Dubai

Cruise vessels berth at Port Rashid.

The new Dubai Harbour Cruise terminal has also operated since 2021. It sits between Palm View Marina, part of Dubai Marina, and Dubai Lighthouse. Its two terminals can simultaneously handle two ship turnarounds carrying 5000+ passengers.

Three sizeable, contemporary cruise terminals stand side by side, and taxis are readily available. Dubai Mall is about 10 minutes away by road, for around 10 Euro, with a slightly lower return rate. Wherever you travel by taxi in the UAE, including on a taxi tour, ask for the meter to be turned on.

Each terminal has Hop on/off buses that take passengers to Wafi Mall, where the red and blue lines meet. You can join a Hop on/off bus there and return to the port on it. A 48-hour ticket is recommended for seeing most of the sights.

The fenced terminal area is unsuitable for walking, and there is nothing to visit within walking distance.

A terminal desk provides information on free mall shuttles from some shopping centres: Marcato Mall, Al Ghurair City, Dubai Outlet Mall and Burjaman, which is the closest to a Metro station.

Dubai airport is around a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal, at about $15 per taxi.

Accommodation options in Dubai.

Find Port Rashid on Google Maps.

Find Dubai Harbour on Google Maps.

Dubai, called the City of Merchants, is the second largest of the seven Emirates forming the UAE. Unique within the Gulf, it began its history in the 1830s when it separated from Abu Dhabi to establish itself as an independent centre for trade and commerce. Its wealth was built on trade rather than oil; oil's discovery in 1966 added to prosperity and accelerated modernisation.

At the turn of the last century, intensive import-export trade, especially in gold, began Dubai's modern development. Gold played the part in Dubai's growth that opium played in the development of Hong Kong.

Dubai is the Middle East's leading business and tourism hub, combining a modern city with an enduring desert, east with west, and old with new. Its cosmopolitan way of life brings Western comforts together with Arabia's distinctive character. Although different lifestyles are widely tolerated, the city remains attached to its heritage. The souqs and vast shopping malls are full of merchandise, often at some of the world's best prices.

Shopping is only one side of the city. There is an excellent museum and extensive recreation, from golf and water sports to dhow cruises and desert safaris.

A Hop on/off bus is the best way to tour Dubai. On a Friday, start with the Blue Line and then take the Red Line, as much of downtown is "closed" during the morning.

Walking between sights is not advised because of the heat and their wide spacing. Taxis are very cheap.

Dubai's standout experience is "At The Top", the viewing platform at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. A shore excursion is too rushed, so visit independently on the evening you are in port. Timed tickets should be booked online well ahead, ideally for sunset. Take a cab from the port, explore the shops and market, watch the musical fountains, then go to At The Top for the sunset.

Also visit the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest dancing fountain, for its enticing display. Shows are held on Burj Dubai Lake and are easily reached through Dubai Mall: daily at 1 pm and 1.30 pm, on Friday at 1.30 pm and 2.00 PM, then every half hour from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Dubai's free-port status, low import duties and absence of taxation make it a shopper's paradise. Air-conditioned modern malls are spread throughout the city, while the traditional souqs offer bargains, atmosphere and entertainment. Purchases range from gold jewellery and designer items to cameras, electronics and oriental rugs. Mall shops open from 10 am until late at night.

Mall of the Emirates has the world's largest indoor ski slope; it really needs to be seen to be believed.

Dubai Mall has more than 1200 shops and eateries, along with a route through its huge aquarium, huge waterfalls, an ice rink and the magic fountains before the Burj Khalifa. Car enthusiasts can simply watch some of the world's most beautiful cars arriving around the mall entrances.

The United Arab Emirates uses the dirham (AED, locally abbreviated as dhs). As the Dirham is pegged to the USD, exchange-rate movement against that currency is unlikely.

Free Wifi is available in the terminal. Connection speeds can become very slow or disappear when large numbers of crew members use it; wait until crew must be onboard, a half before guest boarding time, and service should improve. Some Hop on/off buses now provide free WiFi too.

General shopping hours are daily 0900-1300 and 1600-2100, although many shops and every mall shop open throughout the day. Shops may close for prayers on Fri 1130-1330.