Cruises from Dubai: Compare Cruise Packages and Cruise Lines

Overview

A cruise is one of the easiest ways to see several countries on a single holiday, and for travellers based in the UAE it has become one of the most popular ways to take a break. Travelwings books cruise packages from Dubai with 14 cruise lines, from mainstream ships built around family entertainment to small expedition vessels that reach Antarctica, with fares starting at AED 2,499 per person.

Between them, these lines sail the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea on your doorstep, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Alaska and the Norwegian coast, and across Asia from Singapore to Japan. Current sailings run from two nights to twelve, so a cruise trip from Dubai can be a long weekend at sea or the centrepiece of a fortnight away.

Almost everything is bundled into the fare: your cabin, main meals, entertainment, and the journey between ports while you sleep. You unpack once, and the ship moves on each night. This page sets out which cruise lines you can book from Dubai, where each one sails, what a cruise package includes and what it costs, so you can work out which ship suits the holiday you have in mind.

From AED 2,499 per person · 14 cruise lines · 2 to 12 nights · Cabin, main meals and onboard entertainment included

Why Choose a Cruise Holiday from Dubai?

A cruise answers a problem that most multi-country trips create: how to see several places without spending the holiday moving between them. The ship sails overnight, so you wake in a new port having lost none of your day to airports, transfers or checking in and out of hotels.

The second draw is how much sits inside one price. Your cabin, main dining, entertainment and the transport between destinations are all covered by the fare, so the daily decisions that eat into a land holiday, from finding dinner to arranging the next leg, are already handled. For families and groups, that predictability is often worth more than the headline saving.

The third is range. From Dubai you can be on a short Gulf sailing within a few hours of leaving home, or aboard a ship working the Norwegian coast, the Alaskan fjords or the Antarctic peninsula. Few holiday formats stretch that far at both ends, which is why a cruise tour from Dubai suits a first-time three-night taster and a milestone twelve-night voyage equally well.

Where Can You Sail on a Cruise from Dubai?

The 14 lines Travelwings works with cover most of the world's cruising regions between them.

• The Arabian Gulf: short sailings close to home, calling at ports around the Gulf, with the shortest travel time of any option and no long flight to reach the ship.
• The Red Sea: a fast-growing region built around Jeddah, combining warm-water sailing with the archaeological and coastal sites of western Saudi Arabia.
• The Mediterranean: the single most-sailed region in the range, taking in Italy, Spain, Greece and the French coast, with Barcelona and the Italian ports among the most common embarkation points.
• The Caribbean: island-hopping through the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, usually reached by flying to a Florida port, and the strongest region for family ships.
• Asia: short sailings out of Singapore, plus longer itineraries reaching Japan, popular for their mix of city stops and sea days.
• Alaska: summer sailings through the fjords and glacier country of the north Pacific, on ships with wide observation decks.
• Norway and Northern Europe: coastal voyages along the Norwegian fjords, on smaller vessels built for the route.
• The polar regions: expedition sailings to Antarctica on ice-capable ships, at the premium end of the range.

Do Cruises Depart from Dubai or Do You Fly to the Ship?

This is worth understanding before you compare fares, because it changes what your trip actually looks like.

Some sailings are genuinely regional, leaving from Gulf ports within easy reach of the UAE. These are the simplest trips to organise: no long-haul flight, minimal time-zone adjustment and a short transfer to the terminal. Costa and AROYA are the strongest options here, with Gulf and Red Sea itineraries on the doorstep.

The majority of sailings in the range, though, are worldwide. A Mediterranean cruise starts in a European port, a Caribbean sailing starts in Florida, and an Alaska voyage starts on the north Pacific coast. For those, a flight from Dubai is built into the package alongside the sailing, and it is worth arriving a day early so a delayed flight cannot cost you the ship.

Neither type is better; they are different holidays. A Gulf sailing suits a short break with minimal travel. A fly-cruise gives you the world's best-known itineraries and usually a bigger, newer ship. When you enquire, the team will tell you exactly which ports your chosen sailing uses and whether flights are part of the package.

What Is Included in a Dubai Cruise Package?

Cruise packages from Dubai cover far more than a hotel rate, though the exact split varies by line and by fare type.

