PRE – MARVELS OF DUBAI AND SHARJAH – 2022-23

CODE: DXBL94

Become thoroughly immersed in the UAE’s cultural contrasts by viewing Dubai’s futuristic architectural treasures, dining outdoors in the desert and admiring the traditional atmosphere in Sharjah.

Day 1:

Arrive at the Dubai International Airport. You will be met outside the Customs area and transferred to your hotel.

Check in time is at 3:00 pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. Should your flight arrive very early in the morning you may wish to book an additional night.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure and all meals are on your own.

Day 2:

Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or perhaps to do some exploring near your hotel. Lunch is on your own.

In the afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of modern Dubai. The tour starts with a drive to the Jumeirah Beach area with photo stops at the Jumeirah Mosque, a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture, followed by a stop to photograph the landmark of the city, the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel which is built on a manmade island.

From here you will drive to the Marina and take a 10-minute break to walk through the Marina overlooking the lagoon. Thereafter, you drive through the Jumeirah Beach Residence area and drive on to the Palm Jumeirah, which is the most talked about project of the new Dubai.

Continue to Sheikh Zayed Road and arrive at the Dubai Mall which is the largest shopping mall in the world. The Dubai Mall is the region’s premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination. With more than 1,200 stores and a host of world-class attractions, The Dubai Mall is revolutionizing the modern shopping experience.

From here you will walk to the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. Head up to the 124th floor for the opportunity to view the entire city in the viewing gallery.

Following your city tour you will be returned to your hotel.

The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3:

Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or perhaps to do some exploring near your hotel. Lunch is on your own.

In the afternoon you will depart for an adventurous dune dinner safari. Experience the sheer thrill of driving up and down golden yellow sand dunes in comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicles. Drive past the Bedouin villages and stop at a camel camp to discuss the “news” of the day!

You will then enjoy some thrilling dune bashing with the experienced drivers over golden sand dunes.

Close to sunset, the group arrives at the sunset point where “time stands still”. Experience the silence of the desert and watch the stunning vista of endless dunes and the magical desert sunset.

After sunset you will continue your journey deep into the desert until you reach the soft light of a Bedouin Village.

The campsite is specifically built to depict an authentic Bedouin Village with Barasti (dried palm leaves) tents. It is beautifully lit and decorated with rustic carpets and low tables with soft Arabic music in the background. Despite the rustic appeal, the campsite does have modern restroom facilities and basins with running water.

The campsite even has one area set-up with hubbly bubbly water pipes (Shisha’s) where you can relax and try a puff or two of this local favorite past time after your buffet barbeque dinner or you can watch a belly dancer as she dances to the rhythm of the music.

Following this fun filled Arabian evening you will head back to your hotel.

**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 4:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to the Emirate of Sharjah. The drive is quite panoramic as you pass some of the Emirate’s landmarks, such as the King Faisal Mosque, the Pearl Monument symbol of the country, the Blue Souk and the Ruler’s area. Worthy to know is that, in 1998, Sharjah won the UNESCO award of being the Cultural capital of the Arab world. This Emirate really takes great pride with its commitment to art and preserving the local heritage and hosts very interesting museums, such as the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

A visit to this museum will allow you to deepen your knowledge the country’s official religion, Islam, and to understand how the Arab civilization developed throughout the centuries. Of particular interest is also the building in which the Museum is located. Once hosting the Souk Al Majarrah, it is characterized by impressive architecture with traditional Arab-Islamic design elements in its ground-plan and décor. Its most outstanding feature is its majestic, gilt central dome, decorated on the inside with an intricate mosaic depicting the night sky and the signs of the zodiac.

Then walk to the nearby Souk Al Arsa, the oldest souk in the UAE. Arsa is a local Arabic word meaning ‘the area where goods are being sold in a traditional open space way’ and it correctly defines this souk. Here you can find displayed various traditional items and goods, such as copper, silver and wood items, traditional jewelry, pearls and garments.

At the end of this culturally rich tour you will drive to the port to embark the ship.

Operational Note for guests booked on the Seven Seas Mariner April 16th, 2023 Sailing:

The holy month of Ramadan falls during the time frame that this program will take place, therefore there may be certain restrictions imposed by the country during Ramadan dates. For example, guests may not be allowed to drink or eat in public during the day from early morning until approximately 7:30pm however all regular shops, restaurants and other food outlets will be open for service in covered/enclosed spaces so as to not disturb the people who are fasting. There may also be restrictions on the entertainment during the Dune Dinner Safari excursion. If there will be any changes to the program, we will inform guests accordingly.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program 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. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any 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.

