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Dubai is sometimes called the Las Vegas of the Middle East — but its culture is far more complex than initially meets the eye.
At once sophisticated and over-the-top, exclamatory but preserved in Muslim culture, its Port of Rashid can spin you away to multiple continents around the globe.
Here’s what to know when setting sail from its shores.
Best cruises from Dubai
Dubai’s central location grants access to Europe, Asia and Oceania. And the Arabian Gulf is brimming with Middle Eastern gems and iconic sights.
These cruise lines can offer everything from affordable journeys to lengthy explorations of the UAE, Europe and beyond.
Best for expertly curated itineraries: Norwegian
Discover lengthy adventures that ignite your exploration dream: A safari through Africa, a romantic romp to Italy, an exotic expedition through Madagascar and the Seychelles, or an enchanting trip to the far east of India.
- Room service included
- No free alcohol
- Food included
- No price matching
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card
Best for affordability: Royal Caribbean
On a tight budget? Sign up for a seven-night cruise through Oman and the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and more. Royal Caribbean makes accessing Dubai's beautiful Arabian neighbors a budget-friendly breeze.
- Room service included
- No free alcohol
- Food included
- Price matches
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card
Best for shorter lengths: P&O Cruises
Chase enchantment in the Arabian Gulf in just a week (though longer routes are also available). Revel in the magic of Muscat, and wander through Oman's proud capital Khasab and see Abu Dhabi before the trip concludes.
- No free room service
- No free alcohol
- Food included
- No price matching
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Best for reaching other continents: Princess
From the City of Gold, you can choose to sail south towards Sri Lanka and Malaysia, north to Italy and Greece, or beyond to Australia. Perhaps it's better to trust your palette — will you be in the mood for pasta, rice or Vegemite? Wherever you land, tasty seafood is pretty much guaranteed.
- Room service included
- No free alcohol
- Food included
- No price matching
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card, JCB
Best for thorough exploration of the Middle East: Costa
History buffs and culture junkies will salivate over itineraries that last for weeks, docking at ports including Fujiarah Khor Fakkan and Salalah in Oman, Aqaba in Jordan to the lost city of Petra, and Haifa in Israel to visit Bethlehem and Nazareth.
- Room service included
- No free alcohol
- Food included
- No price matching
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express
How we chose these cruises
When choosing cruises for this list, we looked at the quality of routes available from each cruise line, prioritizing well-paced itineraries with port stops at key destinations around the region.
We also considered dining onboard, weighing the number, variety and overall quality of restaurants against passenger reviews. Finally, we weighed cabin amenities against each price point, looking for cruise lines that are known to deliver the highest value.
Additionally, we sought out customer reviews on travel websites and personal travel blogs, considering first-person experiences and each company’s overall reputation.
When it the best time to cruise from Dubai?
The best time to cruise from Dubai depends on what you expect from the weather.
November through March are mild winter months, with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Summer is May through September and is a scorcher with temperatures that peak over 100°F.
Consider your itinerary before choosing your dates. If you’re sailing north towards Italy, the summer heat may not be as fierce — and you’ll likely save money on flights, hotels and even the cruise in the tourist off-season.
If you’re sailing south to Africa consider traveling during winter to avoid the sweltering summertime heat. Avoid rainy spells in Asia, look for travel during the dry season. You might pay a little extra due to the peak tourist season, however you’ll enjoy your holiday more.
Getting to the port for your cruise from Dubai
Dubai’s cruise hub, the Port of Rashid, is located at the mouth of Dubai Creek. You can get to it via:
- Public transportation. Metro, light rail or bus.
- Private transportation. Uber or Dubai Taxi.
- Keep in mind there’s a $5.50 (20 AED) surcharge for airport pickup. Taxis take around 20 to 40 minutes to reach the Port of Rashid from the airport.
- Shuttle. If you’re staying overnight beforehand, check if your hotel offers free shuttles to the Port of Rashid. Otherwise, browse third party services.
Bottom line
Dubai is pure indulgence perched on the edge of the desert — a tantalizing city from which to embark.
From its port you can discover the world, cruising as close as Oman and Qatar on short, pocket-friendly journeys or as far as Asia and Australia on more extensive cruises.
Before booking tickets, check for deals and discounts to save money, so you’ve got more to spend on drinks, treats and excursions after hopping aboard.
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