My first experience on the water in Dubai didn’t go smoothly. I had booked a public charter cruise that turned out to be more of a party than a relaxed outing. I was in the city with my parents to celebrate my mother’s sixtieth birthday, and the photos in the ads looked beautiful. In reality, a DJ and a young crowd of twenty-somethings greeted us when our boat reached the first of many stops. My mother was a good sport about it, but that kind of entertainment doesn’t suit everyone.
That said, I understand why people struggle to tell the difference in the Private Yacht Vs Party Boat Dubai debate. Despite what some ads suggest, these are two very different types of outings on the water. I’ve had the chance to try both, and I’ve found that each has its advantages.
When a Private Yacht Is the Better Choice
A Private Yacht Dubai booking lets you explore the region with just your friends or family. Only your group and the crew will be on board, so your group sets the agenda. You can ask the captain to take you anywhere he thinks offers a great view or a chance to step off the boat for an activity.
Vessels range from boats small enough for a couple to floating banquet halls that hold a party of forty or fifty. If you give them enough notice, most companies can arrange catering, balloons, cakes, jet ski rentals and photographers.
I returned to the city a couple of years later with my family for another private yacht charter, and it gave us exactly the break from everyday life we needed. We enjoyed a quiet, romantic dinner while taking in the sights of Palm Jumeirah. This kind of outing suits proposals, anniversaries, family holidays or impressing a business associate.
When a Party Boat Is the Better Choice
A Party Boat Dubai tour feels like a nightclub that has taken to the water. Expect a DJ, a bar, a buffet and dancing from your very first stop. The ticket price usually includes drinks, and the boat may offer several other amenities.
Because these are public cruises with reasonably priced tickets, you may not know who else will join you on board. If you’re travelling alone or with just a couple of friends, they can be a great way to meet new people.
A friend of mine went on one of these cruises by herself and came home with three new Instagram friends and an invitation to a dinner party. Bachelor and bachelorette groups especially love this setting, and anyone looking for a good time should have no trouble finding one here.
How I Would Decide Which One I Want
Most people will decide based on whether they want a social or a private experience. A group of ten or more can usually find a Private Yacht Charter Dubai operator that fits them at roughly the same cost as public cruise tickets. Larger groups always pay less per person on a private charter, since they book the whole vessel for several hours. Smaller groups of two or three will get more out of a Party Boat Rental Dubai, which lets them enjoy an exciting outing without overspending. Some companies also let smaller groups split the cost of a private charter if nobody wants to share a boat with strangers, which makes a good middle ground.
The time of year matters too, since daytime temperatures can get quite hot. Evenings stay pleasant, which is why sunset cruises draw the biggest crowds. The weather is at its best between October and April, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip. It’s also worth checking the operator’s licensing and which amenities your fare includes.
What I Would Check First Before Booking
Before booking a private or public cruise for the first time, I would check the amenities on offer, fuel and alcohol charges, the operator’s licensing details and weekend availability.
My Thoughts
I believe your group’s wishes should always decide whether you choose a private or a public cruise.
Nobody wants to spend a lot of money on an outing when they’ve only come to see their friends, and nobody wants to miss out on the social side of such an exciting adventure. Just make sure you know which type you’ve booked before you board, unlike me, who only found out once I was on the boat.
