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Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf
Glide past bronze desert coastlines punctuated by 500-hundred-year-old Portuguese fortifications and shimmering, contemporary city skylines. The Persian Gulf is a cultural enigma rich in contrasts, abundant in both modern and ancient destinations bound by timeless traditions. Ride camels or air-conditioned 4x4s across endless golden sand dune crests. Wander amid masterpieces by European and Asian artists in the new Louvre Abu Dhabi, a breathtaking domed architectural marvel that hovers above the sea. Savor succulent lamb and local fish throughout regional cuisine, admire contemporary coastal havens, and experience friendly and authentic Middle Eastern culture in seaside desert surroundings unmatched anywhere in our world.
Grand Stand Main Premium Plus Seats for Saturday Qualifying and Sunday Race at the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi F1®2023 Race or UPGRADE (SOLD OUT - WAITLIST ONLY!) to Suite tickets at the North Yas Grand Stand at Turn 5 for just an additional $400 Exclusive onboard cocktail party Windstar themed gift package including: seat cushions, ear protection, high definition binoculars, baseball cap & sinch bag English-Speaking Coordinators at the Qualifying and Race to assist as needed Transfers to and from the pier both days to Yas Marina Circuit Insights and expert analysis from F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, joining for the Abu Dhabi portion of the cruise We can only accommodate a small number of guests on this special F1® shore excursion package, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Optional extras & upgrades
Nov 23 - Dec 3, 2023 Departure - Optional Abu Dhabi Race Shore Excursion (1599.00 USD)Grand Stand Main Premium Plus Seats for Saturday Qualifying and Sunday Race at the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi F1®2023 Race or UPGRADE (SOLD OUT - WAITLIST ONLY!) to Suite tickets at the North Yas Grand Stand at Turn 5 for just an additional $400 Exclusive onboard cocktail party Windstar themed gift package including: seat cushions, ear protection, high definition binoculars, baseball cap & sinch bag English-Speaking Coordinators at the Qualifying and Race to assist as needed Transfers to and from the pier both days to Yas Marina Circuit Insights and expert analysis from F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, joining for the Abu Dhabi portion of the cruise We can only accommodate a small number of guests on this special F1® shore excursion package, so book early to avoid disappointment.
18 November, 2025 to 28 November, 2025
Cabin. From
$ 3,499 USD pp
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Interactive TV
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Safe
Direct Dial Phone
L'Occitane Bath Amenities
Fresh Fruit
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
06 December, 2025 to 16 December, 2025
Cabin. From
$ 3,099 USD pp
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Interactive TV
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Safe
Direct Dial Phone
L'Occitane Bath Amenities
Fresh Fruit
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
24 December, 2025 to 03 January, 2026
Cabin. From
$ 3,599 USD pp
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Interactive TV
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Safe
Direct Dial Phone
L'Occitane Bath Amenities
Fresh Fruit
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
20 February, 2026 to 02 March, 2026
Cabin. From
$ 3,499 USD pp
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Interactive TV
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Safe
Direct Dial Phone
L'Occitane Bath Amenities
Fresh Fruit
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 Dubai, UAE
In Dubai, sports run the gamut from camel races in the desert to an indoor ski mountain. Architecture spans Bedouin tents and Arabian wind towers to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Archipelagos miraculously appear in the image of palm trees and planets. It’s a lot to take in. By all means, add some extra days here to get your head around this amazing city that seems to be all things to all people.
Days 2 - 3 Doha, Qatar
The sparkling city of Doha boasts gleaming skyscrapers and mosques with intricate carvings, extravagant shopping malls and a 4-mile Corniche. Lose yourself in narrow alleyways of the oldest souk in Qatar amidst the raucous noise of bartering. Find the Museum of Islamic Art, resembling a giant sandcastle and appreciate the beauty of the sea and coastline.
Day 4 Manama, Bahrain
Manama is best known as a trade, financial, and commercial center; and the seat of numerous banks. The lovely skyline is decorated with modern glass and steel spires. Manama has a thriving nightlife with popular bars and clubs and although an Islamic country, alcohol is legal there. A visit to the famous Bab el-Bahrain Souk will yield narrow stalls with a wide variety of perfumes, spices and gold.
Day 5 At Sea
Day 6 Sir Bani Yas, UAE
Sir Bani Yas Island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, geological features and man-made attractions, dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, a savannah-like reserve for over 16,000 animals including roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. See flocks of flamingos on the white-sand beaches and the ruins of an ancient Christian monastery. They operate the region’s first wind turbine and work to protect their delicate ecosystem.
Days 7 - 8 Abu Dhabi, UAE
The capital of the United Arab Emirates sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf and connects to the mainland by a short bridge. It is one of the nation’s two most prosperous emirates because of its rich oil fields, both onshore and in the Persian Gulf discovered in 1958, and one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Among the many sites to see are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Emirates Palace, The Corniche and Yaz Mall.
