The Middle East is a region that encompasses southwestern Asia and Egypt. In some contexts, the term has recently been expanded in usage to sometimes include Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Caucacus andCentral Asia, and North Africa. It's often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East. The corresponding adjective is Middle-Eastern and the derived noun is Middle-Easterner.

The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history, the Middle East has been a major centre of world affairs. When discussing ancient history, however, the term Near East is more commonly used. The Middle East is also the historical origin of three of the world’s major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Middle East generally has an arid and hot climate, with several major rivers providing for irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas. Many countries located around the Persian Gulf have large quantities of crude oil.

A cruise to the Middle East has much to offer today’s traveller. From the extraordinary natural beauty of Oman and striking modern architecture of Dubai, to Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and Jordan’s ‘Rose-Red’ city, Petra. This region is a land cloaked in mystery and intrigue. Here, more than any other place in the world, it’s possible to walk in the footsteps of the ancients and gaze upon the remarkable architecture built to appease gods and celebrate Kings and Sultans.

However it’s not just history that makes these shores perfect as a cruise destination. The waters of the Red Sea are famed the world over as a diver’s delight. There is the choice of shopping in air-conditioned complexes or among spice scented bazaars and souks. Then, of course, there are the beaches and parks offering serene places to simply relax.