Our Rome to Dubai cruise is a 15-night voyage across three seas and two continents. Sail from Italy past the islands of Greece, through the ancient world of Turkey and Egypt's Suez Canal, down the Red Sea to Jordan, and around Arabia to Dubai. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new, with meals, entertainment and your cabin all included.
It is a perfect holiday for retirees, families and couples who love history and the sea, and an ideal way to extend an Uganda safari. Our Kampala team books your cruise, flights, hotel nights and visa support in one package.
Cruise at a glance
- Duration: 15 nights, 16 days
- Route: Rome, Naples, Athens, Ephesus, Suez Canal, Aqaba, Dubai
- Countries: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE
- Sailing season: selected autumn sailings, when ships move from Europe to the Gulf
- Best for: history lovers, retirees, couples and families
- Visa: a Schengen visa is needed to board in Rome, and we help you apply
Rome to Dubai Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Your Rome to Dubai cruise begins at Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. We recommend flying in a day or two early to see the city itself: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, home of St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Board your ship in the afternoon, settle into your cabin and watch the Italian coast fade away as you sail south.
Day 2: Naples, Italy
Naples sits beneath the volcano Mount Vesuvius. Join a shore excursion to the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman town buried by the eruption of 79 AD, or take a ferry to the island of Capri.
Prefer the city? Walk the old historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taste a real Neapolitan pizza where it was invented.
Day 3: Day at Sea
Enjoy your first full day on board. Swim in the pools, relax in the spa, try the rock climbing wall or simply watch the Mediterranean from a sun lounger. In the evening, dress up for dinner and a show in the ship's theatre.
Day 4: Athens (Piraeus), Greece
From the port of Piraeus, head into Athens to climb the Acropolis and stand before the Parthenon, built about 2,500 years ago. Visit the Acropolis Museum, then wander the narrow streets of Plaka for Greek salad, grilled octopus and souvenirs.
Day 5: Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
The ruins of Ephesus are among the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the marble streets to the grand Library of Celsus, see the great theatre that once seated about 25,000 people, and visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Christian travellers also value Ephesus for its links to St Paul and the House of the Virgin Mary nearby.
Day 6: Day at Sea
A relaxed day to enjoy the ship's restaurants, from the main dining room to casual buffets and specialty restaurants. Take a cooking demonstration, join a quiz, or book a massage.
Days 7 and 8: Suez Canal, Egypt
One of the highlights of the Rome to Dubai cruise is sailing through the Suez Canal, opened in 1869 to link the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Watch from the deck as you pass Port Said, the town of Ismailia, desert landscapes and the Suez Canal Bridge, which connects Africa and Asia.
Day 9: Aqaba, Jordan
Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport, on the warm waters of the Red Sea. Snorkel over colourful coral reefs, visit the old Aqaba Fort, or join a full-day excursion to Petra, the famous rose-red city carved into rock, or to the desert valley of Wadi Rum.
Days 10 to 14: Days at Sea
Five relaxing days as the ship sails down the Red Sea and around the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, dance classes, the casino, the spa and sunsets from the deck. Children's clubs keep younger travellers busy, while adults-only areas offer quiet time.
Days 15 and 16: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Your Rome to Dubai cruise ends in Dubai, one of the world's most exciting cities. Stroll along Dubai Marina, relax on Kite Beach with views of the Burj Al Arab, explore the canals of Souq Madinat Jumeirah and the old Al Fahidi neighbourhood, and go up the Burj Khalifa.
Disembark on Day 16 and fly home to Entebbe, or stay on for a few days with our 6 Days Dubai Holiday Package.
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Life on Board Your Rome to Dubai Cruise
- Dining: main restaurant, buffet and casual cafes included, with specialty restaurants at extra cost
- Entertainment: theatre shows, live music, comedy, movies and themed nights
- Relaxation: pools, hot tubs, a spa, fitness centre and quiet adults-only areas
- Activities: sports courts, games, classes and kids' clubs
- Your cabin: choose an inside, ocean-view, balcony or suite cabin
Exact facilities depend on the ship that sails your date. We confirm the ship and cabin options when we quote.
What the Rome to Dubai Cruise Package Includes
- 15 nights on board in your chosen cabin type
- All main meals in the included restaurants
- Onboard entertainment and most activities
- Port taxes and cruise fees
- Schengen visa application support for Ugandan travellers
- UAE e-visa processing for Dubai
- Support from our Kampala team before and during your trip
Not Included in the Cruise
- Flights from Entebbe to Rome and from Dubai back to Entebbe (we can book these)
- Hotel nights in Rome before the cruise or in Dubai after it (we can add these)
- Visa and embassy fees
- Shore excursions, such as Pompeii, the Acropolis, Ephesus or Petra
- Drinks packages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi
- Daily service charges (gratuities) on board
- Travel and medical insurance, which is required for a Schengen visa
Visas for Ugandans on a Rome to Dubai Cruise
This is the most important part of planning. Because the Rome to Dubai cruise starts in Italy, Ugandan passport holders need a Schengen visa to fly to Rome and board the ship. Apply through the Italian visa centre in Kampala, ideally three months before travel.
For the other ports, cruise passengers often receive shore passes or simplified entry, but the rules depend on the port and the cruise line. We check each stop for your exact sailing. You will also need a UAE e-visa to leave the ship in Dubai, which we process for you.
Already hold a valid Schengen, UK or US visa? Tell us, as it can make planning much easier.
Best Time for This Cruise
Rome to Dubai cruises are "repositioning" voyages. They run mainly in October and November, when cruise lines move ships from the Mediterranean summer season to the Gulf winter season. Sailings are limited, so book six to nine months ahead for the best cabins and to leave time for your Schengen visa.
Combine Your Cruise With a Uganda Safari
Start your journey in Uganda. Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, see tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, then fly to Rome for your Rome to Dubai cruise.
- 7 Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari
- 7 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
- 3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
- 12 Day Uganda and Kenya Safari
- 7 Days Uganda Birding Tour
Why Book Your Cruise With Tulambule
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is 100% Ugandan-owned, has planned holidays since 2014, and is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. Our travellers rate us 4.9 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
- One quote for cruise, flights, hotels and visa support
- Help with Schengen and UAE visa applications
- A real team in Kampala you can call or visit
Call or WhatsApp +256 782 915 447 or +256 703 171 855, email info@tulambule.com, or visit us at Plot 132, Akamwesi Shopping Mall, 2nd Floor, Room WW06B, Gayaza Road, Kampala.
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