Cruises from Dubai: Compare Cruise Packages, Lines and Ships

Overview: A cruise from Dubai 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 luxury and expedition vessels, with fares starting at AED 2,499 per person. Some sailings leave from Gulf ports close to home, while most of the world's best-known itineraries pair a flight from Dubai with the cruise. This page sets out where you can sail on a cruise from Dubai, the cruise ships and lines you can book, the routes and durations, what each package includes, guide prices and how to book.

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

Cruises and Cruise Ships from Dubai and the UAE

Booking a cruise from the UAE has never been easier, and a cruise UAE travellers can join now spans 14 lines. Travelwings compares cruise ships from Dubai and the wider UAE across 14 cruise lines in one place, so you can weigh up the mainstream family ships, the premium mid-size vessels and the small luxury and expedition craft side by side. Whether you search for a cruise from Dubai, a cruise from UAE, a Dubai cruise or simply a cruise Dubai search, the range is the same: short Gulf sailings on your doorstep, and fly-cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia, Alaska and the Norwegian coast.

A cruise ship from Dubai and the UAE falls into two types, and it is worth knowing the difference before you compare fares. Some sail regionally from Gulf ports within easy reach of the Emirates, with no long-haul flight and a short transfer to the terminal, so a cruise ship Dubai sailing needs little travel. The majority are worldwide, where a cruise ship connects by air to a port such as Barcelona, a Florida city or Singapore, and a flight from Dubai is built into the package. Neither is better; a Gulf sailing suits a short break with minimal travel, while a fly-cruise gives you the world's best-known itineraries on a bigger, newer ship. When you enquire, the team will confirm exactly which ports your chosen cruise ship uses and whether flights are included.

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, from short trips close to home to the classic long-haul itineraries.

• 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 and the Norwegian coast: summer sailings through the fjords and glacier country of the north Pacific, and the scenic Norwegian coastal route, on ships with wide observation decks.

Which Cruise Routes Can You Take from Dubai?

Because the range mixes regional and worldwide sailings, a cruise from Dubai can mean very different journeys. These are the routes UAE travellers ask for most:

• Dubai and the Gulf to Oman: the closest cruising to the UAE, with short Gulf itineraries that call at regional ports and need little or no flying, the simplest option for a first cruise or a short break.

• The Red Sea from Jeddah: a short flight from Dubai to join a warm-water sailing along the Saudi Red Sea coast, a fast-growing route with new ships and ports.

• Dubai to the Mediterranean: a fly-cruise to Europe, joining a ship in Barcelona or an Italian port for the most-sailed region in the range, ideal for pairing a cruise with a European city.

• Dubai to Asia: a flight to Singapore for short Southeast Asian sailings, or longer itineraries reaching Japan, mixing city stops with sea days.

• Dubai to the Caribbean and beyond: the long-haul classics, flying to a Florida port for the Bahamas and the Caribbean, or further afield to Alaska and Norway in season.

When you enquire, the team will confirm the exact ports, whether flights from Dubai are included and the current sailing dates for your chosen route.

How Many Nights? Short 2 and 3-Night Cruises to Longer Voyages

Cruise durations in the range run from two nights to twelve, so the length of your trip is as much a choice as the destination.

• 2 and 3-night cruises from Dubai: the shortest sailings, ideal for a first cruise or a long weekend at sea. A 3-day cruise from Dubai, or a 3-day cruise trip from Dubai, is one of the most popular ways to try cruising, with Resorts World offering two and three-night Asian sailings and Disney running three and four-night trips.

• 4 to 7-night cruises: the most common length, covering a week in the Mediterranean, the Gulf or the Caribbean, with MSC, Costa, AROYA, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and others all sailing in this range.

• 9 nights and longer: the premium and expedition end, with Crystal, Swan Hellenic and Seabourn running longer, more immersive voyages of nine to twelve nights.

Shorter cruises keep the fare and the time commitment down, while a week or more opens up the classic worldwide itineraries. The team can match the duration to the dates and budget you have.

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.

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. Neither type is better; they are different holidays. A Gulf sailing suits a short break with minimal travel, and 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 included.

Can You Cruise from Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Alongside cruises from Dubai, some regional sailings call at or depart from Abu Dhabi, which has its own cruise terminal at Zayed Port. For UAE residents, an Abu Dhabi cruise works much like a Dubai one: a short transfer to the terminal, no long-haul flight on regional Gulf itineraries, and the same choice of lines and packages. If it is more convenient for you to sail from Abu Dhabi, tell the team when you enquire and they will confirm which current sailings use the Abu Dhabi terminal and what is included.

What Is Included in a Dubai Cruise Package?

The appeal of a cruise is that almost everything is bundled into the fare. Inclusions vary a little by line, but the core is consistent, and the list below sets out what is typically covered and what to budget for separately.

