We started off by staying a couple of days in Dubai staying in the Jumeria Hilton, which is on a beautiful beach, right near the sparking new shopping complex. The hotel is luxurious yet good value and ideal for families.
We enjoyed the large and varied breakfast and saw that there was free food for under-fours. It also helps families’ budgets as they allow under 12s to stay free in their parents’ room and have meals at half-price. There is a Kids Paradise Club for the four to 12 age group and children also have their own garden area.
Added to that Dubai has so many attractions of its own, from the Wild Wadi Water Park to the zoo, an enormous indoor ski centre and bowling alley near by. The hotel also provides babysitting service.
From here we went to the docks, in order to board our Costa cruise around the Gulf. Being an Italian company they certainly know how to look after family groups and the food on board was lavish and of a high quality. The atmosphere was both fun and friendly with the added bonus of some fascinating ports of call, starting with interesting Muscat (capital of Oman). Then on to Al Fujairah (Emirates) and the less built up than Dubai - Abu Dhabi (Emirates) with its lovely cornishe and turquoise sea. Lastly, we visited the historic Kingdom of Bahrain with its many treasures. We ended the cruise by docking in Dubai for two days.
The Costa Kids’ Programme runs three activity sessions: morning, afternoon and night, catering for children of all ages from three to17. From face-painting to volleyball, treasure hunts to juggling lessons and disco evenings. We saw little of our 17 year-old son, Oliver, who seemed to have his own hectic social life.
We ended our holiday in the new, lavish Rotana Media Hotel, which has just opened. We had two large connecting rooms, geared for families, plus two massive bathrooms.
Jumeria Hilton: b&b is from USD 440 or at USD 335 with the 30 per cent off with the Hilton Worldwide Resort Early Booker Saver.
Visit www.hilton.com/worldwideresorts
Jewels of the Emirates itinerary on the Costa Classica starts from £961 per person, for seven nights, including flights, transfers, entertainment, activities and all meals.
For more information or to book go to www.costacruises.co.uk or call 0845 351 0552
Rotana Media Hotel: King Classic Room starts at 699 UAE Dirham per room on a b&b basis.
For more information and to book, please go to www.rotana.com.