Crystal Cruises to host exclusive Dubai shore excursions on 2028 World Cruise

Crystal has announced the itinerary for its 2028 World Cruise, with Crystal Symphony scheduled to visit Dubai as part of a 150-night voyage covering six continents. Bookings for the full sailing open to the public on May 29th, 2025.

Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, the cruise departs on January 11th and concludes on June 10th, 2028, calling at 84 destinations across 39 countries, including a transit of the Suez Canal and Red Sea in a sign of Crystal’s long-term optimism in the region’s security. 

Dubai features as one of several ports hosting a shoreside event for guests travelling the full length of the voyage, with the stopover scheduled for May during the ship’s Middle East segment.

The 2028 World Cruise marks the first time since 2018 that Crystal Symphony will operate a global itinerary. The ship will visit a mix of established ports and first-time destinations, including Huahine in French Polynesia, Mangalore in India, and Portland and Geraldton in Australia. 

Additional highlights include overnight stays in key cities such as Mumbai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lima.

The itinerary begins in the Western Caribbean and Central America, with calls in Cozumel, Belize, Roatán, and Cartagena, followed by a Panama Canal transit and a southbound route along the Pacific coast of South America. In February, the ship crosses into the South Pacific, visiting French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.

March features extensive exploration of New Zealand and southern Australia, followed by sailings to Bali, the Philippines and Borneo. In April, Crystal Symphony will visit ports across Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India, including an overnight in Mumbai.

The Middle East segment in May includes calls in Oman, Jordan and Egypt, before the ship enters the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. From there, it visits Crete, Sicily, Malta, Tunisia, and coastal cities in Italy and Spain. An early disembarkation option is available in Barcelona on May 27th.

Dubai’s inclusion on the itinerary reflects the city’s growing status as a key cruise destination in the region. The call will be accompanied by a dedicated event exclusively for World Cruise guests, forming part of a series of onboard and shoreside activities planned throughout the voyage.

The cruise ends with an Atlantic crossing in June, including stops in the Azores and Bermuda before returning to Fort Lauderdale. Prices start at $69,000 per person based on double occupancy. 

Guests sailing the full itinerary will receive a package of benefits including a business class airfare credit, onboard medical consultation, unlimited specialty dining with reservations, private transfers, laundry services, and exclusive events curated in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent.