"Which one should I book?" is a fair question. From the outside, six dinner cruises on the same stretch of water look much the same. They are not. The boats are different, the food is different, and — the part that catches people out — they leave from three different places.
The quick answer
- Cheapest good night out: Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner, AED 90.
- Modern boat with big windows: Marina Glass Cruise Dinner, AED 100.
- Coming from far away and need a later start: Luxury Marina Cruise, AED 100 (sails 9:00 PM).
- Special occasion, best food: Premium VIP Marina Cruise, AED 150.
- Party atmosphere: Diamond Dhow Cruise, AED 200.
- Your own boat, any time of day: Private Yacht, AED 500 per hour.
All six cruises compared
| Cruise | Price | Boarding point | Boarding | Sailing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner | AED 90 (was 120) | Dubai Marina Harbour | 8:00 PM | 8:30 - 10:30 PM |
| Luxury Marina Cruise | AED 100 (was 120) | Dubai Marina West | 8:00 - 9:00 PM | 9:00 - 10:30 PM |
| Marina Glass Cruise Dinner | AED 100 | Dubai Marina Yacht Club | 7:45 - 8:30 PM | 8:50 - 10:30 PM |
| Premium VIP Marina Cruise | AED 150 (was 190) | Dubai Marina Harbour | 8:00 PM | 8:40 - 10:30 PM |
| Diamond Dhow Cruise | AED 200 | Dubai Marina Yacht Club | 7:45 - 8:30 PM | 8:30 - 10:30 PM |
| Private Yacht | AED 500 / hour | Dubai Marina | Any time of day | 2 hours minimum |
Prices are per person, except the private yacht, which is per hour for the whole boat.
Each cruise in a few lines
Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner — AED 90
A traditional wooden dhow with a 4-star international buffet, chicken BBQ, soft drinks and water, music and a live Tanoura show. Air-conditioned lower deck and an open upper deck. Best for: first-timers, families and anyone who wants the classic Dubai dhow experience at the best price.
Luxury Marina Cruise — AED 100
A 4-star buffet with chicken BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, live music and a Tanoura dance show, with AC seating on both decks. It sails at 9:00 PM, the latest start of our dinner cruises. Best for: guests coming from Deira, Sharjah or a late meeting who cannot make an 8:00 PM boarding.
Marina Glass Cruise Dinner — AED 100
A modern glass boat with a veg and non-veg buffet with BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, soft music and entertainment, and separate toilets for men and women. Best for: people who want a modern boat and wide views through the glass rather than a traditional dhow.
Premium VIP Marina Cruise — AED 150
An Arabic-style wooden dhow with traditional decor, a 5-star international buffet, a red carpet welcome, and a Tanoura show by a professional artist. Views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the Marina skyline. It is also the only cruise with wheelchair access (AED 80 extra). Best for: birthdays, anniversaries and anyone who cares most about the food.
Diamond Dhow Cruise — AED 200
A 5-star international buffet plus a live BBQ grill, live entertainment, a live song concert and a DJ. Best for: groups of friends and anyone who wants a party feel rather than a quiet dinner.
Private Yacht — AED 500 per hour
A 50 ft yacht for your group only, with water and soft drinks, and upgrades to 55, 65 or 90 ft. It can sail at any time of day, which makes it the only option for a sunset trip. It is not a buffet dinner cruise, so ask us about food when you book. Best for: private celebrations, proposals and groups who want the boat to themselves.
What is the same on every dinner cruise
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and soft drinks included.
- A choice of the open upper deck or the air-conditioned lower deck.
- Children aged 3 and under sail free.
- Transfers are extra: shared AED 30 per person, or a private car AED 300 for up to 7 people.
- You can add a cake (AED 150), decoration (AED 250) or a private table (AED 50).
- Cancel at least 2 days before for a full refund.
The mistake to avoid: going to the wrong boarding point
Dubai Marina Harbour, Dubai Marina West and Dubai Marina Yacht Club are all "in Dubai Marina", but they are not next to each other, and it is easy to go to the wrong one. Check the boarding point on your booking confirmation, and send us a message on WhatsApp if you are unsure. We will send you the exact location.
The short version
On a budget, take the Marina Dhow (AED 90). For a special night, take the Premium VIP (AED 150). For a party, the Diamond Dhow (AED 200). For your own boat at any hour, a private yacht (AED 500 per hour). If you are coming from far away, the Luxury Marina Cruise sails latest, at 9:00 PM. And whichever you choose, check your boarding point.
