The United Arab Emirates have much to offer the discerning foreign traveller. If you’re contemplating booking an Arabian cruise for your next holiday, scour cruise deals to find one which starts, or ends, in Dubai. Of all the major hubs, Dubai is by far the most popular, and for very good reason.
From top-notch shopping, to delicious food and endless desert dunes, there’s enough in Dubai to keep you, and your loved ones, busy for days on end. Make sure you book at least two night’s accommodation here before joining a cruise, and you’ll be guaranteed a very unique experience. To help you make the best of your time, we’ve compiled this easy-to-follow guide to Dubai’s very best attractions.
Tour the City in Style and Comfort
A fantastic way to take in all the city’s best attractions is by joining an open-top bus tour of Dubai. The option to hop on and off at any of the various stops is a major draw-card, giving you the chance to spend more time in the places you enjoy most. The ‘Big Bus Company’ offers this service, and there are various options for you to choose from.
You can buy a 24 or 48 hour ticket; both include a Dhow River Cruise, and entry into the Dubai Museum; but you need not use them all on the same day, which is an added bonus. There are two different routes on offer: the red route concentrates on the city center attractions, whilst the blue route covers the ever-popular beach areas. There is also a night-tour on offer, which provides a sparkling view of Dubai all lit up, and is fully guided.
English commentary is offered on every tour, and ticket prices start from only US$60. Buy your tickets online whilst hunting for cruise deals, and save yourself time and money!
Go On a Shopping Spree With a Difference
If you happen to be visiting an Arabic country for the first time, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Shopping, the most popular of all the activities here, offers more than just retail therapy. In Dubai, visiting a Souk is an unforgettable experience. ‘Souk Medinat Jumeirah’, the most elegant and up-market souk in Dubai, is set in the exclusive beach-side suburb of Jumeirah.
From designer clothes, to home wares, spices, jewels and local crafts, the shopping options here are truly endless. There are infinite souvenir buying options, as well as many trendy cafés and restaurants to rest in-between tour-de-force shopping expeditions. The very best food joints are right on the waterfront, gifting breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. So channel your inner ancient trader and don’t forget to bargain for your wares!
Spend an Evening in the Desert
Desert night skies are magical, and something we think everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. In Dubai, it couldn’t be easier to spend a few hours mucking about in the sand. Venturing out in 4WDs playing Lawrence of Arabia is about as much fun as you can have on four wheels! Doing so at night is infinitely more enjoyable, as not only are your senses heightened due to the darkness, but you need not suffer the oppressive daytime heat.
The guys at ‘Knight Tours’ come highly recommended, and offer a truly unforgettable half-day excursion; they offer pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, and an immensely fun seven-hour tour of the Arabian Desert. After an adrenalin filled rumble over the sand-dunes, you’ll be escorted to the highest one, where you can enjoy a priceless desert sunset. A full buffet dinner will follow, which is set up in Bedouin tents right in the middle of the desert.
You’ll have the chance to try many exotic local dishes, as well as the chance to perfect your belly-dancing skills! An activity certainly not to be missed whilst visiting Dubai, a night-time desert safari is fun for the whole family. Take advantage of cruise deals to the UAE, and discover the mystical secrets of the desert.
Arabian cruise deals offer more than just a unique sailing experience; unravel the mysteries of the Middle East and prepare your senses for a once in a lifetime indulgence.
