Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar Cruises

For many people, the best time to embark on cruises in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar is between November and March, a period when the Arabian Gulf transforms into an oasis of perfect weather and cultural vibrancy. Sunny days with clear blue skies create the perfect backdrop for exploring the cities and deserts, while balmy evenings invite outdoor dining and moonlit waterfront strolls. During these cooler months, your United Arab Emirates holidays will be both comfortable and unforgettable. Imagine standing on the deck of your UAE cruise, watching the cities’ glittering skylines. Seasonal happenings and festivals – including the bargain-filled Dubai Shopping Festival, the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and various events at the stunning Dubai Miracle Garden – are all in full swing during this time. It’s also possible to visit Bahrain during a cruise to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, where cultural venues like Bahrain National Museum and architectural treasures like the Al Fateh Grand Mosque ensure that the excitement and insights continue at every stop. MSC Cruises’ United Arab Emirates cruises make it effortless to experience this vibrant region without breaking a sweat.

MSC Cruises’ Emirates cruises sail from November through March, perfectly timed for when the Arabian Gulf region enjoys its best weather. These months welcome you with temperatures that comfortably sit between 24°C to 31°C, while evenings are a pleasant 14°C to 20°C. It’s an ideal period to escape chilly European winters and enjoy travel, outdoor pursuits and seasonal events under sunny skies, all without excessive heat or humidity. This means you can keep enjoying a huge range of both indoor and outdoor activities with ease, and without any weather worries.

MSC Cruises operates from three major ports in the Arabian Gulf: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the largest and most important of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, while Doha is the capital of Qatar, a peninsula jutting out from Saudi Arabia, approximately 500 kilometres west of the UAE. Many itineraries also include a stop at Sir Bani Yas Island, an offshore nature reserve belonging to Abu Dhabi and located about halfway between Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Some routes venture to Manama, the capital of Bahrain, a tiny island kingdom northwest of Qatar. Additionally, there are two ports of call in Oman: Muscat, the capital on the Indian Ocean, and Khasab, the main settlement in the Omani exclave of Musandam, roughly 200 kilometres north of Dubai.

Here’s the good news: your dream cruise in the Emirates doesn’t have to be just a dream, as MSC Cruises offers a wide range of cruises in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar to suit all budgets. Peruse our deals and find a ticket to your own Arabian adventure. Enjoy great food, fun activities and new experiences onboard and on-shore, all without breaking the bank.

Packing for your holidays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar means preparing for warm weather, stylish outings and cultural sensitivity. It’s smart to bring a mix of practical and fashionable items to be ready for diverse and exciting experiences during your cruise. For the most part, pack comfortable summer outfits like lightweight tops, shorts and skirts made from breathable fabrics. However, be mindful that in Muslim countries, it’s respectful to wear clothing that covers shoulders and midriffs in public areas. An essential item to bring on your Dubai cruise is a light jacket or jumper – you’ll need this in the evenings and also when in some indoor spaces like malls, museums and restaurants, which can feel much cooler due to strong air-conditioning. Don’t forget sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the Arabian sun. Swimwear is essential for beaches or in pools, but should be worn in those places only. If a desert safari is part of your itinerary on Emirates cruises, pack outdoor clothes and sneakers to keep comfortable and protected from the sand. Dress to impress during Gala Night onboard and when dining out in the trendy restaurants you’ll find many of, especially in Dubai.

Each country has its own currency. The UAE uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED), Qatar uses the Qatari riyal (QAR), Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BHD) and the Omani rial (OMR) is used in Oman.

When on United Arab Emirates holidays, be aware that the UAE and Oman are on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST). Meanwhile, those on holidays to Doha, Qatar’s capital, should remember that, like Bahrain, Qatar is on Arabian Standard Time (AST), which is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and two hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST).

Most of MSC Cruises’ routes around the Arabian Gulf are seven-night round-trips. This is plenty of time to immerse yourself in the appealing blend of modern urbanity and storied history you’ll find throughout the region, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain – alongside time for relaxation on Sir Bani Yas Island. Another option is a six-night round-trip cruise departing from Abu Dhabi, visiting Dubai, Bahrain and Doha on route. If you're short on time and just want a taste of the region, opt for a three-night escape from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, including a delightful day of exploration and rest on Sir Bani Yas Island.

MSC Cruises' Fly-cruise packages for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar are available from the following airports in the UK and Ireland: London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin, Ireland. All flights land in Abu Dhabi, ensuring a stylish start to any holiday.