Dubai Canal Dinner Cruise with La Perle Show Tickets Combo: An Honest Review
Planning a night out in Dubai? This Dubai Canal Dinner Cruise combined with La Perle, offers a blend of scenic waterway views, culture, and a jaw-dropping live show. It’s a package designed for those who want a bit of everything—luxury, entertainment, and local charm—all wrapped into about three hours.
From the moment we looked into this experience, a few things caught our eye: the impressive IMAGINE show, the historic Al Jaddaf dhow yards, and the breathtaking La Perle performance. Plus, the convenience of a pickup service adds a layer of ease many travelers appreciate. However, it’s worth noting that food quality has received mixed reviews, and some might find the time spent on the water a tad slow if they’re after a fast-paced adventure.
This combo tour works best for those wanting a relaxed yet enriching evening, perfect for couples, families, or anyone craving a taste of Dubai’s modern marvels paired with authentic entertainment. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, visually stunning night that combines culture and spectacle, this one is worth considering.
Key Points
- Captivating Waterway Views: You’ll cruise past Dubai Creek Harbour, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Waterfall, enjoying the city’s skyline at night.
- Spectacular Show: La Perle’s aqua-stage performance features acrobats, aerialists, and impressive technology, making it a must-see.
- Convenience & Comfort: The included pickup service simplifies logistics, and the tour lasts roughly three hours.
- Mixed Food Experience: The dinner and drinks are plentiful but not gourmet; reviews suggest some food may be lukewarm.
- Authentic Cultural Highlights: Stops include historic dhow yards and Dubai Water Canal landmarks, adding depth to your sightseeing.
- Great Value: At around $125.60, this combo balances entertainment, scenery, and culture, particularly given the included show and dinner.
Looking for more options in Dubai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
A Complete Breakdown of the Experience
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
This tour begins with pickup from select Dubai hotels, which sets a relaxing tone from the start. Once you arrive at Al Faris Floating Restaurant, you’re immediately immersed in a scenic environment with a buzzing yet elegant vibe. The tour seamlessly combines a dhow cruise with a cultural and historic narrative, followed by the La Perle show at La Pertoor City.
IMAGINE: Your journey kicks off with a visit to Dubai Festival City’s record-breaking attraction. This spectacle is more than just a water show—it’s a sensory feast of light, water, and fire, boasting the largest water screen projection in the world and massive projection mapping. The multimedia show uses lasers, pyrotechnics, and surround sound to create a mesmerizing experience that leaves most guests in awe.
Cultural Stops: The route takes you to the Rehl library, a modern homage to Dubai’s cultural roots, and the historic Al Jaddaf dhow yard, where traditional boats are still built today—an important reminder of Dubai’s maritime history.
Landmarks & Landlocked Wonders: Passing Dubai Creek Harbour, you get a glimpse of the upcoming tallest skyscraper, alongside the iconic Burj Khalifa. The cruise continues through the Dubai Water Canal, an engineering marvel that connects Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf, winding through the city with views of modern developments like the Business Bay district and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge Waterfall—a captivating mechanical waterfall that’s operational depending on boat traffic.
The Waterway Experience: The canal itself spans 3.2 km, with widths varying from 80 to 120 meters. During the cruise, you’ll see the Dubai Waterfall, the Tolerance Bridge, and other architectural marvels, all lit up at night. Reviewers praise the unobstructed views of Dubai’s skyline and the distinctive perspective the water offers.
The Highlights of the Tour
- IMAGINE Show: As Guinness World Record holders, this is a visual feast, blending water, light, and fireworks with surround sound. Visitors often describe it as “a show like never seen before,” and many mention the size of the water projection as especially impressive.
- Dhow Cruise: The traditional two-tier dhow offers a tranquil ride with stunning cityscapes. Reviewers note that the cruise’s timing in the evening provides the perfect backdrop of Dubai’s illuminated skyline.
- Cultural Landmarks: The historic Al Jaddaf dhow yard provides insight into Dubai’s roots, with some reviews mentioning the educational value of this stop.
- Dubai Water Canal & Landmarks: From the Sheikh Zayed Bridge Waterfall to Dubai Creek Harbour, the cruise offers an immersive look at Dubai’s rapid modern development.
