Dubai is one of the top cruise destinations in the Middle East, offering many onshore and offshore attractions to explore, ranging from modern skyscrapers to traditional historical sites and extra ordinary man-made islands. There are plenty of travel companies operating cruise tours around the stunning Arabian Gulf waters, with a range of luxurious vessels offering special packages to choose from. Dubai cruises could be the right idea of romance for the newly wedded for your next holiday abroad.
Dubai is increasingly growing to be the most admired winter cruise destination among tourists. Offering a true blend of modern day shopping malls and olden day Mosques, innovative architecture coupled with golden dunes of the desert, the city offers a lot to explorers of Dubai cruises.
There are other pleasant experiences too in store for tourists, including having dinner on a Dhow Cruise amidst the fascinating lights and music played at Dubai Creek, belly dancing, and a BBQ buffet dinner.
Cruises within Dubai
The Dubai Creek creates an excellent setting for an onshore cruise that can help you explore the cultural existence of the city mixed with modern marvels. The Creek separates Dubai into two parts – Deira on the north and Bur Dubai on the south, both offering entertainment and fantastic opportunities, particularly the delights of traditional souks.
Another excellent way of rejoicing a holiday could be inside the Dubai Dhow Cruise. The Dhow is generally made of wood, and is mostly used for fishing. The evening spent on the cruise along the creek, would be the best to calm down the stress and relax your mind. The boat operators usually take you to a stunning spot, to enjoy a contrast between Deira and Bur Dubai, with one side boasting the modern side of Dubai, while the other end preserves the calmness of Arab land. There are also belly dancing performed by the belly dancers.
Offshore cruises
There are also cruises happening around Dubai, given, the phenomenal artificial islands that were constructed for extreme paradise. The Palm Island, for instance, features the wonderful Atlantis Resort, a popular hotel worth visiting. Further, there are cruises available between Dubai and other emirates in the UAE or to even other nations across the Middle East. A very popular cruise to the UAE’s capital is its beautiful Corniche and shopping amenities.
Types of Cruises
There are atleast 150 Dhow cruises moving across the waters of the creek daily until midnight, offering different types of packages for families, including lunch/dinners and live entertainment.
If you are planning to explore Dubai, a traditional Dhow or Abra Cruise is a must. This can be used as a gateway to enjoy a picturesque view of Dubai skyline, offering access to major tourist hot spots in Old and New Dubai, and therefore serves more than being a mere transport vehicle to cross the creek.
The P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Carribean International and Princess Cruises are said to be popular due to their great range of accommodation options and on-board luxury options.
For instance, tourists opting for the Oriana, P&O Cruises, can look forward to enjoy the beautiful Arabian Gulf, the traditional buildings and stunning architecture flanking in beside, while, the Princess Cruises offers shore excursions and a trip to Nad Al Sheba Club. There also cruises offering swimming pool, and few possible excursions on board, including boating towards the Dubai Creek, through the Grand Mosque. Shoppers can also look forward for a stopover at the Gold Souk.
Visitors on the Costa Cruise can bathe inside the natural pools at the Hatta, a halt before Al-Bastakiya district. Also, the cruise boasts a tempting Trattoris Buffet inside its beautiful terrace. Among the other excursions of the Costa Cruises are, a tour of the main centre of Dubai, the Dubai Heritage tour, a boat spree to the artificial Palm Islands. Furthermore, for the adventure lovers, there are the Dune Drive Safaris waiting.
Dubai - Muscat - Bahrain Cruises
Similarly, if you wish to hire a cruise from Dubai to explore Bahrain, Muscat, or Abu Dhabi, then Costa Deliziosa, Costa Luminosa, Royal Carribean’s Brilliance of the Seas and Panorama are some options to be considered. The cruises begin and end in Dubai, with a two nights stay over. They follow the route of Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and back to Dubai.
In fact, there are several passengers enjoying travel from Dubai to Muscat on weekly basis of Arabian Sea Cruise. Further, there are the Jewels of the Emirates Cruise, Dubai and the Emirates Cruise, and the Costa Classica all offering various packages and routes.
Dubai Cruise Terminal
All the cruises begin at Port Rashid, which is the main destination for cruise liners from where they either begin or end their journey or use it as their port-of-call.
The terminal unveiled in 2001, is spread across a vast area of 3,300 sq mtr., with capacity to handle two ships simultaneously, having the added advantage of bringing in larger ships. The terminal also includes amenities such as extra secure security system, Duty Free Shopping, VIP lounges, special privileges for handicapped passengers, entertainment centre, money exchange counter, conference amenities and business centre and internet cafe.
The Dubai Cruise Terminal are an epitome of luxury for those seeking a modern approach, offering five star hotel luxuries, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, stops at tourist spots across Dubai, international buffet spread, and stops at tourist spots across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, and Al-Fujairah for shopping and sightseeing.
Best time to enjoy Dubai Cruises
The best time to enjoy Dubai Cruises is during winter, although autumn and spring are also good. For the enthusiastic cruisers, Dubai cruises will offer the perfect blend of leisure and luxury, shopping and culture, all in an hospitable, safe and crime free environment. With Dubai cruises around, you will remember Dubai as not just a city with amazing architectural splendours, but also for its wonderful cruise experience.
More information about the cruises in Dubai you can find at dubai-yachting.com, a useful online resource.