Take a cruise off the beaten track and explore some unusual but magical destinations, says DEBORAH STONE

GLORIOUS GULF
The coming together of the traditional and modern worlds in the Gulf is explored to the full on this Souks Of The Arabian Peninsula cruise from Spirit Of Adventure (0800 300 432/ www.spiritofadventure.co.uk).

Departing from Dubai, there are places included in this Middle Eastern odyssey you're unlikely to see on any other voyage.

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These include Iran's Kish Island, with a tour of the old city of Harireh and a chance to flop at a beach resort, and the port of Bandar-Abbas with its Shi'ite mosque, Hindu temple and fish market. Another unusual port is Kuwait City, where you can take in the unique architecture of Kuwait Towers, traditional souks and the Al-Qurain Martyrs' Museum, dedicated to victims of the 1991 invasion by Iraq. The cruise also takes in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Qatar and Oman in a cascade of beaches, mosques and historic sights.

MV Spirit Of Adventure carries just 352 passengers and is perfect for getting into smaller harbours. Food is sourced locally for its main restaurant, The Dining Room, which has a nautical feel. Avid readers will love the extensive library with more than 3,000 reference books and novels.

A 15-night cruise from £2,134pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes flights from Heathrow to Dubai, transfers and excursions. Departs Dubai, November 28.

IN AND OUT OF AFRICA
There is more to Africa than going on safari, as proved by Mysteries Of West Africa cruise from Saga (0800 056 5880/ www.saga.co.uk). The monthlong trip takes in a string of nations with evocative names including Senegal, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

The cruise aboard Saga Ruby sails from Southampton, calling at Madeira before reaching Dakar, the French-speaking capital of Senegal at the tip of Cap-Vert, Africa's westernmost point. You can immerse yourself in culture, colonial architecture, boisterous street markets and lush vegetation. The black sand beaches at Limbe in Cameroon, with a backdrop of volcanoes and banana plantations, are particularly special.

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Saga Ruby offers 383 cabins styled in blues, greens and golds with 92 for solo travellers.

The ship's interior is elegant with a modern feel. Its Spa Aquarius has a pool, sauna and steam room, while the Bridge deck gym has floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides.

A 31-night cruise from £3,749pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes transfers. Departs Southampton, November 5.

WORLD'S END
Antarctica is the final frontier for cruise travel, a world so remote that only now the land of scientific expeditions is starting to open up - slowly.

Discover The World (01737 218 800/www.discoverthe-world.co.uk) runs Classic Antarctica cruises from November to March.
It uses 11 small expedition ships which sail from Argentina's Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at Tierra del Fuego, through the Beagle Channel and choppy Drake Passage. Passengers board Zodiac inflatable boats to get close to icebergs and go ashore to walk and watch seals and baby penguins.

Some voyages have optional extras such as mountaineering on ice cliffs, camping, kayaking and skiing. Ships include the ice-strengthened MV Ushuaia, which takes 84 passengers and has been refurbished to offer comfortable but not luxurious cabins, a bar and library.

A 10-night Classic Antarctica cruise from £2,694pp (two sharing), full board. Departs November 13. Return flights from Heathrow to Buenos Aires via Madrid and internal flights to Ushuaia from £1,100.

FROM OMAN TO INDIA
Heading south from the Arabian Sea, this splendid voyage aboard the elegant Minerva follows ancient trade routes taking in great civilisations and historic sights.

The Muscat To Malabar cruise by Swan Hellenic (0844 871 4603/www.swanhellenic.com) starts in Dubai with a day to explore shops and souks.

Then it's on to Oman's Musandam Peninsula where sheep graze rocky slopes and you can enjoy a dhow trip on Musandam Fjord.

Oman's capital Muscat along with the Sultan's Palace, the old shipbuilding port of Sur and its desert backdrop is a must.

A couple of days sunbathing at sea and the ship arrives at Porbandar, Gandhi's birthplace.

There are further stops at Mumbai, the beach paradise of Goa, the seafront city of Cochin, and Sri Lankan capital Colombo. Swan Hellenic prides itself on the 350-passenger Minerva. Reminiscent of a country house at sea, it has sumptuous décor with plenty of polished wood and brass. The conservatory-style Shackleton's bar is a favoured venue.

There are two pools but the cruise revels in educational and upmarket entertainment with lectures by Dr Robert Bradnock, formerly of the School of Oriental and African Studies, and performances by the Shakespeare Revue Company.

A 15-night cruise from £3,275pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Dubai.

Departs Dubai, December 19.