Things To Do When Cruising Around Dubai

The United Arab Emirates are getting more and more popular as a destination to cruise around and also increasingly used as a starting or finishing point for cruises going further afield. Dubai & Abu Dhabi have invested heavily in their cruise passenger terminals. I have noticed also that there are quite a few itineraries that offer overnight stops in Dubai, which gives you time to do  more in-depth excursions or have a night on land for a change.

I have been a couple of times for short stays and have to say Dubai is an amazing place, if a little strange at first. The amount of Super Cars you’ll see driving down the streets is a petrol-head’s dream. Local men in their bright white robes and head scarves look like they should be far too hot in the sweltering heat. The lowest temperatures in December and January are around 20 degrees whilst it can easily hit 40 degrees in July and August. Although a top tip is to take a jacket or jumper with you as the powerful air conditioning can make it freezing when you’re indoors.

So what can you do whilst there for a day or 2? Here are a few ideas….

Burj Khalifa: This is the world’s tallest building at over 2700 feet tall. You can take a trip up to the observation decks or sit at the lounge and have afternoon tea or a glass of bubbles with amazing views over this desert city.

Burj El Arab: This is Dubai’s most luxurious hotel and it’s this vision that most people think of when they picture Dubai. if you want to get inside this stunning hotel then you can book a decadent afternoon tea in the world’s tallest atrium or book for lunch or dinner at one of the hotel’s stunning restaurants.

Shopping! : You can head to Deira to practise your haggling skills in the traditional souks. There is huge amount of goods available with gold being prevalent as well as replica handbags,  beautiful wraps and pashminas too. Many people head off to the Malls for a more modern shopping experience and access to all the designer goods. You really can grab yourself a bargain as there is no VAT or sales tax. Head over to Dubai Mall where you can see the Dubai fountains, visit the ice rink or even tour the aquarium.

The Palm: One of the world’s most daring developments, the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is a must to visit.  Jutting out into the Arabian Gulf, this man-made archipelago was built in the shape of a palm tree, with a 3-mile-long trunk and a fan of fronds lined with luxury villas and five-star hotels. From water parks and wildlife encounters, to beach clubs and boozy brunches you could easily spend a full day & night here.

Hop On Hop Off bus tour:  If ever there was a city where an open-top bus tour came without the threat of rain and having to dash downstairs or wear a poncho, Dubai is the one. Great to get a recorded tour guide to give you information and also to use as transport to various points throughout the city.

The Desert: A real highlight from my first trip was the sunset desert safari. It’s an afternoon start where you get taken up to the sand dunes where you can take some great ‘Lawrence of Arabia-esque’ pics and experience dune-bashing – driving up and down the sand dunes in a 4 x 4 vehicle, sliding all over the place. great fun. You can also have a camel ride and then you get taken to a kind of Bedouin camp for dinner, local music and henna tattoos.

Dhow Cruise: if you can’t get enough of being on the water a dhow cruise down Dubai Creek gives you views of the city from a different perspective, taking in the city skyline, Burj El Arab and The Palm.

These are just a few things that you can do whilst in Dubia. Of course you may just want to get off your ship, head to town and have a mosey around or chill out on one of the beautiful sandy beaches. You can do whatever you like on your holiday.

If you need more information on Dubai cruises please call me on 0330 303 8205 pr e-mail [email protected].

TTFN 🙂