Arabian Nights Cruise 2027

We’ll provide Holland America Line with your bed configuration preferences. The beds in the stateroom can either be set up as one larger bed or split into two separate beds. When you first get to your stateroom, if your bed isn’t configured as you wish, simply ask your Stateroom Attendant to reconfigure it and they’ll either put them together to form the larger bed or break them apart to form two smaller beds.

To avoid exorbitant mobile service charges while at sea, we recommend turning your phone to Airplane Mode when we’re not docked. If you don’t, you’ll automatically connect to “Cellular At Sea,” which has truly astounding per-MB rates for data/calls. Even if you’re not actively searching the web, most phones automatically download emails and refresh webpages in the background, and that could easily escalate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra mobile charges from your provider.

The current exchange rates are as follows:

SAUDI ARABIA:

1 USD = 3,75 SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal)
1 SAR = 0.26 USD

EGYPT:

1 USD = 50 EGP (Egyptian Pound)
1 EGP = 0.02 USD

JORDAN:

1 USD = 0.7 JOD (Jordanian Dinar)
1 CAD = 1.41 USD

For the most current exchange rates, we recommend https://www.xe.com/.

A valid passport is required of all travelers. Visas are also required of most travelers. 

Guests from countries that require a visa MUST obtain a valid visa before leaving home. Laws do not allow a guest who requires a visa to board the ship without required visa(s). SPECIAL NOTE: Even if you’re told you won’t need a visa if you plan to stay on the ship, this is NOT TRUE. If a visa is required of your nationality, you MUST have a visa even if you plan to stay on the ship.

These travel documentation requirements are government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice. It is the sole responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents (such as passports and visas) are required for boarding, entry into other countries, and reentry into the United States.

We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a passport that’s valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of their cruise. 

The name on your VACAYA reservation must match the name on your passport or other identification documents.

Guests who do not possess the proper documentation will be denied boarding.

Unfortunately, no refunds will be given to individuals who are denied boarding due to improper documentation.

This region can be warm to hot in April. The key to being comfortable and culturally appropriate is to keep the following in mind: lightweight, loose, breathable, and modest. 

Recommended Daytime Dress

The best all-purpose outfit for every guest is:

• Lightweight linen or cotton trousers, chinos, or other loose-fitting long pants
• A loose T-shirt, polo, linen shirt, or button-down that fully covers the shoulders
• Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes or sturdy sandals
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
• A lightweight scarf, cardigan, or overshirt for religious sites, dust, strong air-conditioning, or cooler mornings

Long skirts and loose maxi dresses are also appropriate. Clothing should be opaque and not overly tight, low-cut, or revealing. Tank tops, crop tops, very short shorts, sheer clothing, and beachwear should remain aboard Kaia or within private resort and pool areas.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia should receive the most conservative interpretation of the dress guidance. Long pants are strongly recommended for everyone, along with shirts that have sleeves. Women visitors are not required to wear an abaya or cover their hair in ordinary public spaces, but clothing should loosely cover the shoulders, chest, and legs. Keep graphics and slogans neutral, avoiding anything overtly sexual, political, or potentially offensive. 

Egypt

Egypt’s tourist areas are generally more relaxed, but loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees remains the most comfortable and culturally respectful choice for sightseeing. When visiting a mosque, church, synagogue, or other religious site, arms and legs should be covered, and women should carry a scarf in case covering the hair is requested. 

Jordan

Jordan is also relatively relaxed in major tourist areas, but covering the shoulders and knees is recommended at cultural and religious sites. For Petra and Wadi Rum, lightweight long pants are especially practical because they provide protection from the sun, dust, wind, sand, and occasionally chilly early-morning temperatures. 

The simplest guidance: think polished desert explorer, not pool deck – breathable long pants, covered shoulders, excellent walking shoes, sun protection, and one light layer. At Petra, you may begin the morning wearing that layer; in Luxor, it’ll probably be in your bag before breakfast.

On Board Emerald Kaia

Emerald Kaia may be beautifully elegant, but her style of luxury is refreshingly relaxed. Think effortless yacht chic, not black-tie ballroom.

• During the day: Resort-casual attire is perfect. Shorts, linen pants, casual skirts and dresses, polos, T-shirts, sandals, and sneakers will all feel right at home. Lightweight cotton and linen are especially comfortable in the Red Sea climate.
• Around the pools and Marina Platform: Swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops, and water-friendly clothing are appropriate. A cover-up and footwear are recommended when moving through the yacht’s indoor public spaces.
• At breakfast and lunch: Casual daytime clothing is completely appropriate. There’s no need to change into something dressier simply to enjoy a meal.
• In the evening: The suggested standard is smart casual. That could mean a collared shirt, elevated T-shirt, polo, blouse, stylish top, chinos, tailored pants, a casual dress, jumpsuit, skirt, or other polished separates. Loafers, flats, dressy sandals, and clean fashion sneakers all work well.
• What you don’t need: Tuxedos, formal gowns, ties, or traditional cruise-line formalwear. Pack them only if dressing up brings you joy.
• One useful extra: Bring a lightweight sweater, jacket, shawl, or overshirt. Even when the weather outside is warm, ocean breezes and indoor air-conditioning can make evenings feel cooler.