Inclusions

✅ Your cabin for the full sailing, serviced daily
✅ Main meals in the ship's principal restaurants and buffet
✅ Onboard entertainment, shows, pools and leisure facilities
✅ Transport between every port on the itinerary
✅ Port charges and taxes on most fares
✅ Flights from Dubai on fly-cruise packages, where stated

Exclusions

❌ Shore excursions at each port, which are booked separately
❌ Speciality restaurants, spa treatments and premium drinks on most lines
❌ Gratuities, where the line charges them separately
❌ Visas, travel insurance and personal spending unless the package says otherwise

Inclusions differ between cruise lines and fare types, so check what your specific sailing covers before booking.

How Much Does a Cruise from Dubai Cost?

Fares span a wide range, and the ship matters more than the destination. As a guide:

• AED 2,499 to AED 3,500: the mainstream lines, including MSC, Disney, Costa, AROYA and Holland America, on sailings of roughly three to seven nights.
• AED 3,500 to AED 6,000: Norwegian, Resorts World, Celestyal, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, covering both short Asian sailings and week-long Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
• AED 15,000 and above: the specialist and luxury end, where Havila sails the Norwegian coast, Crystal and Swan Hellenic operate smaller premium ships, and Seabourn runs ultra-luxury and expedition voyages.

Three things move the price more than anything else:

• Cabin grade: the biggest single factor, since an inside cabin and a balcony suite on the same sailing can differ by several thousand dirhams.
• Season: the UAE school breaks and the year-end peak both carry a clear premium.
• How early you book: cruise lines release cabins in tiers, and the cheapest grades sell first.

Fares assume two guests sharing a cabin, so a solo traveller should expect a supplement, and a third or fourth guest in the same cabin usually pays a reduced rate.

Which Cabin Should You Choose on a Cruise Ship?

Cabin choice shapes both your budget and your experience more than most first-time cruisers expect.

• Inside cabins: no window, the lowest fare, and perfectly comfortable if you treat the cabin as somewhere to sleep. The best value on any sailing.
• Oceanview cabins: a sealed window or porthole, natural light, and a modest step up in price. A sensible middle ground.
• Balcony cabins: your own outdoor space, which changes the feel of sea days considerably and is worth the premium on scenic routes such as Alaska and the Norwegian fjords.
• Suites: the largest cabins, usually with priority boarding, a dedicated dining room on some lines and separate living space.

Position matters too. Midship cabins on a lower deck feel the most stable in rough water, which is worth knowing if you are unsure about sea legs, while cabins directly above or below entertainment venues can be noisy at night.

What Is Life on Board a Cruise Ship Like?

Days at sea are as full or as quiet as you want. Larger ships run a daily programme from morning until late: pools and sun decks, gyms and spas, theatres with West End-style productions, live music, cinemas, kids' clubs and sports courts. Smaller premium and expedition ships trade some of that for lectures, enrichment talks and quieter lounges.

Dining is the part most people underestimate. Your fare covers the main dining rooms and the buffet, which between them run from early breakfast through to late supper, and on most ships you can choose between a fixed sitting and flexible timing. Speciality restaurants, from steakhouses to sushi counters, carry a cover charge but are usually good value against the equivalent meal ashore. Dress codes are relaxed by day, with a smarter evening or two on longer sailings.

Cruise ship life also has a rhythm worth knowing about. Sea days are for the ship and its facilities; port days start early and are for going ashore. Most people find they want a mix, which is why itineraries with a sea day between ports tend to feel less rushed than back-to-back port calls.

What Happens at Each Port of Call?

The ship docks in the morning and leaves in the early evening, giving you most of a day ashore. What you do with it is up to you.

Shore excursions sold through the cruise line are the most straightforward option: they are timed around the ship's departure, and if a tour runs late, the ship waits. They cost more than arranging the same thing independently, and that reliability is what you are paying for. Exploring on your own gives more freedom and usually costs less, but you carry the responsibility of being back on board before the gangway closes, which is typically 30 to 60 minutes before departure.

Some ports put you within walking distance of the centre, while others dock in an industrial terminal where a shuttle is essential. It is worth checking that detail for each port on your itinerary, since it makes a real difference to how much of the day is usable.

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for a Cruise?

Visa requirements on a cruise depend on your nationality and on every country your itinerary visits, not just where you board. A Mediterranean sailing generally means a Schengen visa; a Caribbean itinerary usually requires a United States visa if the ship departs from Florida; and Asian, Alaskan and Antarctic voyages each carry their own rules.

