BAHREIN

Although Bahrain has accepted cruise ships since 2008, the small kingdom of the islands of the Arabian Gulf does not appear on too many routes. This is partly because the country lacks artificial superlatives pursued by the neighboring United Arab Emirates (where there are many cruises) or the natural beauty of Oman. The country experienced some traces in 2011 after the Arab Spring occurred a 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 dating back to 2300 BC, when the ancient city of Dilmun served as the main commercial place between Mesopotamia and India. The remains of this mercantile culture were found in an archaeological excavation near Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain), one of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites of the country. The modern commercial equivalent can be found in the labyrinthine souk of Manama and, of course, given its location on the Arabian Peninsula, the monsters of the malls.

Other designs include the Bahrain International Circuit, a great track of Formula 1 which is the site of the Bahrain Grand Prix and a great attraction for gearboxes. Some cruise lines offer excursions to Muharraq, which has some traditional houses, a souk and a trail that highlights the pearl industry of the country (the other UNESCO World Heritage site).