Planning a perfect evening in Dubai with the family can be a bit tricky. Parents want something calm. Kids want to be on the move. Finding one plan that makes everybody smile is not always easy in the city. Malls get boring after a point and let me tell you that as a parent, late night outings are not easy with small children. This is where a dinner cruise comes into the picture, since everyone gets food, entertainment and a nice view in one place and nobody has to walk too much. Since majority of the cruises in Dubai welcome children and also give them a lower rate, it is a very good option for a family evening.
Now if we talk about which cruise to pick, there are many options from cheap dhows to private yachts. Below table gives you a simple comparison of the 6 cruises we are covering, and after that let me explain each one.
| Cruise | Area | Duration | Approx Price (Adult) | Best For |
| Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina | Dubai Marina | 2 hours | AED 110 to 175 | Skyline views |
| Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise | Deira and Bur Dubai | 2 hours | AED 55 to 100 | Budget families |
| Alexandra Dhow Cruise | Dubai Marina | 1 hr 45 min | Around AED 180 | Live entertainment |
| Water Canal Glass Dhow Cruise | Dubai Water Canal | 2 hours | Around AED 250 | Burj Khalifa views |
| Xclusive Yacht Dinner Cruise | Dubai Marina | 1.5 hours | Around AED 260 | Comfort and luxury |
| Private Yacht Dinner | Marina or Palm | Your choice | From AED 500 per hour (full yacht) | Big families |
1. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina
The dhow cruise Dubai Marina is the first choice for most of the families visiting Dubai. It is a traditional wooden boat with two decks, where you get buffet dinner, soft drinks and Tanoura show while the boat goes around the Marina for 2 hours. Kids usually enjoy the Tanoura dancer with the lighting skirt, and parents get the view of JBR and the tall towers. The lower deck is air conditioned, so it is comfortable for small children and elderly people also.
2. Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise
Suppose you are travelling with a big family and want to keep the budget low, then Dubai Creek dhow cruise is the better option. The price is almost half of the Marina one, and the food and Tanoura show are more or less same. The view is of old Dubai with the souks, abra boats and Deira side, which is also good for kids to see a different side of the city. The water in the Creek is calm, so there is very less movement on the boat.
3. Alexandra Dhow Cruise
Looking for a night with music and good food? Alexandra is bigger than most dhows and offers plenty of room to have fun onboard. It sails from Dubai Marina Yacht Club. And the best part is the live entertainment arrangement for guests. Live singers make the evening melodious. And at dinner, there is something for every taste bud. Grilled fish, pasta, Indian breads – even picky little eaters will find a favourite.The child price is lower than adults, and the cruise is a little shorter at around 1 hour 45 minutes, which suits small kids who get tired early.
4. Water Canal Glass Dhow Cruise
Most cruises in Dubai sail along the Marina or the Creek area. This cruise offers something different, by taking the Dubai Water Canal route. A glass dhow is an exclusive boat that features a glass roof and walls. The family sits inside Canal Cruise and enjoys spectacular views outside.The main attraction is the view of Burj Khalifa and Business Bay with lights, and you also pass under the canal bridges. It is a bit costlier than a normal dhow but the buffet is also more premium.
5. Xclusive Yacht Dinner Cruise
Need something a little more comfortable and luxurious than a dhow? This shared yacht dinner cruise from Xclusive is worth a shot. It goes around Dubai Marina for about an hour and a half, with views of JBR beachfront and Bluewaters. Adult tickets are around AED 260 and children are charged less, so for a special occasion like a birthday it is worth the extra cost. Since it is a yacht, the seating and cleanliness are on a higher level.
6. Private Yacht Dinner
When its about big families or two three families travelling together, booking a private yacht makes more sense. You pay for the full yacht by hour, so when you divide it among 10 to 15 people the cost per head comes almost close to a premium shared cruise. You can bring your own cake, choose the route and keep the kids comfortable without strangers around. Food can be arranged by the yacht company at extra cost.
First-timers in Dubai often find a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina the convenient choice. Of course, it offers an excellent combination of price, food and views. A dhow cruise in Dubai Creek is a great choice for those who are more concerned about budget. Before booking, my suggestion is to check the child age limit because it is different with every operator. If you want help in selecting the right cruise for your family, better to speak with the local tour operator in Dubai and they will suggest the best option as per your budget and the age of your kids.
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