Planning an evening out in Dubai that combines luxury, scenic views, and good food? The Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina promises just that. While we haven’t been on this cruise ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal a pretty compelling experience worth considering.
What we love about it? First, the breathtaking city skyline views truly give you a sense of Dubai’s glittering beauty from the water. Second, the international buffet seems to satisfy a variety of tastes, with reviewers mentioning a delicious spread of dishes. Third, the romantic ambiance created by twinkling lights and traditional music adds an extra magic touch.
A potential drawback? Some travelers mention that food and entertainment might not be top-tier, and there are occasional issues with the meeting location information. Still, for the right traveler, this cruise offers a memorable evening that’s worth the price.
This experience is best suited for couples seeking romance, families celebrating a special occasion, or groups wanting a scenic, relaxed dinner with a view. If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful cruise with a lively yet elegant vibe, this could be a good fit.
- Stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and waterfront from the open-air and lower decks
- Delicious international buffet with a variety of dishes for diverse tastes
- Live entertainment includes traditional music and dance performances
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Convenient pickup and easy access from Dubai Marina’s central location
- Group discounts and mobile tickets make booking straightforward and affordable
The Setting: Dubai Marina’s Scenic Shores
The cruise departs from Dubai Marina, specifically from Berth A11 Yacht Club, a location well-situated near prominent landmarks like the Masjid Al Rahim Mosque and Signature Hotel Apartments & Spa Marina. The boat itself is a beautifully adorned traditional wooden dhow, exuding classic charm with modern comfort.
Riders are picked up from central locations, with pickup offered, making logistics easier for travelers. The setting in Dubai Marina provides an ideal backdrop — the towers’ modern facades and the shimmering water combine to create a picture-perfect scene that’s especially stunning at night when the city’s lights reflect on the water.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The start point offers a calm departure, with the boat gently gliding along the water, giving you a chance to soak in the panoramic cityscape.
Unlike some larger, hectic cruises, this experience is about relaxed viewing. You can choose to stand on the open-air deck for unobstructed views or stay cozy inside the lower deck if the night breeze is too chilly. During the cruise, you’ll witness Dubai’s skyline transformed under a blanket of lights, which reviewers describe as “absolutely stunning”.
Looking for more options in Dubai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Dining: The International Buffet
One of the main highlights is the gourmet buffet featuring a range of international and local dishes. Travelers report that the food is “delicious” and offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes. While some reviewers felt that the food could be improved, most agree it adds significant value to the cruise experience.
The buffet is set up to allow guests to serve themselves at their convenience, and the quality of the presentation and flavor is generally appreciated. Given the price point of around $69.78 per person, the buffet provides a good deal, especially considering the scenic setting and entertainment.
Live Entertainment: A Cultural Touch
Entertainment on board includes traditional music and dance performances. These acts add a vibrant, cultural layer to the evening, enhancing the sense of occasion. Reviewers mention that the ambiance is “pleasant” with friendly staff attending to every detail.
However, some note that the entertainment might not be continuously engaging, so if vibrant cultural performances are your main focus, you might want to temper expectations. Still, the overall atmosphere is described as “romantic and lively”.
The View: Why It Matters
Many guests highlight the stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, which they describe as “breathtaking” at night. The reflection of city lights on the water creates a shimmering tableau that’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the moment.
One reviewer captured the essence by saying, “The location of the cruise is absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline at night — truly a highlight.” These vistas are what make the cruise particularly memorable, especially if you’re seeking a romantic or celebratory environment.
Booking and Pricing
At approximately $69.78 per person, the cruise offers decent value for a 2-hour scenic dinner. Booking around 28 days in advance ensures better availability and possibly better rates. The option for group discounts makes it attractive for larger parties.
Group Size and Comfort
The cruise accommodates up to 150 travelers, which means it’s lively but not overwhelming. Guests often mention that the group size is manageable, allowing for a more intimate experience despite the larger capacity.
Transportation and Meeting Point
Located in Dubai Marina, the cruise is near public transportation, making it convenient to reach. The meeting point at the Yacht Club is straightforward to find on Google Maps, but one reviewer cautioned about incorrect location information that caused some missed departures. It’s best to confirm the exact meeting details closer to your booked date.
Tour Duration and Flexibility
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect evening activity without taking up your entire night. The free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before) adds flexibility in case your plans change.
Customer Service and Reviews
Most guests have positive feedback about the friendly staff and smooth check-in process. However, one reviewer expressed frustration over poor communication regarding the precise meeting location, which caused her to miss the cruise. Always double-check your meeting instructions and arrive a little early to avoid surprises.
While the majority of reviews praise the stunning views and delicious buffet, some provide a balanced perspective. One guest noted, “The location of the cruise is absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline at night. The ambiance was pleasant, and the staff was friendly and accommodating.”
Another mentioned that “the food was quite disappointing”, suggesting that the buffet could be improved. Despite this, the overall experience remains positive, especially for those who prioritize scenery and atmosphere over gourmet dining.
Additional Insights from Reviewers
- The twinkling city lights reflecting on the water create a romantic setting, especially suited for couples.
- The traditional music and dance performances, while nice, might not be non-stop entertainment, so manage expectations.
- Early booking is recommended to secure a good spot and avoid last-minute disappointment.
For travelers seeking a relaxed yet luxurious evening with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, the Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner delivers a lot for its price. The scenic backdrop and international buffet make it ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a peaceful dinner on the water.
If you value authentic ambiance, beautiful vistas, and a comfortable setting, this cruise offers a memorable experience without breaking the bank. Just be aware of the occasional hiccup regarding location details or food expectations.
This cruise suits those who want a romantic, scenic, and relaxing evening — a great addition to any Dubai itinerary, especially if you’re a fan of waterfront views and cultural touches.
Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, pickup is offered, making it easier to start your evening without worrying about transport.
How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the scenery and dinner without feeling rushed.
What’s the price? The cost is around $69.78 per person, which is considered good value given the scenic views, buffet, and entertainment.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.
Are there group discounts? Yes, group discounts are available, making it more affordable for larger parties.
Is the location easy to find? The meeting point is near public transportation, but some reviews mention potential confusion. It’s best to confirm the exact meeting instructions beforehand.
What kind of entertainment is on board? Expect traditional music and dance performances that add cultural flavor and lively atmosphere, though they might not be continuous.
To sum it up, the Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina offers an affordable, scenic, and culturally engaging way to enjoy Dubai’s night skyline. It’s a solid choice for lovers of water views, good food, and relaxed evenings, especially when booked in advance. Just double-check your meeting point and manage expectations about entertainment and buffet quality for a smooth, enjoyable trip.
More Safari Adventures in Dubai
More Private Tours in Dubai
More Tour Reviews in Dubai
Still browsing? Here are more Dubai experiences we've covered recently
- Evening Desert Safari + Quad bike with 4×4 Home/Hotel Pickup
- Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Grand Mosque and Palace Visit
- Dubai stopover tour with airport transfers & flexible durations
- Abudhabi City Tour From Dubai
- Jetcar Ride in Dubai With Optional Pickup and Drop off
- Morning Safari With Quad Bike Dubai
- Dubai City Pass: all inclusive Pass with Hop On Hop Off & tours
- Dubai City Tour: Old & New Dubai Abra Ride, Palm Island, Souks
- Quad bike with Morning Desert Safari
- Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Gold Coffee at Emirates Palace
- Dubai Full Day Tour with Entry Ticket to Burj Khalifa at the Top
- Dubai: 30Min Jet Ski To Burj Al Arab.