Cruising is an amazing way to explore the world, and the MSC World Europa in the Persian Gulf is a dream come true for anyone who loves luxury travel. Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a cruise on this magnificent ship, and it was an experience of a lifetime. One of the highlights of my trip was spending a day in Abu Dhabi, where we visited some of the most iconic landmarks of the city.
We started our day early and headed to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. We arrived just before sunrise, and the golden glow of the early morning light was the perfect backdrop for this architectural masterpiece. The mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, and is an ode to Islamic art and architecture. The sheer size of the mosque is impressive, and the intricate details of the marble walls and the shimmering chandeliers are breathtaking.
We were lucky enough to be there during the call to prayer, which added to the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the mosque. As we walked around the mosque, we couldn’t help but admire the symmetry of the design and the sheer grandeur of the place. The courtyard is vast and can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers, and the reflection pool in the center of the courtyard adds to the beauty of the place.
After spending a few hours at the mosque, we headed to The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and France, and the building itself is an architectural marvel. The museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci.
We spent the afternoon wandering through the galleries, admiring the stunning works of art and learning about the history and culture of different civilizations. The Louvre Abu Dhabi also has a Children’s Museum, which is an interactive space where kids can learn about art and history through play.
As the evening approached, we headed to the Yas Marina Circuit, which is home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit is located on Yas Island, and the view of the sunset over the marina is simply breathtaking. We took a tour of the circuit, and our guide gave us an insider’s view of what it’s like to race on one of the most challenging tracks in the world. Oh how I wish I would get a chance to drive on the circuit myself, what a thrilling experience that would be!
After the tour, we headed back to the ship and enjoyed a delicious dinner while watching the sun go down. The atmosphere was lively, there’s so much to do aboard the MSC World Europa! It was the perfect end to a perfect day in Abu Dhabi.
In conclusion, spending a day in Abu Dhabi was an unforgettable experience, and we barely scratched the surface of all the things to see and do in this vibrant city. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, The Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Marina Circuit are just a few of the many attractions that make Abu Dhabi a must-visit destination. If you’re planning a cruise on the MSC World Europa in the Persian Gulf, make sure to include Abu Dhabi in your itinerary.