Day 9 Ras Al Khamah, UAE
The most northerly of the seven Emirates, Ras Al Khama (RAK City) is known for its slower pace, rich culture and beautiful beaches. Through the centuries RAK City was an important trading post known for magnificent pearls. Sites to see here include the National Museum with a comprehensive collection of local artifacts and the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
Day 10 Khasab
Known as the Norway of Arabia with its spectacular fjords, Khasab sits isolated on Oman’s northern coast. Exploring the impressive coast by boat may result in encounters with friendly bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Check out Khasab Castle, built in the 17th century with its museum of local life back through the ages. Not far away are Bedouin villages and the Khawr Najd viewpoint with sweeping views of the impressive fjords.
Day 11 Muscat, Oman
In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16th century Al Jalali and Mirani, Portuguese forts. The city has numerous mosques including modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 164 foot (50m) dome and prodigious Persian carpet, and that can accommodate 20,000 people. Wander the lively fish market and busy Mutrah Souk. There are plenty of soft sand beaches leading to pristine Gulf of Oman water full of fish and turtles.
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please Note: *
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 11 Muscat, Oman *
In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16th century Al Jalali and Mirani, Portuguese forts. The city has numerous mosques including modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 164 foot (50m) dome and prodigious Persian carpet, and that can accommodate 20,000 people. Wander the lively fish market and busy Mutrah Souk. There are plenty of soft sand beaches leading to pristine Gulf of Oman water full of fish and turtles.
Day 10 Khasab *
Known as the Norway of Arabia with its spectacular fjords, Khasab sits isolated on Oman’s northern coast. Exploring the impressive coast by boat may result in encounters with friendly bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Check out Khasab Castle, built in the 17th century with its museum of local life back through the ages. Not far away are Bedouin villages and the Khawr Najd viewpoint with sweeping views of the impressive fjords.
Day 9 Ras Al Khamah, UAE *
The most northerly of the seven Emirates, Ras Al Khama (RAK City) is known for its slower pace, rich culture and beautiful beaches. Through the centuries RAK City was an important trading post known for magnificent pearls. Sites to see here include the National Museum with a comprehensive collection of local artifacts and the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
Days 7 - 8 Abu Dhabi, UAE *
The capital of the United Arab Emirates sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf and connects to the mainland by a short bridge. It is one of the nation’s two most prosperous emirates because of its rich oil fields, both onshore and in the Persian Gulf discovered in 1958, and one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Among the many sites to see are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Emirates Palace, The Corniche and Yaz Mall.
Day 6 Sir Bani Yas, UAE *
Sir Bani Yas Island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, geological features and man-made attractions, dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, a savannah-like reserve for over 16,000 animals including roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. See flocks of flamingos on the white-sand beaches and the ruins of an ancient Christian monastery. They operate the region’s first wind turbine and work to protect their delicate ecosystem.
Day 5 At Sea *
Day 4 Manama, Bahrain *
Manama is best known as a trade, financial, and commercial center; and the seat of numerous banks. The lovely skyline is decorated with modern glass and steel spires. Manama has a thriving nightlife with popular bars and clubs and although an Islamic country, alcohol is legal there. A visit to the famous Bab el-Bahrain Souk will yield narrow stalls with a wide variety of perfumes, spices and gold.
Days 2 - 3 Doha, Qatar *
The sparkling city of Doha boasts gleaming skyscrapers and mosques with intricate carvings, extravagant shopping malls and a 4-mile Corniche. Lose yourself in narrow alleyways of the oldest souk in Qatar amidst the raucous noise of bartering. Find the Museum of Islamic Art, resembling a giant sandcastle and appreciate the beauty of the sea and coastline.
Day 1 Dubai, UAE *
In Dubai, sports run the gamut from camel races in the desert to an indoor ski mountain. Architecture spans Bedouin tents and Arabian wind towers to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Archipelagos miraculously appear in the image of palm trees and planets. It’s a lot to take in. By all means, add some extra days here to get your head around this amazing city that seems to be all things to all people.
Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 522 ft (159 meters)
Passenger Capacity: 312
Built / Refurbished: 1988 / 2007
Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.
These all-suite yacht completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love. New public areas, including two new dining venues, a new spa, infinity pool, and fitness area. The yachts also boast all new bathrooms in every suite and a new category of Star suites, featuring a new layout. With ocean views and at least 277 square feet of comfort, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are the perfect yachts to watch glaciers and fjords drift by from the serenity of your suite.
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride still tuck into small ports like Sanary-sur-Mer and Wrangell or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal and Keil Canal.
• Find the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, overnighting there
• Dammam is the gateway to UNESCO site Al Ahsa, with its intricate cave system
• Overnight in Doha and shop the extravagant malls and narrow alleys of the oldest souk in Qatar
• See traditional dhow boats in the fjords of Oman
• In Manama, visit the archaeological site of Qal'at al-Bahrain
• Discover the beauty of the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
• Have your camera ready for wildlife shots at the Sir Bani Yas safari then get ready for a feast at Windstar's Signature Beach Party
• Dammam is the gateway to UNESCO site Al Ahsa, with its intricate cave system
• Overnight in Doha and shop the extravagant malls and narrow alleys of the oldest souk in Qatar
• See traditional dhow boats in the fjords of Oman
• In Manama, visit the archaeological site of Qal'at al-Bahrain
• Discover the beauty of the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20th century.
• Have your camera ready for wildlife shots at the Sir Bani Yas safari then get ready for a feast at Windstar's Signature Beach Party