Two points catch people out. First, requirements can apply even when you do not plan to leave the ship in a particular port, because immigration clearance is handled for the whole vessel. Second, cruise visas often need more lead time than a standard holiday visa, since several countries may be involved.

Start the process early, and check the rules for your specific itinerary and passport rather than for the cruise line in general. The Travelwings team can tell you which countries your sailing touches so you know what to apply for, though the decision on any visa rests with the relevant embassy or consulate.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise from Dubai?

Timing works differently at sea than on land, because each region has a defined season.

• Gulf and Red Sea sailings: at their best between November and April, when temperatures are comfortable and the water is calm.
• Mediterranean sailings: run from spring to autumn, with May, June and September offering the best balance of weather, prices and crowd levels.
• Caribbean sailings: strongest from December to April, outside the Atlantic hurricane season.
• Alaska sailings: a short window from May to September, with long daylight hours at the height of summer.
• Norwegian coastal voyages: summer for the midnight sun and the fjords at their greenest, winter for the northern lights.
• Antarctic expeditions: confined to the southern summer, roughly November to March.

Whichever region you choose, book several months ahead. Cruise lines price in tiers and release the cheapest cabin grades first, so the same sailing genuinely costs more as it fills. School holidays and the festive season need the longest lead time of all.

Who Are Cruise Holidays Best For?

Cruising suits some travellers far better than others, and it is worth being honest about which you are.

• Families with children: Disney and Royal Caribbean build their ships around this, with kids' clubs, pools and entertainment that keep children occupied while adults get time off.
• Couples and special occasions: Celebrity, Crystal and Seabourn offer quieter ships, better food and adult-oriented spaces.
• First-time cruisers: MSC and Costa give you a mainstream experience at the lowest entry fare, which is the sensible way to find out whether cruising suits you.
• Travellers who want to see several countries: any Mediterranean or Caribbean itinerary covers multiple destinations without a single hotel change.
• Scenery-led travellers: Havila on the Norwegian coast and Holland America in Alaska are built around the view rather than the ship.
• Experienced travellers seeking something rare: the expedition lines reach Antarctica and other remote regions with naturalists and historians aboard.
• Anyone short on time: Resorts World's two-night and three-night sailings work as a break in themselves or as an add-on to a longer trip.

What Should You Know Before Your First Cruise?

A few practical points make a first sailing much smoother.

• Arrive a day early on fly-cruises: ships do not wait for delayed flights, and an overnight in the port city removes the single biggest risk to your holiday.
• Budget beyond the fare: shore excursions, speciality dining, drinks and gratuities are the main extras, and they add up over a week.
• Check the gratuity policy: some lines include service charges in the fare while others add them daily to your onboard account.
• Pack for the itinerary, not the ship: a Norwegian coastal voyage and a Caribbean sailing need entirely different wardrobes, plus a smart option for evenings.
• Consider a lower midship cabin if you are unsure about motion: it is the steadiest part of the ship, and modern stabilisers do the rest.
• Note the all-aboard time in every port: it is usually 30 to 60 minutes before departure, and independent travellers are responsible for making it.
• Set up your onboard account early: almost everything on a ship is cashless, charged to your cabin and settled at the end.

Which Cruise Lines Can You Book from Dubai?

Fourteen lines are bookable, and the cruise ships range from mainstream family vessels to premium mid-size ships and small expedition craft. Fares below are the current lead-in prices per person.

MSC Cruises (4 to 7 nights, from AED 2,499)

The European-owned line with one of the youngest large fleets afloat, and the joint-cheapest entry point in the range. Sailings lean heavily towards the Mediterranean, with Italy, Spain and Barcelona among the most common ports, and a growing Asian programme. Ships are large and modern, with the pools, theatres and kids' facilities you would expect at this scale, and the fare structure is one of the more flexible in the market. A sound first cruise for anyone who wants a mainstream ship without a premium fare. Compare the current sailings on our MSC cruise packages page.

Disney Cruises (3 to 4 nights, from AED 2,499)

Built around families with younger children, and unmatched at it. Current sailings are short, at three and four nights, covering the Caribbean and Bahamas along with a Singapore-based programme. The draw is the entertainment: original stage shows, character experiences and children's programming run by staff who do nothing else, alongside adult-only pools, bars and restaurants so parents get their own space. Fares look high against the nights on offer until you account for how much is included and how little you end up spending on keeping children entertained.

