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Book Cruises in Dubai

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DubaiDubai Dhow Cruises

Top things to do in Dubai

Cast off and set sail on your Dubai Cruise

Cruises have always been synonymous with luxury, one-of-a kind, and unforgettable experiences and cruises in Dubai don’t disappoint. Along with mouth-watering delicacies, the cruises in Dubai also serve up some fantastic skyline views and cool breezes you won't find on land. 

The cruises can vary, allowing you to sail alongside iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai, or delve into the heart of the city's vibrant souks. This unique perspective provides a fascinating contrast between Dubai's modern and dynamic growth and its rich historical past. 

With numerous boat options to choose from, you can set sail from the Dubai Marina, Creek, or Canal and discover the city in style!

Wishing you fair winds and following seas for your Dubai Cruises.

Set sail from these Dubai Cruise locations

Dubai Marina

Location: Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlights: Marina skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Bluewaters Island, Dubai Marina Skyline, Dubai Yacht Club

Ideal for: Families and friend groups looking for an unforgettable experience at a reasonable price. 

Cruising Experience: As you sail along the shore, you will see Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Ain Dubai from a unique perspective. You can make it a game with your friends and see who can spot the most number of luxury yachts along the Yacht Club and Palm Jumeirah!

Recommended Experience

Dubai Creek

Location: Bur Dubai and Deira, Dubai

Highlights: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Dubai Spice Souk, Dubai Gold Souk, Heritage Village, Al Shindagha Museum

Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and shoppers seeking unique souvenirs.

Cruising experience: As you cruise along Dubai Creek, you will see the city's historical landmarks and bustling marketplaces. You will have the opportunity to dive into the vibrant local culture and if you are lucky, even squeeze in a little shopping. 

Recommended experience

Dubai Canal

Location: Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlights: IMAGINE water show, The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera House, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Skyline, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Intricate bridges across the canal, Dubai Design District (d3), Business Bay, Safa Park

Ideal for: The cruise is for people who don’t mind splurging a bit, whether it’s a business dinner or a romantic dinner for two. 

Cruising experience: You will see Dubai's latest and swankiest buildings on the cruise but the star of the evening is the IMAGINE watershow, a mesmerizing combination of lights, water, and music. Enjoy a relaxing journey with stunning views of the city's constantly changing skyline.

Recommended experience

Pro tips to know before booking your Dubai Cruises 

  • The Dubai Cruises set sail from three main locations: The Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, and the Dubai Canal. You can choose from one of these locations for your cruise. 
  • All the cruises, except for the Abra Rides, include a full meal for lunch and dinner. They also include live entertainment in the form of dance or music and sometimes even both. 
  • When choosing a cruise, cost is one of the most important factors to consider. We offer some of the best prices online with discounts that go up to 50%. 
  • The cruises that depart from the Canal are more expensive (starting from AED200), compared to the ones that depart from the Creek (starting from AED 60) or the Dubai Marina (starting from AED120). 
  • The Canal Cruise gives you a view of the Burj Khalifa up close, the Dubai Opera House, and you can sail under the Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The main attraction of the Dubai Canal Cruise is the IMAGINE show, the world’s largest waterscreen projection. This is a good option to splurge on if you want to impress your dinner companion, be it a business or a romantic one. 
  • The Marina Cruises are the most popular choice for many, locals and tourists alike, because of the great views of the Marina Skyscrapers, Twisted Tower inside the canal, Dubai Eye, Jumeirah Beach, and more. This is the perfect option for traveler groups like friends, families, and couples because of the variety of gourmet meals, entertainment, and views, all at an affordable price. 
  • The Dubai Creek Cruise is perhaps the most reasonably priced. You should choose this cruise if you are looking for some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life and serene views of the traditional Deira or old Dubai. 
  • Some cruises allow you to choose between the upper and lower deck. The upper deck is more expensive than the lower deck, and the lower deck is air-conditioned. If you purchase lower-deck tickets, you can still visit the upper deck for photos. 
  • You can upgrade your ticket with hotel transfers for just AED 30-40. This is a recommended option because if you book a cab or a metro, you will end up paying more. With the hotel transfers, you can also avoid the hassle of planning the commute.  Very few tour operators apart from us provide this option. 
  • The duration of the cruises is an average of 1.5-3 hours. So plan your day accordingly.

Here's what some happy Dubai Cruise customers have to say

Choose your best Dubai Cruise

Name of experience
Customisable options
Transfers [yes/no]
Boarding Point
Cruise starting time
Duration
Menu
Book your cruise
Dubai Marina: Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment
Hotel transfer
Yes
Dubai Marina
8:30pm
2 hours
Dubai Marina: Premium Alexandra Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment
Lower deck or upper deck with hotel transfers
Yes
Dubai Marina
9pm
1 hour 45 mins
From Dubai Creek: Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment
Lower Deck or Upper Deck
Yes
Dubai Creek
8pm
1.5-3 hours
Dubai Canal: Luxury Dhow Cruise with Dinner and IMAGINE show views
Transfers and house beverages
Yes
Dubai Canal
5:45pm, 6:30pm
2-5 hours
Dubai Canal: Sightseeing Abra Ride with Burj Khalifa Views
Canal Abra Tour, Sunset Canal Abra Tour with Transfers, with Emirati High tea
Yes
Dubai Canal
11am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm
1 hour
Emirati high tea set with local favorites like chebab, khan faroush, veg samboosa, and duqan legemat.

