, some cruises will carry on around the coast to the Dravidian temples of Madras. Others will sail south and east over the Indian Ocean to the beaches of Thailand and Malaysia and the city state of Singapore. Some voyages will call at the Andaman Islands on the way, famed for their clear waters and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Lesser visited, the Maldives and Seychelles are generally visited as part of longer world cruise itineraries which include other ports of call in the Indian Ocean and Africa. Their white sand beaches and lush green foliage stand these exotic islands out as a virtual paradise on earth, and a true highlight for any cruiser lucky enough to visit.