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POPULAR DESTINATIONS
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Dubai
Welcome to Dubai Cruise Port
Dubai has two main cruise terminals:
1. Port Rashid (Mina Rashid)
The primary cruise terminal, located about 15–20 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
Offers modern facilities, duty-free shops, and easy access to taxis and tour buses.
2. Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal
A newer terminal near Dubai Marina, closer to the beach and modern attractions.
Ideal for passengers looking to explore the Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah areas 1.
Top Attractions in Dubai
1. Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
The world’s tallest building with observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.
Adjacent to Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, with an aquarium, ice rink, and the Dubai Fountain.
2. Dubai Marina & JBR
A modern waterfront area with skyscrapers, restaurants, and beach access.
Great for walking, dining, or taking a dhow cruise.
3. Old Dubai (Al Fahidi & Deira)
Explore the Gold and Spice Souks, ride an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek, and visit the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort.
4. Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis
A man-made island shaped like a palm tree.
Visit Atlantis The Palm for its waterpark, aquarium, and luxury dining.
5. Desert Safari
Half-day or evening excursions include dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin-style dinners.
Getting Around
Taxis: Readily available and metered.
Metro: Clean, efficient, and connects major areas like Downtown, Marina, and the airport.
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: Great for seeing the city’s highlights in a short time.
Private Tours: Ideal for tailored experiences or shore excursions.
Local Food & Drink
Shawarma & Falafel: Popular street food.
Machboos: A spiced rice dish with meat or seafood.
Dates & Arabic coffee: Often served as a welcome treat.
Fine Dining: Dubai is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates: High-end brands and entertainment.
Souks: Gold, spices, perfumes, and textiles in Deira and Bur Dubai.
Souvenir Ideas: Arabic perfumes, dates, camel milk chocolate, and traditional lanterns.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Watch the Dubai Fountain show
Midday
Lunch at a rooftop restaurant or in the Marina
Explore Palm Jumeirah or relax at JBR Beach
Afternoon
Stroll through Old Dubai and shop at the souks
Optional: Take a desert safari or dhow cruise
Evening (if overnight)
Enjoy dinner at Madinat Jumeirah with views of the Burj Al Arab
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CURRENCY: UAE Dirham
Doha - Qatar
Welcome to Doha Cruise Port (Grand Cruise Terminal)
Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the city, near the Museum of Islamic Art and Doha Corniche. It can accommodate up to 12,000 passengers daily and features modern amenities, traditional Qatari design, and even an aquarium between its two terminals 1 2.
Getting Around
Free Shuttle Buses: Provided by most cruise lines to Souq Waqif or downtown Doha (approx. 15–20 minutes).
Metro Access: Nearby stations like National Museum and Souq Waqif are walkable.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Widely available and affordable.
Private Transfers: Available from $14–$94 depending on service 2.
Top Attractions in Doha
1. Souq Waqif
A traditional market with spices, textiles, perfumes, and souvenirs.
Great for shopping, people-watching, and trying local food.
2. Museum of Islamic Art
A stunning building on the waterfront with a world-class collection of Islamic art.
Free entry and walking distance from the cruise terminal.
3. Doha Corniche
A scenic waterfront promenade perfect for walking or cycling.
Offers views of the skyline and traditional dhow boats.
4. Katara Cultural Village
A hub for arts, culture, and architecture.
Includes galleries, an amphitheater, and beach access.
5. The Pearl-Qatar
A luxurious man-made island with high-end shopping, dining, and marina views.
Optional Excursions
Desert Safari: Half-day trips include dune bashing, camel rides, and desert camps.
National Museum of Qatar: A striking architectural landmark that tells the story of Qatar’s history and future.
Dhow Cruise: Traditional wooden boat rides along the Corniche, especially beautiful at sunset.
Local Food & Drink
Machboos: Spiced rice with meat or seafood.
Harees: A wheat and meat porridge.
Karak Tea: A sweet, spiced milk tea.
Dates & Arabic Coffee: Often served as a welcome gesture.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Souq Waqif: Best for traditional items like spices, incense, and handicrafts.
Villaggio Mall & City Center Mall: For international brands and luxury goods.
Souvenirs: Arabic perfumes, camel milk chocolate, and traditional textiles.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Take the shuttle to Souq Waqif
Explore the Museum of Islamic Art and walk the Corniche
Midday
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Qatari restaurant
Visit the National Museum of Qatar or Katara Cultural Village
Afternoon
Optional dhow cruise or shopping at The Pearl
Return to ship with time to relax and enjoy the skyline
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CURRENCY: Qatari Riyal
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Bahrain
Welcome to Bahrain Cruise Port
Cruise ships in Bahrain typically dock at one of two ports:
1. Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP)
The main cruise terminal, located about 13 km (8 miles) from Manama, the capital.
Offers modern facilities, duty-free shops, and shuttle services to the city centre.
2. Mina Salman Port
Occasionally used for cruise ships, closer to central Manama.
Also offers easy access to top attractions and transportation options.
Getting Around
Cruise Shuttles: Most cruise lines offer shuttles to Bab Al Bahrain in downtown Manama (approx. $10).
Taxis: Widely available, but meters may not always be used—negotiate fares in advance.
Public Buses: Budget-friendly option; use the Moovit app for real-time schedules.
Private Tours: Available for customized sightseeing.
Top Attractions in Bahrain
1. Bab Al Bahrain & Manama Souq
Historic gateway to the old city and a bustling traditional market.
Great for shopping spices, perfumes, textiles, and souvenirs.
2. Bahrain National Museum
Offers a deep dive into Bahrain’s history, from ancient Dilmun civilization to modern times.
3. Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating over 7,000 worshippers.
