Have you ever thought about visiting Dubai during a cruise? Let me share with you my personal experience after having visited this city on two different occasions. Cruises usually stop in Dubai for two days, and with good planning, you can make the most of every moment.

My First Visit To Dubai: MSC Splendida (New Year’s Eve 2017)

My first encounter with Dubai was during the New Year’s festivities of 2017-2018 aboard the MSC Splendida. Planning was key to making the most of every minute.

Day 1: Embarkation, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Our first day began with arrival at the airport in the morning. After the usual procedures and a taxi ride, we reached the ship just in time for lunch. The real adventure began in the afternoon when we headed to the iconic Burj Khalifa.

An important tip: we booked our visit to the Burj Khalifa for 3 PM through the internet, but we almost didn’t make it on time. Distances in Dubai are vast, so it’s better to plan with extra time.

At The Top, Burj Khalifa

View of Dubai Mall from Burj Khalifa

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Dubai Mall, an experience in itself. This gigantic shopping center houses not only stores but also an impressive aquarium, an ice rink, and an artificial waterfall. My recommendation is to prioritize what you want to see, as it’s practically impossible to cover everything in one afternoon.

As the perfect finale, we witnessed the spectacular Dubai Fountain show, a symphony of water, light, and music that you can’t miss.

Day 2: Ski Dubai and Madinat Jumeirah

We started our second day with a surprising visit: Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates. Imagine skiing in the middle of the desert! This indoor snow park not only offers ski slopes but also a variety of activities like snow slides. It’s an experience that combines typical winter activities with the contrast of Dubai’s desert climate.

Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of Emirates

Ski slope at Ski Dubai

In the afternoon, we immersed ourselves in the local culture at Madinat Jumeirah, where we could admire the traditional Arabic architecture with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background, the famous seven-star hotel built on its own artificial island.

Madinat Jumeirah

View to the bottom of the Burj Al Arab

My Return to Dubai: Norwegian Dawn (New Year’s Eve 2023)

My second visit to Dubai was more relaxed thanks to better planning. This time, we decided to arrive one day before embarkation and stay near the port.

Day 1: Festival City Mall, Embarkation and Afternoon in the Center

We took advantage of the morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Festival City Mall and rest at the hotel, sunbathing and walking around its outdoor areas. Hotels in Dubai offer excellent value for money and exceptional service, something you especially appreciate after a long flight.

In the afternoon, after completing embarkation and enjoying lunch at the cruise buffet, we headed to downtown Dubai. We walked around the Burj Khalifa lake area, exploring the bridge that connects to Souk Al Bahar, a shopping center that contrasts with the modern Dubai Mall due to its traditional Arabic architectural style. Although we had planned to take a boat ride on the lake (which can be booked in advance to avoid queues), we enjoyed the afternoon taking photos and exploring the shops before returning to the ship by Uber from the Dubai Mall parking pickup point.

Mall and hotels in Dubai Festival City

The Address Downtown, Dubai

Day 2: Tour of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Landmark Sites

We opted for a 4-hour guided tour called “New Wonders of Dubai,” which turned out to be an excellent decision. The tour took us through the most emblematic places of modern Dubai.

The tour allowed us to visit the Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah areas for the first time, areas that have experienced remarkable development in recent years. One of the most impressive additions is the Atlantis The Royal, a building whose innovative architecture makes it another of the many recognizable symbols in Dubai’s skyline.

Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal Dubai in Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Marina

My Wishlist for Future Visits

Dubai is a city that never stops evolving and surprising, which means you’ll always have the opportunity to discover something new even if you return. On my next visits, I would like to:

• Explore the interior of the iconic Burj Al Arab
• Visit the innovative Museum of the Future
• Walk through the souks of Deira and the historic districts of Al Fahidi and Al Seef
• View Palm Jumeirah from The View at the Palm
• Swim in the infinity pool at Aura Skypool
• Enjoy the Atlantis Aquaventure water park and relax on Dubai’s beaches
• Take a boat tour through Dubai Marina