Evenings in Dubai are spectacular. As the sun sets and the city begins to sparkle, there is no better place to be than on the water. A dinner cruise is an incredible way to check three things off your travel to-do list; enjoy a delicious meal, participate in a sightseeing tour, and enjoy some peace and quiet to take in the city as it flows by. If you are here on vacation, celebrating an anniversary, or are simply looking for a way to entertain your guests, read on to find out what to expect and how to make the most of it.
Why Choose a Cruise over a Restaurant?
The main appeal of a dinner cruise is the sightseeing element. A restaurant offers a static view, but a Luxury Cruise Dinner provides a moving view of Burj Al Arab, the Marina towers, and traditional wooden dhows along Dubai Creek. From a practical standpoint, a dinner cruise takes care of sightseeing and transportation, so there is no arguing over what cuisine to eat or who has to drive.
Choosing Your Route
Of more significance than choosing the right boat is choosing the right cruise route.
If you want to take the heritage route, you will sail down Dubai Creek on a traditional Arabian dhow. This route is both the most affordable and the slowest, and offers a more atmospheric experience as you sail past Bur Dubai, Deira, the souks, and the old trading wharves.
Dubai Marina is the contemporary version of its predecessors with the addition of the JBR and Ain Dubai. A Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina takes you on the city’s most famous waterway with the tall sail dhows and catamarans.
The Dubai Water Canal is the most recent of the three waterways and offers views of Burj Khalifa with less traffic than the Marina.
What Happens on Board
Most cruises last between 2 to 3 hours. You will board between 8 to 8:30 pm and receive your first drinks of the night. Cruises offer buffets with international dishes and Arabic mezze and grills, however, some cruises offer premium à la carte and set menus.
The types of entertainment offered on the cruises include: tanoura dancing, live music, and magicians. The lower decks offer an air conditioned seating area and the top deck offers an open seating area and photography opportunities. The top deck is also where the bar and grills are located. Some cruises offer Romantic Dining on the Water which includes decorations and seating for two on the top deck.
Practical Tips Before You Book
During the peak season, you should book your cruise at least two to three days in advance. Boats leave on time, so be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure you get a spot. Smart casual attire is the dress code. No swimwear is allowed. During the winter, a light jacket is recommended.
Be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation. Allergy-friendly and vegetarian options are available, but the chefs on smaller boats cannot accommodate as as much as larger boats. When looking at Luxury Dinner Cruise Dubai operators, read their recent reviews for food quality to get the most bang for your buck.
Best Time to Go
If you want to enjoy some cooler evenings, visit during the fall, winter, or early spring (October through April). Summer cruises do happen, but you’ll want to stick to the air-conditioned decks then. No matter when you go, try to schedule your departure so you’re cruising at or around sunset. Everyone loves the short but beautiful transition when the sky changes and the city lights come on.
Once you decide on your route, come prepared and know what to expect. You’ll need to arrive at your departure time to ensure everything is taken care of. The rest of the evening will be perfect on its own.
