Mediterranean to Arabia – Rome, Athens & Dubai

About this cruise

If you've got 19 nights to work with, this sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on November 9, 2026 through Valletta, Piraeus (Athens) and Rhodes, with additional stops along the Eastern Mediterranean is genuinely one of the better ways to spend them. You get off in Dubai, which is a good excuse to tack on a few days on land. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. The Eastern Mediterranean route takes in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates, 7 countries, and the differences show up in the food, the architecture, and the mood. Don't rush through Dubai, which is known as Where superlatives are the starting point. Around 10 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. MSC World Europa keeps you well fed. 9 places to eat, with 4 included in the fare and a few specialty spots if you're in the mood. There are enough performances, events, and social mixers on a cruise this length that you couldn't do them all if you tried. And that's a good problem. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. If you can, add a night in Civitavecchia (Rome) before boarding. It's a good city to wander. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. All told, 8 ports across 19 nights covers a lot.