Plan your cruise in Dubai

Timings
Best time to go on the cruise
Transfers
Getting there
Rules and guidelines

Lunch Cruise

  • Starts at 12pm
  • Duration is 3 hours

Dinner Cruise

  • Starts at 8pm 
  • Duration is 2-3 hours

Sightseeing Cruise

  • Starts at 5:30pm 
  • Duration is 1.5 hours

To ensure a pleasant Dubai Marina Cruise experience, consider the timing. During the cooler months, November to March, daytime cruises are ideal with temperatures around a comfortable 30°C.

If visiting during the hot summer, opt for an evening cruise to escape the midday sun and enjoy the cooler night air. No matter the season, book your tickets in advance, as cruises fill up faster on weekends.

  • Opting for transfers is the best option if you are unfamiliar with Dubai and want to avoid the hassle of planning your commute. 
  • According to the cruise you book, you can choose between a hotel or a city transfer. 
  • With a hotel transfer, you will be picked up and dropped directly at the hotel.
  • A city transfer will pick you up at designated points in the city and will drop you at the same place once the cruise is done. Some of the designated areas for city transfers are Deira, Bur Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Road till Barsha.

Dubai Marina

  • The boarding point is Marina Promenade near Masjid Al Rahim Mosque and Signature Hotel Apartments & Spa.
  • You can get there by taxis or cars, metro or trams. 
  • The closest metro station is DMCC Metro Station Landside. 

Dubai Canal

  • The common boarding point is the Dubai Festival City Mall.
  • The area can be easily reached by taxi or car. You can also take the metro. The nearest station is the bus bay station.
  • The closest metro station is Emirates Metro Bus Stop 1, which is 2.6 km away. You will have to take a taxi to the boarding point.

Dubai Creek

  • The boarding point is Deira side of Dubai Creek, close to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
  • You can reach the boarding point by taxi to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or take an Abra across the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira. You can also take a metro to the location. The closest metro station is the Al Ras station. 
  • The closest metro station is Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station.
  • Carry a valid ID proof: Ensure that you have proper ID when boarding your cruise ship. You must carry your passport or a valid Emirates ID if you are a UAE resident. 
  • Dress modestly: The dress code is smart casual and wear clothes that will cover your knees, chest, and shoulders. Sleeveless dresses, short skirts, slippers, and flip-flops are also not acceptable.
  • Inform the crew about your medical condition: There is no rule against pregnant women on board but it is recommended that you get the sign-off from your healthcare administrator and inform the ship’s crew. 
  • Be on time: Arrive at the meeting spot 30 minutes before your departure to avoid missing out.
  • Minors must be accompanied by adults: Anyone under 18 must be with a parent or guardian.
  • Arrive early for the best seats: For some of the cruises, the boarding is first come, first serve basis. So ensure that you are there on time to get the best seats. 
  • Bring some warm clothes: If you are opting for a dinner cruise, bring a jacket that will keep you warm against the evening Dubai chill.

Frequently asked questions about Dubai Cruises

What should I wear on a Dubai cruise?

While Dubai has a relaxed vibe, modest dressing is recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Check if your chosen cruise has a dress code, especially for fancy dinner cruises. Pack comfortable clothes and consider sunscreen for daytime cruises.

What's included in a Dubai cruise?

Inclusions can vary according to the location, timing, and cost, but typically include a scenic tour, a buffet dinner (often with local and international options), and sometimes live entertainment.

What are the different cruise routes available?

There are three main cruise routes in Dubai: The Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, and Dubai Canal. The Cruises that depart from the Marina give you a view of the cityscapes, along with the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. The cruises from Dubai Creek take you along the older parts of the city and bring you close to the souks and the famous Al Fahidi Historial Neighborhood. The cruises from the Dubai Canal take you along Downtown Dubai, past the towering skyscrapers in the Business District, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Opera House.

Are there bathrooms on dhow cruises?

Yes, but they are typically smaller than on larger vessels. Be prepared for a more basic experience.

Can I drink alcohol on a dhow cruise?

Alcohol consumption rules vary by operator. Some cruises may be dry, while others allow it in a limited way. You can opt for alcoholic beverages when booking your tickets.

What can I do to avoid seasickness?

Consider taking medication or natural remedies beforehand. Fresh air on deck can also help.

What are some tips for planning my Dubai cruise arrival?

Double-check the boarding location with your operator - it can vary by company and cruise type. Factor in traffic and plan to arrive 30 minutes early for shared transfers.