Costa Cruises (7 nights, from AED 2,999)

The Italian line, and one of the two strongest options for sailings close to the UAE. Alongside its core Mediterranean programme, Costa has the most substantial Gulf presence of any line here, which means genuine short-flight or no-flight cruising from the region. Onboard style is distinctly Italian, from the food to the atmosphere, and the ships are large without being overwhelming. A good choice if you want a week at sea without a long-haul flight to reach the ship. Current itineraries are listed on our Costa cruise packages page.

AROYA Cruises (7 nights, from AED 3,199)

Saudi Arabia's own cruise line, and the most regionally relevant on this page. Sailings are built around Jeddah and the Red Sea, with Arabian Gulf itineraries too, so the flight from Dubai is short or unnecessary. The proposition is a cruise designed around Arabian hospitality, with food, entertainment and onboard service shaped for regional travellers rather than adapted from a European template. Worth considering if you want a week at sea without adjusting to a distant time zone.

Holland America Cruises (7 nights, from AED 3,499)

A long-established premium line with a strong reputation in Alaska, which dominates its current programme, alongside Caribbean, Asian and Mediterranean sailings. Ships are mid-size rather than mega, which means fewer crowds, easier embarkation and a calmer atmosphere. The onboard focus leans towards music, enrichment and food rather than water slides, and the traditional cruising style suits couples and older travellers particularly well.

Norwegian Cruise Line (7 nights, from AED 3,500)

The line that made informal cruising mainstream, doing away with fixed dining times and formal nights in favour of flexible dining and a relaxed dress code. Current sailings cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and Singapore, so it spans most of the map. Ships carry a wide spread of restaurants and bars, and the flexible approach suits travellers who dislike being told when to eat. Browse the current itineraries on our Norwegian cruise packages page.

Resorts World Cruises (2 to 3 nights, from AED 4,299)

The specialist in very short sailings, with two-night and three-night itineraries out of Singapore. This is cruising as a city break: you fly in, sail for a couple of nights, and return without committing a full week. Ships are geared towards Asian travellers, with a strong casino, dining and entertainment offer, and the format works well as an add-on to a longer Southeast Asian trip rather than as a holiday in itself.

Celestyal Cruises (7 nights, from AED 4,999)

A Greek-focused line running Mediterranean itineraries, and the one to consider if the Aegean is the point of your trip rather than the ship. Smaller vessels reach ports that larger ships cannot, and the itineraries are dense with stops, so you see a great deal in a week. Onboard style is relaxed and regional, with Greek food and culture woven through, and the fare typically includes more shore-side content than the mainstream lines.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (3 to 7 nights, from AED 5,999)

The world's best-known cruise brand, and the one people picture when they imagine a modern cruise ship. Its programme here is Caribbean-heavy with a substantial Mediterranean season, on ships carrying features no other line matches at scale, from climbing walls and surf simulators to ice rinks and full-size theatres. Sailings run from three to seven nights, so it works for both a taster and a full week. If you are cruising for the ship itself as much as the destinations, this is the benchmark. Current sailings are on our Royal Caribbean cruise packages page.

Celebrity Cruises (7 to 10 nights, from AED 5,999)

The premium sister brand to Royal Caribbean, aimed at adults who want a more design-led ship without stepping up to true luxury pricing. Itineraries run seven to ten nights across the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with an Asian presence too. The differences show in the details: better food across the board, a quieter atmosphere, more contemporary interiors and a lower passenger count than the mainstream giants. A strong pick for couples and for a special-occasion trip.

Havila Cruises (7 nights, from AED 15,599)

A Norwegian coastal operator, and a genuinely different proposition from the rest of this list. Its ships work the Norwegian coast on a route designed around the scenery rather than onboard entertainment, using hybrid vessels that can run silently through the fjords. There are no water slides or theatres; the view is the attraction, along with the northern lights in season. Suited to travellers who want landscape and quiet rather than a resort at sea.