Day 1:

Arrive at the Dubai International Airport

Meet and greet in the designed Meet and Greet area after Customs

Transfer to your hotel

Check in at your hotel and the remainder of the day at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the JW Marriott Marquis or similar hotel

Day 2:

AM Breakfast and morning at leisure

Lunch on own

1:30pm Depart for Modern Dubai Tour

2:00pm Visit At the top Burj Khalifa – Observation deck 124th floor

3:30pm Explore the Dubai Mall

4:15pm Drive to Jumeirah Mosque, photo Stop (outside Only)

4:45pm Drive to Jumeirah Beach side for a photo stop of Burj Al Arab (outside view only)

5:10 pm Drive to Palm Jumeirah. Photo stop at the Point

5:45 pm Drive to Dubai Marina and visit

6:15pm Return drive to your hotel

6:45pm Arrive at your hotel

Evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the JW Marriott Marquis or similar hotel

Day 3:

AM Breakfast and morning at leisure

Lunch on own

3:15pm Transfer towards the desert by 4WD Jeeps

4:30pm Dune drive

5:30pm Arrival at camp site

6:00pm Dinner and relaxing at the camp site

9:00pm Return drive to your hotel

Overnight at the JW Marriott Marquis or similar hotel

Day 4:

AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out

8:30am Drive to Sharjah

9:15am Panoramic drive through Sharjah including photo stops

10:45am Visit Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

11:30am Visit Souk Al Arsa

12:30pm Drive to the port

1:30pm Arrive at the Port for embarkation

Expected Weather:

Warm and Sunny (Average temperature – 26 degrees Celsius /78.8 degrees Fahrenheit)

What to Bring:

Comfortable walking shows, light loose clothing, sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, camera.

Currency:

UAE Dirham

Electricity:

220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if you will have electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

All passengers travelling to the United Arab Emirates must be in possession of a passport valid for atleast 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Please consult your local embassy for any Visa requirements for your nationality.

Accommodation:

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Rd – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 414 0000

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Program Inclusions:

•3 nights at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel or similar (Deluxe Room) or similar including breakfast

•Transfer from the Dubai International Airport

•Half day tours of Dubai and Sharjah tour using a luxury air-conditioned coaches and accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide

•Entrance to the Observation deck of Burj Khalifa’ s 124th level

•Desert Safari (Al Sahara Experience) including BBQ dinner with soft drinks & water

Program Excludes for guests:

•Meals or beverages other than specified above

•Gratuities to guides, drivers and porters

•Any personal expenses

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

POST – DISCOVER SINGAPORE- 2022-23

CODE: SINLA2

Enjoy a fascinating exploration of Singapore with a sightseeing trip on the Singapore River, admiring landmarks such as the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and the symbolic Merlion statue. Discover Chinatown and take walk through several districts teeming with landmarks of Singapore’s colonial past. Tour Gardens by the Bay, a sprawling waterfront garden and nature park and close your experience with a memorable dinner at the 1930’s style Grand Shanghai restaurant.

DAY 1

After disembarking the ship, you will be met by your guide at the pier for an introductory tour to discover the multi religion and culture of Singapore.

Begin with an exploration of Waterloo Street where you will find several well-known landmarks, including the Kwan Imm Thong Hood Cho Temple, Maghain Aboth Synagogue, Sculpture Square, and Sri Krishnan Temple. The Maghain Aboth Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Singapore and was built by the local Jewish community in 1878. Here you will experience how the locals adapt to each other’s culture and religion.

Next take a walk along Albert Street which was originally lined with two-story shop houses, and was famous for its Chinese restaurants, bars, medicine shops and food stalls. You can still see some of the old traditional retail shops within this area.

You will also see the business district that is responsible for the nation’s fiscal security and drive through the historic Padang or colonial area. Have your camera ready as architecture and foliage combine to create the perfect backdrop for you to capture the landmarks of Singapore’s colonial past.

Continue with a visit to Chinatown where you will walk through its alleyways and visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Housed within 3 traditional shop houses, each level of the Heritage Centre takes you to a different period in the history of Chinatown, and allows you to trace the lives of its early occupants. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies.

For lunch the group will dine at a local Chinese seafood restaurant – perhaps you will try the famous Singapore Chili Crab!

After lunch board a colourful riverboat and enjoy a 30-minute ride down the Singapore River. In Raffles’ days, the riverboats carried goods. Today, they are a popular way to experience a kaleidoscope of historic river and harbor images, including the “godown” warehouses, the shophouses, the six bridges built by the British and the gracious buildings of the old waterfront set against the towering skyline of the new business district.

The day wraps up with a visit to Arab Street, the old center of the Malay community. Today, Arab Street is abundant with glittery and lavish fashion items that include the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, ostrich feathers, iron-on diamantes, gold thread, wholesales bales of silk and organza with dazzling rainbow hues and intensities. Traditional rattan is also sold in little India’s street shops, and the beautiful gold-domed Sultan Mosque is located here.

After this comprehensive and enlightening tour of the city, you will return to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your own leisure or you may choose to stay in the city and make your own way back to your hotel. Dinner is on your own today.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the sights and sounds of Singapore at your own pace.

Fairmont Singapore is ideally situated at the crossroads of Singapore’s business, cultural, entertainment and shopping districts, with the City Hall Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train station and other major transportation nodes at its doorstep.

Something worth trying and within a 20-minute walk is the Singapore Flyer – Asia’s largest giant observation wheel. Standing at a stunning 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers you breathtaking, panoramic views of the Marina Bay and beyond. There’s also a range of shops, restaurants and facilities nearby. A variety of packages can be purchased in advance for the Flyer.