Inclusions

✅ Your cabin for the full sailing, in the grade you choose
✅ Main meals in the ship's dining rooms and buffet
✅ Onboard entertainment, shows and daytime activities
✅ Use of the ship's pools, gym and public facilities
✅ Transport between ports while you sleep
✅ Return flights from Dubai on fly-cruise packages, where stated

Exclusions

❌ Shore excursions and tours at each port of call
❌ Specialty dining, premium drinks and gratuities, unless a package states otherwise
❌ The cruise line's port charges and taxes, where not included in the lead-in fare
❌ Travel insurance and any visas required for ports of call
❌ Personal spending, spa treatments and paid onboard activities

Inclusions differ between cruise lines and packages, so confirm exactly what your chosen 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: the cabin grade, which is the biggest single factor, since an inside cabin and a balcony suite on the same sailing can differ by several thousand dirhams; the season, as the UAE school breaks and the year-end peak both carry a clear premium; and whether flights are included, which adds to the fare on worldwide fly-cruises. Booking early generally secures both a better cabin and a better price. All fares are per person, and the team can give you a current, all-in quote for your chosen sailing.

Which Cabin Should You Choose on a Cruise Ship?

The cabin you pick is the biggest single factor in the fare, and there are four broad grades. An inside cabin has no window and is the most affordable way to cruise, ideal if you plan to spend your time out on the ship. An ocean-view cabin adds a window or porthole. A balcony cabin gives you private outdoor space and is the most popular choice for the Mediterranean and the fjords, where the view is part of the trip. A suite adds more space and, on most lines, extra services and priority benefits. On a short Gulf sailing an inside or ocean-view cabin keeps the cost down; on a scenic itinerary a balcony is worth considering.

What Is Life on Board a Cruise Ship Like?

A modern cruise ship is a floating resort, and how you spend your day is up to you. Days at sea are built around the ship: pools and sun decks, a spa and gym, restaurants and bars, shows and live music in the evening, and children's clubs on the family lines. Days in port give you time ashore to explore, on your own or on an organised excursion, before the ship sails on overnight. Larger mainstream ships pack in the most facilities and entertainment, while smaller premium and expedition ships trade some of that for a quieter, more immersive experience. The style varies by line, from the Italian flair of Costa to the family focus of Disney, so it is worth matching the ship to the holiday you want.

Which Cruise Lines and Ships 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 luxury craft. Fares below are the current lead-in prices per person; the team will confirm live availability and dates when you enquire.

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 such as MSC Virtuosa are large and modern, with extensive pools, dining and family facilities. A strong all-round choice for a first cruise, with our MSC cruise packages covering the current sailings.

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 throughout the day, making it the joint-cheapest way into cruising for families.

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 one of the most substantial Gulf presences 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. The team can confirm Costa's current Gulf and Mediterranean sailings when you enquire.

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

A Saudi-owned line built for the region, and one of the strongest options for warm-water sailing close to home. AROYA sails the Red Sea and the Gulf, with itineraries designed around regional travellers, so a cruise can mean a short flight or none at all. A good choice for a first cruise without the long-haul journey.

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

A classic premium line with a more traditional, unhurried style, popular with travellers who want a calmer ship. Sailings cover a wide global spread, from Europe to Alaska, on mid-size ships known for their service and enrichment programmes.

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

Known for its relaxed "freestyle" approach, with no fixed dining times and a wide choice of restaurants and bars. Current week-long sailings span the Caribbean and the Mediterranean on large, activity-packed ships. The team can confirm Norwegian's current Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings when you enquire.

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

An Asia-based line running short two and three-night sailings out of Singapore, ideal for a quick cruise paired with a Southeast Asian city break. The short durations make it a popular way to try cruising or to add a few nights at sea to a wider trip.

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

A smaller line specialising in the Greek islands and the eastern Mediterranean, with itineraries that pack in more ports than most. A good choice for travellers who want to see several Greek islands and Mediterranean ports in a single week.

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

Home to some of the largest and most feature-packed ships at sea, built around families and groups who want plenty to do on board, from surf simulators to climbing walls. Current sailings run from three to seven nights across the Caribbean and beyond. See the sailings in our Royal Caribbean cruise packages.

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

A premium line with a modern, design-led style, sitting a step above the mainstream in comfort and service. Sailings of seven to ten nights cover the Mediterranean and further afield on stylish mid-to-large ships, popular with couples.

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

A specialist line sailing the Norwegian coastal route, with sustainability-focused ships built for the fjords. A scenic, immersive voyage along one of the world's most dramatic coastlines, rather than a resort-style cruise.

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

A luxury line running smaller premium ships with a high space-per-guest ratio, refined dining and a more formal onboard experience. Longer nine-night sailings suit travellers who want space, service and a slower pace.

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

A cultural and expedition-focused line on small, modern ships, with itineraries built around destination immersion and expert-led enrichment. A choice for curious travellers who want depth over resort facilities.

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

Ultra-luxury and expedition sailing on small, all-suite ships, with an all-inclusive onboard experience and itineraries reaching remote destinations. The most premium option in the range, for longer, immersive voyages.