Crystal Cruises (9 nights, from AED 26,999)

A luxury line operating small ships with a high space-per-guest ratio and a near one-to-one crew ratio. Current sailings run nine nights across the Mediterranean and Asia, including Japan. Almost everything is included, from dining across all restaurants to drinks and gratuities, so the headline fare is closer to your final spend than on mainstream lines. The onboard tone is refined and unhurried, with enrichment programmes and serious food.

Swan Hellenic Cruises (10 nights, from AED 29,999)

An expedition line running small ice-capable ships, with a programme centred on Antarctica alongside Asian itineraries. These are voyages built around discovery rather than leisure: expedition teams of naturalists and historians travel with the ship, landings are made by inflatable craft, and the daily plan flexes with weather and wildlife. For travellers who want the polar regions and a small, well-equipped vessel to reach them.

Seabourn Cruises (12 nights, from AED 36,999)

The ultra-luxury end of the range, on intimate all-suite ships carrying a few hundred guests. Sailings run twelve nights, spanning Antarctica, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Caribbean. Fares are all-inclusive in the fullest sense, covering drinks throughout the ship, gratuities and dining in every venue, and the service ratio is among the highest at sea. For a milestone trip where the ship and the itinerary both need to be exceptional.

How Do You Book a Cruise from Dubai?

Cruise booking from Dubai starts here: browse the lines on this page, open the one that interests you and complete the enquiry form, or speak to the team directly. Call the Travelwings UAE cruise desk on +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com. They can talk you through which ships sail where, compare cabin grades and fare types, confirm whether flights from Dubai are part of your package and advise on the visas your itinerary will need. Fares are quoted in dirhams per person, and eligible bookings can be paid off in Easy Installments.

---

Disclaimer: Fares shown are indicative lead-in rates per person on a twin-sharing basis unless stated otherwise, and are subject to availability, cabin grade, season, departure date and change without notice. Inclusions, itineraries, embarkation ports and visa requirements vary by cruise line and sailing, and some fares exclude flights from Dubai. Please confirm the current fare and full details with Travelwings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cruises from Dubai

How much does a cruise from Dubai cost?

Lead-in fares start at AED 2,499 per person with MSC and Disney, with most mainstream lines falling between AED 2,499 and AED 6,000. Luxury and expedition sailings with Havila, Crystal, Swan Hellenic and Seabourn run from AED 15,599 upwards.

Which cruise lines can I book from Dubai?

Fourteen: MSC, Disney, Costa, AROYA, Holland America, Norwegian, Resorts World, Celestyal, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Havila, Crystal, Swan Hellenic and Seabourn.

Do cruise ships depart from Dubai itself?

Some sailings leave from ports in the Gulf, with Costa and AROYA offering the strongest regional programmes. Most other itineraries start in the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska or the Caribbean, so the package combines a flight out with the voyage itself.

What is included in cruise packages from Dubai?

Your cabin, main meals in the principal restaurants and buffet, onboard entertainment and facilities, transport between ports and, on most fares, port charges and taxes. Shore excursions, speciality dining, premium drinks and gratuities are usually extra.

How long are the cruises?

Current sailings run from two nights with Resorts World up to twelve nights with Seabourn. Seven nights is the most common length across the range.

Which cruise line is best for families?

Disney is built specifically around families with younger children, and Royal Caribbean offers the widest range of onboard activities for mixed ages. Both include extensive children's programming in the fare.

Do I need a visa for a cruise?

It depends on your nationality and on every country your itinerary visits, not only the embarkation port. Mediterranean sailings generally need a Schengen visa and Caribbean departures from Florida usually require a United States visa. Apply early, as multiple countries can be involved.

Which cabin should I book?

Inside cabins are the best value, oceanview adds natural light, and balconies are worth the premium on scenic routes such as Alaska and Norway. Midship cabins on lower decks feel the steadiest.

When should I book a cruise?

Several months ahead. Cruise lines release the cheapest cabin grades first and prices rise as a sailing fills, so early booking genuinely costs less. School holidays and the festive period need the longest lead time.

Are cruise fares per person or per cabin?

Per person on a twin-sharing basis unless stated otherwise. Solo travellers should ask about the single supplement, and a third or fourth guest sharing a cabin usually pays a reduced rate.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. Eligible bookings can be paid off in Easy Installments, letting you secure a cabin now and settle the balance before you sail.

How do I book a cruise from Dubai?

Choose a cruise line on this page and complete the enquiry form, or call the Travelwings UAE cruise desk on +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com.