Dubai Cruise

A Dubai cruise is more than transport. It is a way to relax while the skyline or coastline unfolds around you. From short sunset sails to multi-hour voyages, cruises create an experience that blends leisure and sightseeing. MakeMyTrip has over 528 cruise experiences in Dubai for 2025, offering both budget-friendly and luxury options. Onboard, travellers can enjoy dining, live music or cultural shows that make the journey just as exciting as the destination. Open decks are perfect for photography and sea breezes, while indoor lounges provide space to sit back in comfort. Cruise booking prices start from INR 470 on MakeMyTrip and give access to a variety of packages. This December, set out on a cruise trip in Dubai and see the city from a completely new angle.

Dubai Cruise: Skyline Nights and Dhow Traditions

Introduction

Seeing Dubai from the water changes how the city feels. On land, the city moves quickly, with traffic and bright screens and towers that seem to press in from every side. From a Dubai cruise tour, the noise softens. You notice seabirds near the Creek, the small slap of waves along the Marina, and the way tall buildings turn to streaks of light on the surface. Even a short sailing resets the pace.

The Creek carries the older story. Wooden dhows that once hauled dates and spices now glide past souks and mosques with shaded decks and rows of seats. Across town the Marina looks forward rather than back. Yachts line the piers, glass towers rise behind them, and at dusk the harbour brightens as if a show is about to begin.

Dubai cruises fit easily into a day. Some are quick loops for sightseeing, some chase the sunset, others serve dinner under strings of lights, and private charters let a group set its own plan. Every option can be booked through MakeMyTrip in INR, which keeps the planning simple whether you are here for work or on holiday.

Types of Cruises in Dubai

Creek Sightseeing Cruises: Classic daytime loops along Dubai Creek. You pass abra crossings, old souks, wind towers, and the heritage quarter at an easy pace. A simple way to see Old Dubai without the crowds on foot.

Marina Sightseeing Cruises: Short trips among glass towers and the waterfront promenades of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Good for first time visitors who want skyline photos and a taste of the modern city.

Sunset Cruises: Boats time their departure for golden hour, then return after the lights come on. Expect calm water, changing colour in the sky, and views that stretch to Palm Jumeirah and the open Gulf.

Dinner Dhow Cruises: Wooden dhows lit with strings of bulbs serve buffet dinners while sailing on the Creek or the Marina. Music plays, performers sometimes join in, and there is a choice of indoor cabins or open decks.

Private Yacht Charters: Crewed yachts that you hire for your group. Routes are flexible, generally circle Palm Jumeirah, pausing near Atlantis, and heading far enough out to see the Burj Al Arab. Perfect for parties or relaxing evenings with friends.

Themed and Special Event Cruises: These types of cruise from Dubai​ are built around entertainment. Think live bands, cultural shows, or departures that coincide with festivals and fireworks. Departures run from the Creek or the Marina, depending on the listing.

Popular Cruises in Dubai

Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow

A daytime dhow on the Creek feels like stepping into an earlier Dubai. This cruise in Dubai moves at an easy pace and the details stand out from the water. Carved balconies, wind towers, shopfronts, and the sweep of Deira pass by while the city settles into a slower rhythm.

Duration: One to two hours

Timings: Late morning through mid afternoon

Route highlights: Deira souks, heritage quarter, Creek promenade

Inclusions: Soft drinks or water, shaded seating, guide or audio commentary

Starting price: About INR 1,200 to INR 1,800 per person

Boarding point: Piers along Dubai Creek

Dubai Marina Sunset Yacht Cruise

Sailing out of the Marina as the sun sets gives you a different view of the city. Towers glow in shades of pink and gold, the water picks up the colour for a moment, and then the skyline begins to sparkle as night takes over. The atmosphere on this Dubai cruise shifts with the crowd: some are busy with cameras, others drift to the bow to catch the breeze, and a few settle indoors with a drink while the yacht moves past Palm Jumeirah and out toward Burj Al Arab.

Duration: About two hours

Timings: Departures are common at 5.30 pm and 6 pm, with later options near 8 pm

Route highlights: Marina promenade, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab viewed offshore

Inclusions: Light snacks, soft drinks, music, indoor lounge and deck seating

Starting price: From INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 per person

Boarding point: Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Dubai Creek Dhow Dinner Cruise

At night this cruise from Dubai comes alive in small details. Strings of coloured bulbs hang across the wooden decks, oud music carries faintly from one boat to another, and the clatter of cutlery mixes with the hum of the engine. The buffet is spread out in long rows, with guests helping themselves before drifting back to the railings to watch the lights of mosques and souks reflecting on the water. A Tanoura dancer may step onto the floor and start spinning in wide circles, drawing a cheer from the crowd. It feels informal, sometimes even a little chaotic, but that is part of the charm.

Duration: Two to three hours

Timings: Boarding often begins at 7 pm, with sailing soon after

Route highlights: Mosques, souks, and heritage buildings glowing at night along the Creek

Inclusions: Buffet dinner with vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, soft drinks, live entertainment

Starting price: From INR 1,800 to INR 2,500 per person

Boarding point: Dubai Creek pier

Luxury Yacht Charter from Dubai Marina

Hiring a yacht in Dubai feels like pressing pause on the city. The decks are wide and open, the crew takes care of the work, and the skyline becomes a backdrop that you can linger on as long as you like. Groups often bring their own music or snacks, sometimes even balloons and cakes for birthdays. The boat usually loops around the Marina and the Palm, slowing near Atlantis before heading out far enough for Burj Al Arab to appear on the horizon. It is indulgent, but also flexible, and that is what makes this luxury cruise Dubai appealing.

Duration: Two to four hours, with longer charters available

Timings: Options during the day, at sunset, and in the evening

Route highlights: Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab seen offshore

Inclusions: Skipper and crew, bottled water, soft drinks, sound system, catering available on request

Starting price: From INR 15,000 upwards for groups

Boarding point: Marina charter piers

What to Consider When Booking

Itinerary

Reaching the pier on time is important. Traffic near the Marina can be heavy, especially in the evenings, so it helps to leave earlier than you think you need to. Sunset Dubai cruise trips and the cruise ship Dubai, in particular, do not wait for late arrivals.

Budget

Daytime sightseeing cruise from Dubai is usually the cheapest. Dinner sailings cost a bit more but include food and entertainment. Yacht trips are priced higher, and private charters sit at the top end, though groups often find the cost reasonable when it is divided among them.

Deals and Packages

MakeMyTrip lists Dubai cruise packages that combine Dubai cruises with hotels or other activities. Many family and honeymoon deals already include a Creek or Marina dinner cruise, making it an easy choice.

Amenities

An air conditioned cabin can make a big difference during warmer months. Families should check if strollers are allowed on board. Private yachts often give the option of adding catering, music, or decorations, so it is worth confirming in advance.

Where to Book on MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip is the easiest place to arrange these cruises, and the steps are simple enough.

• Start on the website or the app and set Dubai as your destination.
• Type “cruise” into the search bar and you will see options for the Creek, the Marina, and private yachts.
• Filters help narrow it down as per day, sunset, dinner, or themed nights.
• Once you choose a date and add the number of travellers, check what is included and where the boat leaves from.
• Payment is done in INR, and within minutes you get a confirmation by email.