Free guided tours available; modest dress required.
4. Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins dating back over 4,000 years.
Offers panoramic views and a small museum.
5. Royal Camel Farm
A unique stop to see and interact with dozens of camels.
Free to visit and great for photos.
Optional Excursions
Bahrain International Circuit: Home of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Tree of Life: A 400-year-old tree growing in the desert with no visible water source.
A’ali Burial Mounds: One of the world’s largest ancient cemeteries.
Local Food & Drink
Machboos: Spiced rice with meat or fish.
Samboosa: Fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
Karak Tea: Sweet, spiced milk tea.
Arabic Coffee & Dates: A traditional welcome treat.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Gold & Pearl Jewellery: Bahrain is famous for its pearl diving heritage.
Spices & Perfumes: Found in the souqs.
Handicrafts: Pottery, textiles, and traditional Arabic décor.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Shuttle to Bab Al Bahrain and explore the Manama Souq
Visit the Bahrain National Museum
Midday
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with traditional Bahraini cuisine
Tour the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Afternoon
Visit Bahrain Fort or take a short trip to the Tree of Life
Return to ship with time to shop or relax
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CURRENCY: Bahraini Dinar
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Abu Dhabi - U. Arab Emirates
Welcome to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi’s main cruise terminal. It’s a modern, well-equipped facility located about 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre.
Terminal Highlights
Free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned lounges
Duty-free shops and currency exchange
Tourist information desk and shuttle services
Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop right at the terminal
Getting Around
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Covers major attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Corniche Beach. Great for flexible sightseeing.
Taxis: Readily available, metered, and air-conditioned. A ride to the city center costs around AED 25–40 (~$7–11 USD).
Public Bus: Budget-friendly option (AED 2 per ride), with routes connecting to key city areas.
Private Tours: Available for customized experiences or desert excursions.
Top Attractions in Abu Dhabi
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world’s largest mosques, known for its white marble domes, chandeliers, and reflective pools.
Modest dress required; free guided tours available.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
A stunning museum on Saadiyat Island blending global art with Arabian architecture.
Features works from da Vinci to Van Gogh.
3. Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)
A cultural landmark showcasing Arabian heritage, architecture, and governance.
Don’t miss the Great Hall and the evening light show.
4. Corniche Beach
A scenic waterfront promenade perfect for walking, cycling, or relaxing by the sea.
5. Heritage Village
A reconstructed traditional oasis village offering insight into Emirati life before oil.
Optional Excursions
Desert Safari: Includes dune bashing, camel rides, and Bedouin-style dinners.
Ferrari World: Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, located on Yas Island.
Warner Bros. World: A family-friendly indoor theme park with beloved characters.
Local Food & Drink
Machboos: Spiced rice with meat or seafood.
Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup.
Arabic coffee & dates: A traditional welcome treat.
Fine Dining: Abu Dhabi is home to many luxury restaurants and international cuisines.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Souk Central Market: Traditional market with spices, perfumes, and handicrafts.
Marina Mall & Yas Mall: For luxury brands and modern shopping.
Souvenirs: Arabic perfumes, camel milk chocolate, and traditional textiles.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan
Midday
Lunch at a waterfront restaurant or in the city center
Walk along the Corniche or relax at the beach
Afternoon
Shop at Souk Central Market or take a desert safari
Return to ship with time to enjoy the port amenities
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CURRENCY: UAE Dirham
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Sir Bani Yas Is - U. Arab Emirates
Welcome to Sir Bani Yas Island Cruise Port
Sir Bani Yas Island is a private nature reserve and beach destination located off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi. Cruise ships anchor offshore, and passengers are brought to the island via tender boats to the Cruise Beach Club area 1 2.
Cruise Terminal Highlights
Tender boats run every 20–30 minutes.
The beach area includes over 2,000 sunbeds, shaded cabanas, six beach bars, and BBQ stations.
Complimentary food and drinks (with cruise drink packages honored).
Free Wi-Fi available at the resort area.
Top Things to Do on Sir Bani Yas Island
1. Relax at Cruise Beach
Enjoy a 1.5-mile stretch of white sand with palm trees, loungers, and umbrellas.
Family-friendly zones include a children’s play area and inflatable aqua park.
Spa services and quiet zones are available for adults seeking relaxation.
2. Wildlife Safari (Arabian Wildlife Park)
Home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including:
Arabian oryx
Sand and mountain gazelles
Giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas
Jeep safaris are the most popular excursion—book early as they sell out quickly.
Tours are only available through the cruise line.
3. Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore the mangrove lagoon, home to flamingos, ospreys, and other birdlife.
Equipment rentals are available on the beach.
4. Horseback Riding
Ride Arabian horses through scenic trails (available via pre-booked excursions).
5. Cultural & Historical Tours
Visit the Christian monastery ruins dating back to the 6th century.
Learn about Sheikh Zayed’s conservation efforts and the island’s transformation.
Food & Drink
BBQ lunch is included and served at multiple stations.
Six beach bars offer drinks (included with cruise drink packages).
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated—shade is available but limited.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Limited shopping on the island—best to shop onboard or in Abu Dhabi.
Occasionally, local crafts or souvenirs may be available at pop-up stalls.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Tender to Cruise Beach and grab a sunbed
Join a wildlife safari or kayak through the mangroves
Midday
Enjoy a BBQ lunch and relax at the beach
Try paddleboarding or visit the children’s aqua park
Afternoon
Take a cultural tour or unwind in a spa cabana
Return to the ship via tender (allow 45 minutes)
Transportation Tips
No public transport on the island.
All excursions must be booked through the cruise line.
Free shuttles operate between the beach and resort areas.
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CURRENCY: UAE Dirham
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