Cruises to Bahrain

13 Reviews
Bahrain (Photo:Manu M Nair/Shuttterstock)

About Cruising to Bahrain

Although Bahrain has been accepting cruise ships since 2008, the small kingdom of islands on the Arabian Gulf doesn't appear on too many itineraries. That's partly because the country lacks the manmade superlatives pursued by nearby United Arab Emirates (where most cruises there embark) or the natural beauty of Oman. The country also experienced some turmoil in 2011 following the Arab Spring that took place one year earlier, which prompted ships to pull out until stability returned.

Yet Bahrain offers enough attractions for a one-day visit. The country has a history that dates back to 2300 BC, when the ancient city of Dilmun served as a major trading post between Mesopotamia and India. Remnants of this merchant culture have been found at an archaeological dig near Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain), one of the country's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The modern shopping equivalent can be found in Manama's labyrinthine souk and -- of course, given its location on the Arabian Peninsula -- monster malls.

Other draws include the Bahrain International Circuit, a major Formula 1 track that's the site of the Bahrain Grand Prix and a major attraction for gearheads. Some cruise lines offer excursions to Muharraq, which has some traditional homes, a souk and a trail highlighting the country's pearling industry (the other UNESCO World Heritage Site).

  • More about Bahrain

  • Why Cruise to Bahrain?

  • Bahrain Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 11 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia hull art (Photo; Adam Coulter)

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia hull art (Photo; Adam Coulter)

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia hull art (Photo; Adam Coulter)

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia hull art (Photo; Adam Coulter)

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

7 Night
A Journey From Dubai To Dubai

37 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
Cruise Critic Favorite

4 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Middle East Cruise

50 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

More about Bahrain

Why Cruise to Bahrain?

Pros:

A less-frequented, thus less-crowded port, Bahrain offers several historic attractions including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cons:

This port isn't as scenic or dazzling as other Middle Eastern ports and does have a history of civil unrest

Bottom Line:

There are more interesting ports in the region, but most travelers will find some form of diversion in Bahrain

Bahrain Cruise Port Facilities?

The cruise terminal has restrooms and a small duty-free shop where you can buy candy, perfume and some alcohol, as well as souvenirs. Excursions purchased from the cruise line leave directly from port.

Because the port is in a restricted cargo area, you'll need to take a complimentary shuttle bus to the port exit, where you can find taxis or meet previously arranged private transport. Cruise lines do offer a bus transfer into Manama's city center, where taxis are also available.

Good to Know?

As a Muslim country, Bahrain is conservative, so women should dress accordingly. That means no strapless or tank-style tops, no short skirts or shorts. If you're going to visit a mosque, bring a shawl or sweater to cover your shoulders and wear capris to cover your knees.

Displays of affection in public are forbidden, especially between unmarried or same-sex couples. (Unlike in the UAE, homosexuality is not illegal, but it is not condoned.) Also avoid photographing Arabs or Bahrainis in their native dress without asking permission. It's also illegal to say anything negative against the king or royal family, so think twice before you joke about their photos, seen everywhere.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The ship shuttle bus drops you within Manama's city center, within walking distance of the Bab el-Bahrain souk. Bahrain's other tourist locations are not close together, so if you want to see more than one attraction, it's best to take a ship excursion or prepare to pay for taxis.

By Taxi: Taxis are available at the port gate, as well as at the shuttle bus drop-off point. While most are metered, make sure your driver has the meter on, and if you're going to sights farther afield, such as the Bahrain International Circuit, it's best to agree on a price ahead of time.

By Bus: The cruise ship shuttle bus drops passengers off in downtown Manama, for a fee. There is no hop on, hop off tour bus.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Bahrain's currency is the dinar, but many currencies are widely accepted, including the dirhams from the United Arab Emirates and the riyal from neighboring Saudi Arabia. Euros, dollars and U.K. pounds are also accepted, which is good, as there is no ATM in the cruise terminal; if you're on a ship excursion, you won't need local currency. One dinar equals 1,000 fils. Visit www.xe.com or www.oanda.com for current exchange rates.

Language?

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Where You're Docked?

Built in 2009, Bahrain's cruise port Khalifa Bin Salman is located on Muharroq, an island about 20 minutes away from Manama, the country's capital and main city. The terminal is within a major container port, and passengers are not allowed to wander outside the area.


Bahrain Cruise Reviews
Tour guide was very knowledgeable and great but not enough shopping time.Read More
User Avatar
2go4atrip
Visit to another mosque, camel farm & Manama souq. Worth doing, but only average.Read More
User Avatar
GeoffWCollins
Opted for a taxi driver which suited usRead More
User Avatar
Life of holidays
Did a taxi tour for 4hours. Visited a lot of interesting site, plus some great souks. Slightly odd place and very insular, but nice to seeRead More
User Avatar
Eastboundanddown

Related Cruises

Cruises to Newport

Cruises to Newport

261 Reviews
Cruises to Amsterdam

Cruises to Amsterdam

1,057 Reviews
Cruises to Rouen

Cruises to Rouen

121 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

449 Reviews
Cruises to Kauai

Cruises to Kauai

628 Reviews
Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

120 Reviews
Cruises to Marseille

Cruises to Marseille

936 Reviews
Cruises to Izmir

Cruises to Izmir

187 Reviews
Cruises to Adelaide

Cruises to Adelaide

106 Reviews
Cruises to Lima

Cruises to Lima

110 Reviews
Cruises to Rangiroa

Cruises to Rangiroa

30 Reviews
Cruises to Labadee

Cruises to Labadee

2,137 Reviews
Cruises to Penang

Cruises to Penang

134 Reviews
Cruises to Phuket

Cruises to Phuket

149 Reviews
Cruises to Hakodate

Cruises to Hakodate

26 Reviews
Cruises to Picton

Cruises to Picton

165 Reviews
Cruises to Cinque Terre

Cruises to Cinque Terre

355 Reviews
Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

37 Reviews
Cruises to Kinderdijk

Cruises to Kinderdijk

8 Reviews
Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

290 Reviews

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.