Christmas, a time of gatherings and family reunions, is the perfect opportunity to travel and experience something new. That's why Pullmantur Cruises —the only cruise line that brings the Spanish lifestyle to the cruise experience—offers two itineraries designed for those who want to pack their bags while embracing the Christmas spirit: Dubai and Legends of Arabia , and the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Beyond the itinerary, the company has developed a special program of activities that will maintain the festive atmosphere in true Spanish style. This program, complete with Christmas decorations and carols as a soundtrack, will feature the arrival of Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men with gifts for children; a live nativity ; and even a fun San Silvestre race on the ship's deck, allowing the more athletic to ring in the new year with a run in an unparalleled setting.
Both on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, passengers will be able to enjoy a very special menu created for the occasion by Gastrolab, the cruise line's innovative culinary platform. Based on Spanish cuisine, the menu will feature traditional holiday treats such as ham and turrón. Of course, the traditional chimes and twelve grapes will also be present, helping to welcome 2020 in the best possible way.
Furthermore, as part of its firm commitment to innovation, as a fundamental pillar supporting the development of its product in all aspects, the company has scheduled a series of special events for these days that will make the trip even more unforgettable.
Dubai and Legends of Arabia – For those who want to discover new cultures without neglecting their own.
On board the Horizon ship, they will visit some of the most emblematic places in the United Arab Emirates and Oman on a journey characterized by contrasts, where the mysteries of history and tradition of Arab culture coexist with the most absolute avant-garde and modernity.
Thus, for 8 days and 7 nights, they will have the opportunity to do spectacular activities such as releasing their adrenaline while touring the desert in a 4x4; taking a camel ride among the desert dunes; relaxing on a dhow ride through a fjord; contemplating the majesty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or admiring the impressive buildings that make up the Dubai skyline
- Dates and embarkation location: December 21 or 22, 2019 – December 28 or 29, 2019 – January 4 or 5, 2020 from Dubai.
- Itinerary*: Dubai (with overnight stay) – Khasab – Muscat – Khor Fakkan – Navigation – Abu Dhabi – Dubai.
- Duration: 7 nights.
*On the special Solar Eclipse in Dubai and Legends of Arabia departure, the stop in Khor Fakkan will be replaced by a day of sailing and the order of the stops may vary.
Solar Eclipse in Dubai and Legends of Arabia, Ainhoa Arteta concert – CHRISTMAS
The departure on December 21st and 22nd will feature two unique onboard experiences that will make the Christmas holidays even more special. World-renowned soprano Ainhoa Arteta will provide Horizon passengers with a magical moment as they sail from Muscat to Khasab (Oman): a performance by the artist – accompanied by a piano – that will touch the hearts of the audience.
Also, on December 26, passengers will be able to enjoy a solar eclipse. This eclipse, which will only be visible in certain parts of the world, including this region of the Middle East, will occur early in the morning. The cruise line will provide special glasses so that anyone who wishes can enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Canary Islands and Madeira – For those who want to escape the cold and be close to home.
With departures from Gran Canaria and Tenerife, this is an ideal opportunity to experience Christmas enjoying the sun and the pleasant temperatures so characteristic of the area without going too far from your homes.
This journey, which combines the diversity of the Canary Islands with the natural beauty of Madeira, can be undertaken throughout the month of December and will allow you to visit characteristic places of the islands such as the impressive Maspalomas Dunes or the summit of Mount Teide.
- Dates and place of embarkation:
- December 21 (Gran Canaria) and 22 (Tenerife) 2019.
- December 28 (Gran Canaria) and 29 (Tenerife) 2019.
- Itinerary*: Gran Canaria (boarding) – Tenerife (boarding) – Sailing – Funchal – La Palma – Lanzarote – Fuerteventura – Gran Canaria (disembarkation) – Tenerife (disembarkation).
- Duration: 7 nights.
*On the special New Year's Eve departure, the stop in La Palma will be replaced by a day of sailing.
The spirit of the Canary Islands Carnival on board – NEW YEAR
Those embarking on this route on December 28th or 29thwill experience the spirit of the Canary Islands taking over the Zenith to ring in the New Year. Passengers will journey into the fantasy, color, and magic of the islands' Carnival with a full special program: a show featuring some of the Drag Queens of recent times, such as Drag Vulcano, Drag Gio, Drag Yshia, and Drag Sirius; a party headlined by the Canarian artists Diamods; a body makeup exhibition; a parade with a batucada band; and a comparsa (carnival troupe).
This performance will also feature singer Cristina Ramos; the Canary Islander, winner of several international competitions, will leave the entire audience speechless with the versatility of her voice, combining all kinds of styles such as opera, rock, and funk.
In addition, passengers will witness one of the most spectacular fireworks displays: the New Year's fireworks in Funchal. The capital of Madeira holds a Guinness World Record for having the largest fireworks display of light and color.
