Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to the capital of the Empire—Rome. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Stroll the ancient halls of the Colosseum or gaze upon the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel.

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is situated at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Elegant, modern, and an important hub in Europe’s tech industry, Catania is also rich with baroque architecture, medieval castles, Roman era theatres, and a flourishing cultural and artistic center. The first university in Sicily was opened here in 1434. The Ursino castle built in the 13th Century is now a museum. The Piazza del Duomo, at the heart of Catania, is home to the city’s symbolic Fountain of the Elephant, constructed in 1736 from lava and an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Your adventure in Athens begins five miles southwest in Greece’s largest seaport, known as Piraeus. While here, be sure to take notice of what is considered to be one of the greatest contributions from the ancient Age of Pericles, the city’s infrastructure, which today we know as a city block.

This ancient port city bustles with trade traffic and an undeniable energy, connecting Jordan with other parts of the world. Aqaba is home to many resorts and beachy activities like windsurfing and snorkeling. Scuba divers will call Aqaba their paradise, where the warmth of the water and crystal visibility make for incredible Red Sea wreck diving. While stopped in Aqaba on an India cruise, you’ll find historic and cultural activities around every corner. Take a trip beyond Aqaba to the ancient ruins of Petra, an archaeological icon of pink stone that has long been Jordan’s most famous site. Don’t miss Wadi Rum, a famously protected desert where dunes, mountains, and wilderness collide. Stand in awe of the site where Lawrence of Arabia was said to have passed through in the early 20th century. Beyond the natural wonders of this part of Jordan, you’ll find a truly warm-natured city where tradition collides with modern life on your Aqaba cruise. While we don’t currently sail to Aqaba, you can discover the beauty of Europe on one of our cruises to the Mediterranean. Browse our luxury cruises to the Mediterranean below.

The city of Abu Dhabi is the ideal start to an India cruise. Though deeply rooted in traditions and history, Abu Dhabi has quickly turned into a thriving capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a shining gem of the Arabian Gulf. Before you cruise from Abu Dhabi, you’ll be able to quickly get a feel for this dynamic city. On an Abu Dhabi cruise, you’ll take in ornate sights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in the world. Marvel at its 82 pearly white domes and the stunning gold interwoven throughout the interior and exterior. Take a tour of the extravagant Louvre Abu Dhabi, then check out the Observation Deck at 300, where you can sip afternoon tea and enjoy 360-degree views of the entire skyline. Thrill seekers will love Abu Dhabi for adrenaline-rush attractions like the Formula Rossa roller coaster at Ferrari World, or the unforgettable water slides at Yas Island. When you’re craving nature, there’s always kayaking among the wildlife at Mangrove National Park or snorkeling at Corniche Beach. Abu Dhabi is a cornerstone of the UAE, balancing a careful line of modern opulence and traditionalism, constantly at work to honor its past while forging a path as a futuristic hub for commerce and tourism. You’ll quickly discover there’s something for every type of traveler on an Abu Dhabi cruise.

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. This enigmatic destination is recognized worldwide as a city pointed full throttle toward the future. Dubai is a must-experience city while on an India cruise. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail. Dubai is unlike any other place in the world, filled with luxe shopping and high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) scattered all over the city, and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Not even differences in climate can stop Dubai from bringing you every experience you crave. There’s even an indoor skiing experience and the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.