You get to enjoy absolutely unforgettable luxurious experiences in Dubai and a dhow cruise Dubai comes right at the top among all of them. Explore Dubai’s stunning skyline, its beautiful coastline and majestic landmarks as you go cruising on a dhow on the water. We bring you a guide on how you can book a dhow in Dubai with tips on making the most of the experience.
Choose the Type of Dhow Cruise
You have various types of dhow cruises to choose from. Let’s look into them.
- Traditional Dinner Cruises
Very popular among tourists, these cruises offer dinner with live entertainment.
- Sightseeing Cruises
These cruises take you sightseeing around the various landmarks during the day.
- Private Charter
Offering a more intimate experience, you hire an entire Dhow here.
- Luxury Cruises
Including fine dining, this is a premium service offering exclusive amenities.
Which of these cruises you choose depends on what your preferences are. It could be a lively group party, a romantic escapade or a sightseeing cruise, whatever you like.
Decide on the Best Time to Cruise
You can choose to cruise both in the day or night. Take the following into consideration:
Night Cruises
These are the most popular among all the dhow cruises since you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while cruising. With landmarks like the Burj Khalifa lit up brightly, Dubai’s skyline appears stunning after dark. Since it gets cooler after sunset, a dinner cruise makes for a luxurious and comfortable experience.
Day Cruises
If you are keen to go sightseeing and admire the splendour landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah, cruising in the day is the best. You must however bear the warm weather.
The weather in Dubai is at its best between October and April and this is the best time of the year to book a dhow cruise. The city is very hot and humid at other times of the year.
Pick the Right Location
There are different locations for the Dubai dhow cruises. Here are the more popular ones.
Dubai Creek
This offers a more traditional cruising experience. Admire Dubai’s old buildings and traditional markets. These cruises are perfect for those looking for a cultural experience.
Dubai Marina
An upscale locality, the Dubai Marina boasts stunning architecture and a lively waterfront. Enjoy watching luxurious yachts and tall highrises as you cruise along.
Dubai Water Canal
This is a newer area and the views here are truly scenic. The feel too is more contemporary. It has emerged as a popular destination among tourist places in Dubai.
Choose the location of your cruise depending on what interests you and which avatar of the city you want to explore.
Research the Tour Operators
Offering excellent dhow cruises, there are several operators to choose from in Dubai. You can ensure yourself a memorable experience by looking into the following factors:
Reviews
Check reviews from other travellers on websites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. It gives you an insight into the quality of service offered by the operator.
Reputation
Look for operators with an impressive track record. A consistent track record indicates reliability. It’s a sign of quality service being delivered regularly.
Inclusions
Take care to see what the price includes. Does it include drinks, dinner, additional services as well as entertainment? Do confirm with your operator.
Book in Advance
You may book a dhow cruise on the same day. However, it’s a good idea to book one in advance especially during peak seasons. Dubai is very popular among travellers and hence, the booking of dhow cruises is very fast. It’s no different at the other tourist places in Dubai. When you book early, not only are you assured of a spot, you also get to bag early bird discounts and special offers.
There are simple ways to book a dhow cruise. You may do so on the operator’s website or on other sites like Viator or GetYourGuide. You can read reviews on these sites and even compare among the different options available.
Consider the Cruise’s Duration
Typically ranging between 1 and 2 hours, Dubai’s dhow cruises are of various durations. Some cruises, especially those that include dinner and entertainment are of a longer duration though, 3-4 hours. Since longer cruises offer more, they are more fun. Choose a cruise depending on what kind of an experience you’re keen to enjoy.
Know What to Expect on a Dinner Cruise
Here’s what you can expect on a dinner cruise. Travel Saga, a top travel agency in Dubai brings you the details.
Buffet vs. A La Carte
Most of the cruises serve buffet meals but there are some where dinner is served a la carte. Do inform in advance if you have any special dietary preferences.
Entertainment
You get to enjoy live entertainment on most dhow cruises that serve dinner. These include belly dancing, traditional music or live bands among other forms of entertainment. These add an element of fun to the party environment.
Soft Drinks vs. Alcohol
Soft drinks are served on most dhow cruises and there may be extra charges for alcoholic beverages. There are free flowing drinks served by some operators on dhow cruises.
Check for Special Packages
There are special packages on offer from many tour operators for couples, families and groups. Such packages may be,
Romantic Packages
With special seating, these packages include flowers and special seating in a private area for the couple.
Group Packages
There may be discounts available for those travelling in groups. There are special group rates available as well.
Combos
There are combined packages from some operators that include other activities as well apart from the dhow cruise like a city tour, a helicopter ride or a desert safari.
You may consider these packages for a more personalised experience or if you are in Dubai on a whirlwind tour and are eager to make the most of it.
Conclusion
You get to experience the beauty and opulence of Dubai far from the madding crowds when you go on a dhow cruise in the city. Choose the right cruise and book in advance for a stress and hassle-free cruise experience. A leading travel agency in Dubai, Travel Saga can help you book one. Dubai’s dhow cruises are an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy a romantic evening, a luxurious private charter or a fun outing with family and friends. Yes, there’s something for everyone on the dhow cruises.