Dubai, United Arab Emirates cruises
Dubai port guide
Nestled on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai has been a bustling hive of travel since the 1960s, offering a unique blend of glamour, architecture and natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world.
Indulge in haute cuisine at rooftop restaurants, inhale the fragrant aromas that drift through the spice souk and relax to the blissful blues of the annual jazz festival. The combination of old and new that runs through the city leads to a unique travel experience.
Full of fascinating contrasts and distinctive blends, from ultra-modern skyscrapers to sun-soaked deserts, this sensory metropolis has something for everyone.
Top landmarks and sights in Dubai
From the historic north to the cosmopolitan south, Dubai hides many treasures.
Jumeirah Mosque
Marvel at the unique architecture of Jumeirah Mosque which first welcomed guests in 1979. This is the only mosque in Dubai that welcomes non-Muslim visitors and is popular among travellers.
One of the most loved architectural treasures, Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours Saturday through Thursday.
Al Fahidi
Stroll through Al Fahidi for a glimpse into the city’s heritage. This historical neighbourhood features traditional buildings from the 18th century which immerse you back in time.
Contrasting modern Dubai, Al Fahidi provides guests with an opportunity to experience traditional living and gives a glimpse into life in Dubai before the Emirates were formed.
Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District offers chic galleries showcasing emerging artists and is dedicated to the design, fashion, and culture community.
Established in 2013, Dubai Design District offers the best of Dubai and holds various events, such as workshops, exhibitions, and fashion shows, throughout the year.
Burj Khalifa
Alternatively, take in the phenomenal views from the observation deck of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa skyscraper- the tallest structure in the world.
One of the top attractions to visit in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa stands over 828 metres tall. You can book tickets to access the viewing platform online.
Things to do in Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden boasts over 250 million plant varieties and is the world’s largest flower garden.
Uniquely presenting plants and flowers in a variety of sculptures and designs, Dubai Miracle Garden is among the top attractions in Dubai. Tickets for admission to over 72,000 square metres of natural gardens can be purchased online ahead of time.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
The wetlands of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Cape of the Creek) are a breeding ground for flamingos, grey herons and more.
At Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, you can embark on a guided tour to observe the wildlife and learn about their species. You can also bird watch through strategically placed bird hides for the very best views.
Shopping
Dubai offers myriad shopping experiences and no visit to this part of the world is complete without exploring the city’s souks. A divine maze of colours, textures and aromatic fragrances, a seemingly endless choice of spices (at very reasonable prices) awaits in the Spice Souk while the famous Gold Souk is crammed with stores selling necklaces, earrings and broaches.
Dubai is also renowned for its modern shopping centres. The Dubai Mall, with its hundreds of shops and an aquarium, and the Mall of the Emirates, a dazzling shopping metropolis and home to the authentic snow slopes of Ski Dubai, are just two in its impressive collection.
Cunard Shore experiences
Nestled on the Persian Gulf coast of the Arabian Desert, a port call in Dubai presents the perfect opportunity to try sandboarding, ride a camel or take a 4WD desert safari on a Cunard Shore experience.
Arabian Desert tours are one of the most popular Dubai excursions, full of thrill-seeking moments and offering an unparalleled way to experience the awe of the desert’s valleys and dunes.
Stop for lunch at an Arabian camp, climb aboard a camel and savour the exhilaration of speeding down a sand dune. If golf is a favourite pastime, the outskirts of Dubai offer several excellent courses, while Jumeirah Open Beach is the city’s closest public beach for bathing.
Eating and drinking in Dubai
From flavours inspired by the spice routes to trendy brunch spots, Dubai has a thriving culinary scene.
The city is known for its Middle Eastern food but also its world-class gastronomy. Authentic Greek food, the freshest seafood and elegant Parisian cuisine are just a handful of the dining options Dubai offers.
Many of the city’s best restaurants can be found within its top-rated hotels which, along with clubs and bars, are the only licensed establishments permitted to serve alcohol.
Shawarma (shavings of grilled meat typically served with salad and bread) is a Middle Eastern staple, offered in countless eateries throughout the city.
Getting around, Dubai transport
Dubai Cruise Terminal and Dubai Harbour offer a great location to start exploring what the city has to offer. Shuttle buses run directly from the port to Dubai Mall.
In Dubai, you will find a great public transport system including metro, tram, bus, and marine transport links. Metros and trams operate a vast network and are affordable travel options. Buses run 24 hours a day and are great to hop on and off.
Both in the city and the desert cycling is a popular mode of transport. Bike rental services can be found throughout the city, particularly at tourist hotspots.
Dubai port facilities
The port facilities at Dubai Port include minimarkets, seating area, free Wi-Fi, and restaurants.
Dubai quick tips
Currency
The UAW Dirham is the local currency in Dubai. Card payments are widely accepted however there may be a foreign transaction fee.
However, some markets and street food vendors may not accept card payments, so it is recommended you carry some cash during your visit.
In Dubai, a service charge is likely to be included in the bill but it is still common to tip service staff. An extra bonus between 10 and 15 per cent for exceptional service is greatly appreciated.
Weather
Dubai has an arid desert climate with mild winters and scorching hot summers. In Dubai, there is very little rain at any time of year.
Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 41°C during the summer in Dubai while the winter months reach lows of 14°C.