Dubai Cruise
Secure yourself an adventure on a Dubai cruise
A Dubai cruise takes you to a world that seems like the lost tale of Arabian Nights. The most glamorous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a modern metropolis that welcomes you with architectural marvels, world-class shopping and a global culinary scene.
In a city where the pursuit of superlatives is a way of life, your cruise to Dubai delivers many thrilling moments, from panoramic views from the planet’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, to gazing out from the largest picture frame, the Dubai Frame, and shopping in one of the largest malls, Dubai Mall.
Other adventures in this laboratory of bold visions include Palm Jumeirah, an archipelago of man made islands, and Ski Dubai, a ski mountain inside a shopping mall.
Float along the flower-fringed canals of the Arabian-style Madinat Jumeirah resort village with superb views of the palatial Burj al Arab, one of the globe’s most exclusive hotels. If you want to bring home a memento of your Dubai cruise, browse Madinat Jumeirah’s modern souk or head to Deira’s historic souk quarter, anchored by the dazzling Dubai Gold Souk.
Cruises to Dubai in 2024
Our cruises to Dubai are like stepping into a modern fairy-tale. Gaze down from the world’s tallest building, indulge in retail therapy in one of the world’s largest shopping malls and explore one of the world’s largest man made islands.
But when choosing a Dubai cruise, you’ll soon realize that there’s more to this glamorous emirate than headline-grabbing superlatives. Stroll along the waterfront at Dubai Marina or soar amidst its skyscrapers on a one-kilometre-long zip line. Shop for handicrafts in the Arabesque-styled Souk al Bahar before being captivated by the dancing Dubai Fountain. And don’t forget to visit Dubai Miracle Garden to be astounded by the vision and effort that went into creating this floral universe.
Our cruises to Dubai also offer you the chance to experience the mystique of the desert and explore the best of the neighboring emirates, such as Sharjah’s fascinating museums or the exhilarating drive up Jebel Jais mountain in Ras al Khaimah.
Cruises from Dubai in 2024
Our cruises from Dubai open up the glamour, natural wonders and heritage of the cities and islands of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a grand adventure, our selection of cruises from Dubai 2024 will have you travelling in the footsteps of history’s great explorers and adventurers.
Embark on a cruise from Dubai to discover the mystique of the Gulf’s most famous destinations. Sail the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Drop anchor in dazzling capitals such as Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha, or experience the natural splendor of places like the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Dubai excursions: discover the best of the best
Explore the rich history, architecture and culture of Dubai with MSC Cruises’ Dubai shore excursions.
On our Dubai tours you’ll visit famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah and the Museum of the Future, as well as strolling around a fragrant floral wonderland.
We even have Dubai excursions to satisfy your shopping cravings by taking you to the modern Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the traditional souk districts in Bur Dubai and Deira.
All Dubai excursions are led by experts who are enthusiastic about sharing their insights in an engaging manner.
Book your excursions before departure and save up to 20%.
How to reach Dubai cruise terminal
Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Dubai?
MSC Cruises’ ships dock at Port Rashid, also known as Mina Rashid, when stopping in Dubai. The address is: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal 3, P.O. Box 6769, Port Rashid, Dubai, UAE.
The cruise terminal is located around nine kilometres from the Old City of Dubai, where you can find a number of historical souks, the Dubai Museum, and traditional dhow cruises along Dubai Creek. It is also located within 20 kilometres of Jumeirah Beach and downtown Dubai, where you’ll find the majority of Dubai’s most famous attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa tower and Dubai Mall.
How do I get from Dubai Airport to the cruise port?
Dubai International Airport is located around 16 kilometres to the east of the cruise port. The easiest way to reach the cruise terminal from Dubai Airport is to request an MSC transfer service via the MSC call centre.
Taxis are also abundant at Dubai Airport and should take around half an hour to reach the cruise port, no matter which terminal you fly into. A taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal should cost around £30. There are also two metro stations at Dubai Airport (Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 2) which you can use to get to Al Ghubaiba (Change at Union), the closest station to the cruise terminal. The metro costs around £3.
How do I get to the Dubai cruise port by train?
While there is no overground train service in Dubai, there is a metro that you can use to get to the Dubai cruise port – it’s seen as being one of the cleanest and most reliable metro systems in the world. The closest metro station to the Dubai cruise port is Al Ghubaiba, located around a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away from the cruise terminal.
Al Ghubaiba station is on the Green Line, although most of the tourist attractions in Dubai – as well as the airport – are located near stops on the Red Line. If coming from the airport, change to the Green Line at Union station, or if coming from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall or Dubai Marina, change at Burjuman Metro Station.
What can I do in Dubai in one day?
Dubai is positively bursting with first-rate sights and attractions to enthral visitors. You could easily spend a few days exploring, although you can also tick off some fantastic sights and activities in just one day.
If you have just one day in Dubai, you could head downtown to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, which offers panoramic views of the city amongst the backdrop of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Desert. You can then explore nearby Dubai Mall, which has an array of shops, but also houses an indoor theme park, an aquarium and underwater zoo, and an ice rink.
After stopping for lunch, head to Burj Al Arab, an iconic hotel shaped like a sail, sitting on a beach. After grabbing photos and taking a quick dip in the warm waters, head over to the Old City of Dubai, which has a more traditional feel. Here, you can browse various historical souks and markets, and stop for dinner in one of the many restaurants along Dubai Creek before heading off for an evening cruise on a dhow, a traditional masted ship used by merchants of the region for centuries.
What is the weather like in Dubai?
Sitting on the coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai has a hot and arid desert climate. The hottest months are typically in summer, with average daily high temperatures of between 40-41°C from June to August. Meanwhile, the coolest months of the year, from December to February, would be considered hot in many other parts of the world, with average daily highs of between 24-26°C.
And as you’d expect from a desert city, it rarely rains in Dubai, with the wettest months – December through to March – averaging just one day of rainfall per month. With low humidity, Dubai’s hot climate often feels more pleasant than many tropical destinations, while the city is full of air-conditioned shopping malls and museums, so you can comfortably escape the heat whenever needed.
Is Dubai expensive?
While Dubai is known as being typically more expensive than most tourist destinations across the globe, it is possible to experience this fascinating city on a small budget. There are many free things to explore, including the city’s most popular bathing spot – Jumeirah Public Beach – and a number of parks, including Zabeel Park, home to the famous Dubai Frame.
You can also spend hours walking around the souks of the old town, taking in the sights and scents, or strolling along Dubai Creek.
Is there a beach in Dubai?
Dubai sits on the Persian Gulf and has a wide range of beaches to choose from. One of the most popular is Jumeirah Public Beach (also known as Nessnass Beach), which has become a firm favourite with families. Sunset Beach is also a fine option for those wanting an early evening dip (a chance not to be passed up), while Kite Beach is the go-to for kite-surfers and other adventurous types.
To the north is Al Mamzar Beach Park, a large complex with several beaches alongside swimming pools, making it ideal for families with young children. Those are just a few of the options on the table – you won't be short of choice when it comes to brochure-worthy beaches.