Your hotel Concierge will be happy to assist with any independent sightseeing questions you may have.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

DAY 3

After breakfast at your hotel you will be met by your guide for your tour to “Gardens by the Bay”. These Gardens capture the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment in which to love and work – making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.

Underlying the concept of Gardens by the Bay are the principles of environmental sustainability. Comprising two glass biomes, the Conservatories replicate the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid sub-tropical regions and the cool-moist climate of the Tropical Montane region. They house a diverse collection of plants that are not commonly seen in this part of the world and are of high conservation value. The conservatories are a statement in sustainable engineering and apply a suite of cutting-edge technologies for energy-efficient solutions in cooling.

Visit the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. A 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000-meters above sea level.

Next, step into the Flower Dome and you will marvel in awe of nature as well as the spectacular and innovative designs. The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions.

You may wish to stroll along the Skyway and take in a view of the Gardens from above. (there is a separate fee to walk along the Skyway)

Truly a spectacular and colorful national icon, Gardens by the Bay will capture the imagination of everyone who visits.

Next, visit the top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel – SkyPark Observation Deck. At 57 stories above ground you will have a bird’s eye view of the stunning Marina Bay, Singapore’s world class city-scape, the architectural wonders of Supertree Grove and the bustling shipping lanes that have built Singapore’s rich history and economy.

After this tour, you will return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Lunch is on your own.

In the evening you will meet with your guide once again and transfer to the Grand Shanghai for a dinner that is sure to be a feast for the senses.

In the midst of a contemporary “East meets West” interior setting, Grand Shanghai invites you to immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere with Iconic art-deco motifs, elegant chandeliers and modern oriental designs.

Following dinner, you will be returned to your hotel.

NOTE: Please advise the Destination Team via Reservations or Guest Services in advance of any seafood allergies

DAY 4

After breakfast you will check out and transfer to the Singapore Airport for your flight home based on the flight details provided. For guests with late flights, luggage can be stored at the hotel until your transfer time.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program 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. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any 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.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program

Day 1

8:30am Disembark the ship and collect your luggage

9:30am Meet you guide at the pier

9:45am Arrive at Waterloo Street, stop at the famous Synagogue, walk and stop at the famous Chinese Kwan Imm Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple

10:10am Take a walk at Albert Street – see local vendors and a wet market

10:30am Depart from Albert Street to drive through the colonial district

10:45am Stop at Merlion Park

11:15am Depart from Merlion Park and drive to Chinatown

11:30am Drive through Chinatown and arrive at the Chinatown Heritage Center

12:00pm Visit the Heritage Center

12:50pm Depart for lunch

1:10pm Arrive at a local restaurant for lunch

2:15pm Depart for a boat Ride

2:30pm Boat Ride

3:10pm Disembark and transfer to Arab Street

3:30pm Arrive at Arab Street

3:50pm Depart from Arab Street and return back to your hotel

4:15pm Approximate arrival back at your hotel

Remainder of the day is at your leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Fairmont Singapore or similar hotel

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel

The day is at leisure

Lunch and dinner are on own

Overnight at the Fairmont Singapore or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

9:00am Meet your guide in the hotel lobby

9:15am Transfer to Gardens By the Bay

9:30am Arrive at the Gardens By the Bay and tour

11:00am Depart from Gardens By the Bay and transfer to Marina Bay Sands

11:30am Arrive at Marina Bay Sands

11:45am Enjoy the view and a drink

12:30pm Depart from Marina Bay Sands back to your hotel

1:00pm Arrive at your hotel

Lunch and afternoon at leisure

5:00pm Pick-up from the hotel lobby

5:15pm Transfer to Grand Shanghai for dinner

5:30pm Arrive

6:00pm Dinner

8:00pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Fairmont Singapore or similar hotel

DAY4

From 7:00am Breakfast at hotel

12:00pm Check out time at the hotel

Transfer to the Singapore Changi Airport based on the flight details provided.

Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.

Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Expected Weather:

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.

What to Bring:

When packing, keep in mind that you will be in the tropics. Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts whereas women should wear dresses.

Local Currency:

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also at most shopping centers and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Electricity

Singapore’s electricity voltage is 220-240V with ac, 50 cycles per second. Generally, the electricity outlets are three-pronged – two parallel flat pins with a ground outlet. You may purchase adaptors in any of the hardware stores or rent one from the hotel. We recommend travelling with your own international adaptor should you have electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Visitors must have a valid passport or internationally recognized travel document valid for minimum 6 months beyond the date of entry into Singapore.

Hotel Address:

Fairmont Singapore

80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560

Phone: +65 6339 7777

*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes for guests

3 nights at the Fairmont Hotel Singapore including breakfast – Fairmont Room

1 Lunch

1 set dinner at Shanghai Club including transfers and guide

1 Full Day tour with English speaking guide

1 Half Day tour with English speaking guide

Transfers

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure 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 to drivers and guides

Any meals or beverages not listed above

Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

Any visas if required

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.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Regent Seven Seas also reserves the right to change the itineraries as necessary.