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

Cruise fares are usually at their lowest when booked well in advance, which also secures the widest choice of cabins and sailing dates. Prices rise as a sailing fills and around the UAE school breaks and the year-end peak, so booking early for those periods is worthwhile. For Gulf and Red Sea sailings, the cooler months from around October to April are the most comfortable; the Mediterranean is at its best from late spring to autumn; and Alaska and Norway are summer-season destinations. The team can advise on the best window for your chosen line and route.

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for a Cruise?

It depends on the itinerary. Some ports of call require a visa, and the requirements depend on your nationality and the countries the ship visits rather than on your UAE residence. A Gulf or Red Sea sailing generally involves fewer visa considerations than a worldwide itinerary calling at several countries. Because the rules vary by nationality and route and can change, always confirm the current requirements for your passport and your specific sailing before booking, and ensure your passport has sufficient validity. The team can point you to what your chosen itinerary needs.

Who Are Cruise Holidays Best For?

A cruise suits a wide range of travellers, which is much of the appeal. Families are drawn to the big mainstream ships, where Disney, Royal Caribbean and MSC build entertainment and children's clubs into the fare. Couples often prefer the premium lines such as Celebrity and Celestyal, or a scenic balcony sailing in the Mediterranean or the fjords. First-time cruisers and those short on time suit the short Gulf, Red Sea and Asian sailings, which keep both the fare and the travel down. And travellers who want space, service and immersion gravitate to the luxury and expedition lines. Whatever kind of holiday you are after, there is a cruise from Dubai to match it.

What Should You Know Before Your First Cruise?

A few practical points help a first cruise go smoothly. Check whether your fare is for a Gulf sailing or a worldwide fly-cruise, since that changes whether flights are included and how much travel is involved. Choose your cabin grade to match the trip, keeping it simple on a short sailing and considering a balcony on a scenic one. Budget for the extras that sit outside the fare, such as shore excursions, gratuities and drinks. Confirm any visas your itinerary needs and check your passport validity. And book early for the best cabin and price, particularly around the school breaks. The team can walk you through all of this when you enquire.

How Do You Book a Cruise from Dubai?

Choose a cruise line or sailing on this page and enquire online, or speak to the team directly. Call +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com to book or to ask about any of the cruises. The team can confirm current availability and dates, tell you exactly which ports your sailing uses and whether flights from Dubai are included, advise on cabins and put together the full package. Fares are quoted in dirhams per person, and eligible bookings can be paid off in Easy Installments.

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Disclaimer: Prices shown are indicative lead-in fares per person and are subject to availability, sailing date, cabin grade and change without notice. Cruise itineraries, inclusions, ships and departure ports vary by line and sailing, and flights are included only where stated. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the ports visited. Please confirm current prices, sailings and full details with Travelwings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cruises from Dubai

1. Do cruises depart from Dubai?

Some do. Regional Gulf and Red Sea sailings leave from ports within easy reach of the UAE, with no long-haul flight, and Costa and AROYA are the strongest options for these. Most worldwide sailings start from a European, Florida or Asian port, with a flight from Dubai built into the package.

2. How much does a cruise from Dubai cost?

Lead-in fares start from AED 2,499 per person on the mainstream lines for three to seven nights, rising through AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 for premium and week-long sailings, and AED 15,000 and above for the luxury and expedition lines. The cabin grade, the season and whether flights are included move the price most.

3. 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, ranging from mainstream family ships to luxury and expedition vessels.

4. Can I take a short 2 or 3-night cruise from Dubai?

Yes. Resorts World runs two and three-night sailings out of Singapore, and Disney runs three and four-night trips, making a 3-day cruise trip one of the most popular ways to try cruising. Short Gulf sailings are also available close to home.

5. Where can I sail on a cruise from Dubai?

The range covers the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea close to home, plus the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia from Singapore to Japan, Alaska and the Norwegian coast on worldwide fly-cruises.

6. Can I cruise from Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai?

Yes. Some regional sailings call at or depart from Abu Dhabi's cruise terminal at Zayed Port, which works much like sailing from Dubai. Tell the team when you enquire and they will confirm which current sailings use Abu Dhabi.

7. What is included in a Dubai cruise package?

Your cabin, main meals, onboard entertainment and use of the ship's facilities are included, plus return flights from Dubai on fly-cruise packages where stated. Shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, gratuities and visas are usually extra.

8. Do I need a visa for a cruise from Dubai?

It depends on the ports your ship visits and your nationality, not on your UAE residence. Gulf and Red Sea sailings generally involve fewer visa considerations than worldwide itineraries. Confirm the requirements for your passport and sailing before booking.

9. When is the best time to book a cruise from Dubai?

As early as possible, which secures the best cabin and price and the widest choice of dates. Fares rise as sailings fill and around the school breaks and year-end peak, so booking ahead for those periods pays off.

10. How do I book a cruise from Dubai?

Choose a line or sailing on this page and enquire online, or call +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com, and the team will confirm availability, ports and flights and complete the booking.