The overall goal is simple: look polished when you’d like, stay comfortable always, and enjoy the freedom of casual luxury.

All emails to our Booked Guests are available here:

September 17, 2026 – Latest Update from VACAYA and Emerald

August 18, 2026 – Update from VACAYA and Emerald

July 9, 2026 – Hold off on Booking Flights

As a passenger with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours (parent company of Emerald Cruises & Tours), each of us is bound by their Passenger Ticket Terms and Conditions. You can find those HERE.

We’ll preview our entertainment here approximately 30 days before our cruise.

We’ll have Kaia’s position in Jeddah available to you here approximately 30 days before our sailing.

100% of your prepaid gratuities go to onboard staffers, including your stateroom attendant, the culinary services staff, the behind-the-scenes hotel services staff, and the myriad department heads who work with their teams around the clock to create a flawless VACAYA experience for you.

A Note About Additional Tipping: As a community, we are extremely generous. We eagerly recognize outstanding individual service with a few extra dollars here and there. Of course, no extra monetary recognition is ever required, but when you take the time to say “thank you” and offer that 3am room service attendant or your favorite bartender a couple dollars, know that it’s always immensely appreciated by the crew members you recognize.

Wi-Fi is included and login details will be available on board. 

For all the latest VACAYA gear (or V-Gear, as we call it) – from T-shirts and hoodies to coffee mugs and hats – visit our online marketplace…

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT THE VACAYA MARKETPLACE

If your luggage doesn’t arrive with you at the airport, be sure to file a claim with your airline and make sure they understand you’re getting on a cruise ship. It’s also wise to provide them with a copy of your itinerary. Once onboard Kaia, be sure to let the Guest Services Team know your bag has been delayed. This will help immensely in getting your bags to our ever-moving ship.

When you arrive at the Jeddah Cruise Terminal, you will hand off your luggage to the porters at the taxi drop-off. Before handing off your bags, be sure each bag is properly tagged to your stateroom. 

It usually takes between 2-3 hours from the moment you hand over your luggage to the pier-side porters until the bags arrive to your stateroom. If your luggage hasn’t arrived by 8pm, reach out to Reception on Deck 3 mid-ship. They will do their best to track down your bags. Usually, the reason for a piece of luggage not making its way to your room is that the identifying tag was ripped off at some point in the transfer from pier to ship. These untagged bags are placed in corral awaiting identification.

Basic medical services are available onboard. The Medical Center is located on Deck 2 mid-ship. Their opening hours will be posted in the ship’s daily program. 24-hour emergency services are also available.

VACAYA recommends that you consult with your primary physician before sailing if you’re experiencing any serious or chronic medical issues. The onboard medical team can provide basic services for illnesses/injuries that may occur onboard. They are also able to diagnose and stabilize most emergency situations. If you require emergency services that can only be provided by a shore-side facility, transfers can be arranged. Please note, however, that while sailing, transfers may be affected by weather or other logistical considerations.

Quarantines: The health and safety of guests and crew is of paramount importance. And on rare occasions, the medical team may decide your condition requires you to be quarantined to your room. This is most common when highly contagious gastrointestinal illnesses like Norovirus are diagnosed. We’ve all heard the stories of hundreds of cruise passengers falling ill with stomach issues like Norovirus and the like. Based on Center for Disease Control guidelines, quarantine is the medical team’s best defense in stopping the spread of viruses such as this. If you’re quarantined, we will do our very best to make you as comfortable as possible for the duration of your quarantine.

VACAYA is all about connections. And we’ll host different professional and interest group meetups throughout the week, giving you the chance to come together with others who share like interests. If you’re in need of a 12-step meeting, please see Cruise Director Marti on board and they can arrange a regular meetup.

For our small-ship cruises, we keep the party themes at a minimum, but know that we’ll host our THIS IS ME Welcom Party on Night 1 (this is your chance to feature a little somethin’ something’ that lets other guests know who you are and where you’re from), and our super fun BATHROBE NIGHT (where everyone wears their stateroom bathrobe) on one night of the cruise. Vacayans have found creative ways to zhoozh up their bathrobes, which makes this night quite memorable. In addition, we’ll have decades-themed parties (80s, 90s, etc) where you might want to add a little something to what you’re wearing, but it’s certainly not required. We recognize most people are traveling far distances and luggage space is at a premium. 

• Illegal Drugs and Illegal Substances: All illegal drugs and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

• All Firearms and Weapons, ammunition, explosives, incendiary devices, and realistic replicas of firearms are prohibited. For security reasons, Emerald does not permit guests to carry firearms onboard during their voyage or otherwise secure weapons for anyone on their vessels or at the pier. Guests will need to make arrangements to leave the firearms at home or contact the local authorities for alternate arrangements. Emerald does not allow any guest (including law enforcement officers on vacation) to bring weapons onboard the vessel. All weapons should be left at home.

