Is a cruise the most affordable way to see Dubai?
Dom Eames joined a cruise onboard MSC Virtuosa to explore whether this style of travel might offer all the benefits of Dubai but in a smarter, more affordable way.
Dubai is an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking ultra-modern glamour, world-class food, startling architecture and high-end shopping, with the added bonus of year-round sunshine. Many visitors are however somewhat taken aback by the eye-watering cost of staying in Dubai’s quality hotels, such as the famous five-star Atlantis, The Palm. We take a look at why cruising to and around the destination is a more purse-friendly option.
Cruising makes a welcome return
Pre-pandemic, the cruise industry was surfing a massive wave of growth, with ever bigger and more exciting ships coming on the market for guests to enjoy. Billion dollar cruise ships offered gastronomic delights, awesome innovation, family-friendly adventure and an easy way to explore enticing destinations.
While many cruises were put on-hold during the worst of the pandemic, cruising is very much back in business – but mostly in a strictly enforced, Covid-safe manner.
For now, that means mask wearing, daily temperature checks and often a PCR test before boarding. However, none of those put a dent in the joy of being back onboard one of the world’s finest cruise ships.
READ MORE: What to expect from a cruise in 2022
What’s the appeal of a Dubai cruise?
If you think cruising is just for retirees wanting a sedentary experience, think again. Cruising from Dubai will appeal to people of all ages wanting an exciting or relaxing tailor-made suite of options. With the ship docked in port an easy taxi ride away from the city, you can enjoy all the perks of Dubai without having to pay an exorbitant hotel bill. You’ll also benefit from an incredible choice of things to do onboard and a team who are on-hand to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
What’s it like on a cruise ship?
Most modern cruise ships offer a truly five-star experience and MSC Virtuosa is no exception. Cabins are stylish and modern with comfortable beds and the highest ratio of sea-view balcony cabins of any cruise ship. My balcony cabin is well appointed and the perfect place to retire to after a busy day out.
Dom Eames
Dining options
There are 10 restaurants onboard Virtuosa and there’s plenty of variety in the extra-cost fine dining options we sampled, such as the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse or Indochine’s Vietnamese cuisine. However, you won’t be disappointed if you stick to the restaurants included in your fare. A dinner table is pre-reserved for you at the main restaurant but there are also tasty buffet options that you can enjoy, from breakfast to late-night snacks.
What is there to do onboard?
Children will love the age-specific kids’ clubs, sports centre, amusement arcade, high ropes or onboard water park slides. Relaxed in the knowledge that their children are having supervised fun, adults can opt for a more peaceful time in the spa or adults-only solarium, or get fit in the panoramic gym complete with all the latest techno fitness wizardry. After dinner there are top-notch entertainment shows in the theatres and live music venues dotted around the ship, with options rivalling most luxury Dubai hotels.
MSC
What to do and see in Dubai
Dubai Tourism
A five-night or week-long cruise offers plenty of time to see Dubai’s blockbuster attractions, with the added benefit of exploring nearby cities such as Abu Dhabi. Dubai is an extraordinary melting pot where ultra-modern luxury meets Arabian traditions and Islamic culture, and there’s plenty to see, do and enjoy. Here are top five options:
1. The sky’s the limit at the Burj Khalifa
The skyscraper the city is most famous for, the Burj Khalifa truly is an incredible architectural marvel. At 828 metres, it is the world’s tallest building, is clad with 26,000 glass panels and looks particularly impressive when lit up at night. Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 124th floor to marvel at Dubai’s mass of highways and sprawling buildings below. At 389 AED (or around £81pp) for the At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY experience, entry isn’t cheap, however, so you might prefer to marvel at its wonder from the ground for free.
2. Splash out at the Dubai Mall
If you love retail therapy (and have saved cash by not staying on land) you are in for a serious treat. The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre at a whopping 12 million square feet. Beyond the vast number of luxury brands on offer – from Armani/Dubai to Weekend Max Mara – there’s also a gigantic aquarium, ice rink, trampoline park, cinemas and an impressive food court serving up cuisine from around the world.
3. Take a stroll along the Marina Walk
A stroll along the seven-kilometre (four-mile) Dubai Marina Walk pedestrian walkway is one of the prettiest in the city, as the colourful lights from the high-rise apartment buildings twinkle on the waters of the man-made canal.
4. Take a trip to Atlantis Aquaventure
The world-renowned Atlantis Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm has been named one of the top three water parks in the world and features more than 100 slides, attractions and experiences. Suitable for kids of all ages, you can secure day passes directly or from MSC’s cruise excursion team. Try to avoid visiting at weekends, when queues can be excessive.
Dubai Tourism
5. Watch the Dubai Fountain dance
Every day (afternoon and evening) the Dubai Fountain comes alive to the sound of music. Accompanied by choreographed lighting, the water can reach up to 140 metres and provides a memorable spectacle to round off your day, as well as a great free attraction in the city.
Christian van Elven/Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0
Enjoy Dubai's delicacies
If you fancy a treat, then Dubai is incredibly well-served for dining options, with options for everything from fast food to fine dining. We sampled a delicious, extravagant dinner on the terrace at La Cantine Du Faubourg in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel while enjoying live music, art and fabulous views of the cityscape.
What to explore beyond Dubai
One of the additional benefits of a Dubai cruise is the chance to explore further afield. We cruised on the Arabian Gulf for a day and docked at Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates and its largest emirate. Beyond more shopping centres and modern towers, top attractions here include the massive and architecturally impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which features the world’s largest Persian rug, and the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum – sister to the world-famous Parisian gallery. Also on the itinerary was a day at the private island of Sir Bani Yas Island, complete with water sports and sunbathing. We enjoyed a few hours kayaking before lunch on the Island.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you are interested in a trip to Dubai, a cruise can make a lot of sense, offering five-star facilities and ease without breaking the bank.
Dubai is a seven-hour flight from London Heathrow. Check Covid requirements before booking. MSC Cruises offer seven-night Dubai cruises onboard MSC Bellissima until 25 June 2022 from £1,049pp, including flights from London Heathrow, or from £549 cruise-only. The itinerary includes Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Includes an overnight stay in Dubai at the start and end of the cruise and full days in Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Doha. MSCCruises.co.uk
Lead image: MSC
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