The Indian port city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is located on the island of Salsette, off the west coast of Maharashtra. Mumbai is not only India's economic center and fashion powerhouse it is also one of the most populous cities in the world with an estimated 14 million residents. It is home to theaters, unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster hang-outs and some of the country's prime restaurants and nightlife. 'Bollywood' is also located in Mumbai - you can take a tour around Film City or be an extra in one of the upcoming movies.

Salalah is the capital of the Dhofar region in Oman. This subtropical city lays on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is famous for its coconut-fringed beaches. Khareef - the rainy season, starts mid-June and brings monsoon clouds that constantly drizzle until mid-August, transforming the city into an oasis of misty pastures. Visitors find it hard to believe that they are in the heart of the Arabian desert. Salalah is a good starting point for numerous excursions.

Overnight

Stretching along a desert strip between the sea and the mountains, Safaga is a port town in Egypt that sits on the coast of the Red Sea. Although historically a merchant port, the seaside town also has a small tourism industry. The many coral reefs in the area, especially off the city of Hurghada just 53 kilometres south, make the region a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. To accommodate these visiting divers, the town offers vacancies in several hotels, bungalows and rest houses.

Petra, voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' is the great Ancient City located in the south of Jordan. It is one of the world's most famous and treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To get to it, your cruise will stop at Aqaba, Jordan's only sea port. Located in the Gulf of Akaba, Aqaba is also very popular with divers for its beautiful coral reefs. The town's relaxed atmosphere and comfortable climate make it perfect for the Jordanians to get away to.

The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, cutting through dunes and deserts of the region. The construction of the canal shortens the journey from the North Atlantic to northern Indian Oceans and vice versa by about 7,000 kilometres. Passage through the canal does not require a locking system as the seawater from both sources sits at about the same level. Cruising through the Suez Canal offers spectacular views around every bend.

The port city of Ashdod is the ideal starting point for a trip to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. From Givat Yonah you have a great view on the Israeli city. The promenade and the zoo in northwestern Ashdod invite you to take a relaxing walk. In addition to numerous war memorials and museums, Ashdod offers charming parks.

Haifa is Israel's third largest city and is located in northern Israel on the northern slope of Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean. Enjoy a unique wonderful view over the whole city from the Louis promenade which will also lead you to the hanging gardens of the Bahai - one of the many great sights of Haifa.