• Flammable Items: All items with open flames or heating elements are strictly prohibited; the exceptions are hair curling irons, straightening irons (flat irons), and hair dryers, which are permitted onboard. Flammable Items include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Candles
  • Clothing Irons
  • Travel Steamers
  • Hot Plates
  • Incense & Burners
  • Tea Cup Immersion Heaters
  • Aerosols, except for personal care toiletries
  • Fuels, including cooking fuels and any flammable liquids
  • Gasoline
  • Gas Torches
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Flares
  • Flammable Paints
  • Turpentine & Paint Thinner
  • Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries
  • Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes
  • Car Batteries
  • Hoverboards
  • Oil diffusers
  • Electric Blankets
  • Electric Heating Pads

• Knives and Sharp Objects: All knives with blade lengths of four (4) inches or greater are prohibited. Knives that are concealed or disguised as other commonplace objects such as belt buckles, walking canes, pens, credit card holders, etc., are also prohibited. Flick knives (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, or switchblade) or any other type of knife with a folding or sliding blade that is opened automatically by activating a button, lever, or switch on the handle. Knives that incorporate locking blades are also not allowed onboard. Other sharp objects, such as scissors with blades longer than 4 inches, which could reasonably be used as a weapon, are also not allowed. Sharp Objects include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Box Cutters
  • Ice Picks / Ice Axes
  • Meat Cleavers
  • Razor-Type Blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, and razor blades not in cartridge (Note: shaving safety razors are allowed.)
  • Sabers, Swords, and Fencing Foils
  • Scissors with blade length four (4) inches or greater

• Recreational Diving Knives Exception: Recreational diving knives are permitted onboard regardless of blade length but must be held in the safe custody of the Chief Security Officer. Dive knives may be checked in and out by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise

• Personal Grooming Items Exception:Personal grooming items such as metal nail files, cuticle tools, scissors for trimming facial hair, manicure sets and other similar small personal grooming implements, are permitted onboard.

• Tools include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Axes & Hatchets
  • Cattle Prods
  • Hammers
  • Drills and Drill Bits
  • Saws
  • Other Tools (such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers) greater than 7 inches in length

• Martial Arts and Self-Defense Items include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Billy Clubs
  • Black Jacks
  • Brass Knuckles
  • Kubatons
  • Mace / Pepper Spray
  • Martial Arts Weapons
  • Night Sticks
  • Nunchakus
  • Stun Guns / Shocking Devices
  • Throwing Stars
  • Handcuffs
  • Bows & Arrows

• Sporting Goods Exception: Sporting goods and equipment are permitted onboard. However, guests should be advised that the items must be stored in their stateroom and are not to be used, displayed, or carried in the public areas at all. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation of the item and may be considered to be a Guest Conduct Policy violation. Sporting goods include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Baseball and cricket bats
  • Hockey sticks
  • Skateboards
  • Surf boards
  • Golf clubs
  • Bicycles

• Disabling Chemicals and Other Dangerous Items: The following items or those similar are not permitted onboard:
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7
    • Emerald does not allow Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones onboard their ships. This decision was made in light of recent incidents and safety concerns raised by Samsung about this particular device, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recent ban of the phone from all airplanes. We ask guests who own a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to not bring the device on your cruise.
  • Chlorine
  • Bleach
  • Spray Paint
  • Tear Gas
  • Transformers
  • Electrical Extension Cords – including power strips/surge protected strips
  • Spillable Batteries (Note: Wheelchair batteries are permitted)
  • Small Compressed Gas Cartridges
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Other Compressed Gas Cylinders (Note: Dive tanks are permitted if they are empty; Medical gas bottles are also permitted)
  • HAM Radios or other transmitting devices are strictly prohibited due to potential interference with the ship’s onboard communication systems.
    • Baby monitors are not allowed to be used onboard our vessels as their radio signal could interfere with ship communication and/or navigation systems.
    • Note: Guests are allowed to have two-way radios, more commonly known as walkie-talkies, for onboard personal communications. Basic specifications are as follows: Up to 10-mile coverage range, Up to 5 watts power, Internal Voice, Operated Transmission, No external mounting antenna.

We’ll have details about the ReachOUT initiative for our 2027 Arabian Nights Cruise here approximately 30 days before our sailing.

At VACAYA, we’ll do our very best to serve both cruisers who smoke and those who don’t. The designated smoking area onboard Kaia will be detailed in your daily program.

Do you have a special need in regard to mobility, stateroom accommodations (for example, needing a shower stool), dietary restrictions, or medical equipment being brought onboard (for example, a CPAP machine and you’re in need of distilled water)?

If so, please let us know by emailing info@myvacaya.com by February 1, 2027 and we’ll pass along your special needs to the on board team.