- La Perle Show: The pièce de résistance, this aqua-stage performance features around 65 artists performing acrobatics, aerial acts, and daring stunts. Guests who’ve seen it say it’s fascinating and exhilarating, with some reviews comparing it to a Cirque du Soleil style spectacle.
Food & Drinks: Good, but Not Gourmet
Diners enjoy a buffet dinner, with some reviewers praising the abundance of food and hot dishes. However, several mention the food was lukewarm and the variety could be better—especially for vegetarians. The included coffee, tea, and bottled water are standard, but the alcoholic beverages are only available to guests over 21, with some reviews indicating that service can be inconsistent.
The unlimited drinks package has mixed feedback. Some guests felt it was expensive for what was offered, with servers only coming around once or twice. Others found the selection of house beer and wine acceptable considering the overall value.
The Experience: What Travelers Say
Many reviewers express satisfaction with the smooth organization and professional staff. The pickup service is generally praised for being prompt and hassle-free, though a few mention delays or communication issues, especially for larger groups or seniors.
Guests love the view of Dubai at night from the water, describing it as magical and different from daytime sightseeing. The La Perle show consistently earns high praise, with some calling it “incredible,” “spectacular,” and “the highlight of their Dubai trip.” The performance’s combination of aerial acts, water stunts, and visual effects is a crowd favorite.
On the flip side, some reviews highlight less-than-stellar food and service delays. One guest mentions that the buffet was not particularly hot, and another criticizes the lack of entertainment during the cruise itself—a sentiment echoed by those who expected more interaction or live music onboard.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
At around $125.60 per person, this tour offers a solid mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and dining. When considering the La Perle show alone, which is highly acclaimed and exclusive, plus the cruise with its scenic stops, many reviewers agree it’s good value, especially given the convenience of a combined ticket.
However, some feel the value diminishes if you’re expecting a luxury dinner—as the food can be average and service inconsistent. Still, for the entertainment quality, spectacular views, and cultural insights, most find it to be worth the cost.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is best suited for first-timers wanting a comprehensive, night-time overview of Dubai’s highlights. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a relaxing yet captivating evening. If you’re a fan of spectacular shows and want a combination of cultural and modern sights, this tour hits all the right notes.
Travelers who prioritize decent food and seamless service might want to manage expectations, but the visual and entertainment value more than compensates for any minor shortcomings.
Final Thoughts
This Dubai Canal Dinner Cruise with La Perle tickets offers a well-rounded night out, blending scenic waterways, cultural landmarks, and a world-class performance. The ease of package deal, including hotel pickup and all the key sights, makes it a convenient choice for visitors eager to maximize their Dubai experience without overcommitting time or budget.
While the food isn’t gourmet, the views, entertainment, and cultural stops enrich the journey. If you’re after an evening of beautiful scenery and high-energy entertainment, this combo is definitely worth considering.
For those who love scenic waterway cruises, spectacular live shows, and cultural insights, this tour delivers on all counts—just keep your expectations flexible on the dining front.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup from select Dubai hotels, making it more convenient to start your evening without the stress of arranging transport.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, including the cruise, show, and dinner.
What is the dress code?
While not explicitly stated, smart casual is usually appropriate. Remember, some reviews suggest bringing a jacket if you tend to get cold on the water or in the show’s air-conditioned areas.
Can I get alcoholic beverages?
Alcoholic drinks are available but only to guests over 21. The house beverage package includes selected beers and wines, though some guests found the service limited.
What are the highlights of the cruise route?
Guests pass Dubai Creek Harbour, view the Burj Khalifa, see the Dubai Waterfall, and enjoy scenic views of the Dubai Water Canal, all lit up at night.
Is the La Perle show suitable for kids?
While not explicitly mentioned, the show features acrobatics and aerial acts that generally appeal to older children and adults. The performance is lively and visually impressive but may be loud and intense for very young children.
This tour combines the best of Dubai’s modern marvels with captivating entertainment, offering a memorable evening for almost any traveler. Whether you’re in town for a few days or just want a special night out, it’s a solid choice for experiencing Dubai from a different perspective.
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