How early should I arrive for my Alexandra cruise?

Arrive 30–40 minutes before departure for check-in and deck allocation. Boarding closes 10–15 minutes before sailing.

Is dinner included on Alexandra Dhow Cruises?

Yes. All Alexandra cruises include an international buffet with a live grill and unlimited soft drinks. The Sunset cruise offers the same buffet during golden hour.

Is live entertainment offered?

Yes. Alexandra cruises include a Tanoura show. Sunset cruises also feature the performance but with a shorter program.

Can I choose upper or lower deck seating?

Yes—select your deck during booking. Upper deck is open-air with skyline views; lower deck is fully air-conditioned. Deck changes onboard are not guaranteed.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Alexandra cruises include multiple vegetarian dishes. Vegan options are available—inform the crew during boarding for assistance.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. Families are welcome. The upper deck is popular for kids thanks to open views, but children must be supervised on stairs and railings.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers depend on the ticket type. Some Alexandra VIP options include shared transfers; others offer them as an add-on.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Alexandra dhows have a gentle boarding ramp, but upper decks require stairs and restrooms are compact. Guests with limited mobility should book the lower deck and arrive early for assistance.

Do Alexandra cruises operate during summer and Ramadan?

Yes. Summer departures may shift slightly later; Ramadan cruises reduce entertainment and do not serve alcohol.

Is the Alexandra Dhow Cruise worth it?

Yes. Alexandra is one of Dubai Marina’s highest-rated dhows, known for better food, smoother service, and a superior route with close-up skyline views compared to standard dinner cruises.

What’s the difference between Alexandra VIP and standard dhow cruises?

Alexandra VIP offers a more premium setup: upgraded buffet, live grill, stronger service, and better deck layout. Standard cruises provide similar views but simpler dining and more people onboard.

Does the Alexandra cruise get crowded?

The upper deck fills fastest on weekends, but the boat manages capacity well. Booking early ensures preferred seating, especially during peak season and cool-weather months.

Are infants allowed on Alexandra cruises?

Yes. Infants can join free of charge, and families are welcome. Strollers must be folded during boarding and kept on the lower deck due to narrow stairways.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes. Alexandra dhows have clean, air-conditioned restrooms on the lower deck. Expect standard dhow-sized facilities, so avoid peak usage right after dinner service.

Alexandra Cruise Dubai | Dinner, Timings & Boarding Guide

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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Leilane

United Arab Emirates

Jan 2026

‌

I loved the cruise, the food was excellent, and I had a great time. It's well worth the price to get a deck seat for a more exciting experience. I loved it so much.

Fidaly

Madagascar

Dec 2025

‌

Amazing evening on the Dhow Cruise! Beautiful views, relaxing atmosphere, and great service. A memorable experience in Dubai — highly recommended! 🌟🛥️✨

Abhidnya

India

Nov 2025

‌

It was a very well planned service. The driver pick up was on time and humble. Due to traffic we reached late but our tables on the Upper deck and the views along with food were mesmerising. The dance performance that was done by the artitst was awesome. The drop off was also proper. We enjoyed!

Prem

India

Dec 2025

#Very spacious, clean, thoughtful and elegant seating, good mix of crowd though not overcrowded, hygienic food were the highlights of my cruise experience. It traversed the entire length of the creek starting from Festival Mall to the waterfall bridge/ JW Marriott hotel and glided on the waters without any jerks or sways. Recommended for young and old alike.

What to expect on an Alexandra dhow cruise?

1/5

Premium Marina route

Alexandra cruises follow the signature Dubai Marina loop, passing Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, Marina Mall, Cayan Tower, and the yacht-lined promenade.

Compare Marina vs Creek dhow cruises

Elevated buffet experience

Expect an international buffet with grills, salads, mains, desserts, and unlimited soft drinks. Vegetarian dishes are always included.

Dubai dhow dinner cruises

Two decks, two ambiences

With the upper deck, you get open-air, panoramic skyline views. The lower deck lets you relax in air-conditioned dining hall with reserved tables.

Alexandra’s signature entertainment

All Alexandra VIP cruises include a Tanoura show; Sunset cruises feature an early-evening performance.

Smooth service and sailing

Alexandra offers consistently attentive staff, fast buffet refills, and well-organized table seating. And, the Marina route is sheltered and steady, great for families, couples, and photographers.

Things to know before booking an Alexandra dhow cruise

Deck choice affects your experience: Alexandra offers two deck types: an open-air upper deck and an air-conditioned lower deck with assigned tables. Deck selection must be made at booking, and you cannot switch once onboard
Every Alexandra VIP sailing (including Sunset and Sea Lounge) operates in Dubai Marina, passing Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, the Yacht Club, Marina Mall, and Cayan Tower.
Most Alexandra cruises last 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of deck or meal category. Sunset departures follow the same duration.
Food: Expect an international buffet with salads, mains, desserts, and a live grill station, plus unlimited soft drinks. Alcohol is not served on Alexandra cruises.
Transfer options vary: Select Alexandra cruises have shared hotel transfers. Others require self-arrival via metro/taxi.
Best time to book: November to March offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skyline views. Summer cruises run normally but expect warmer evenings on the upper deck.
Family-friendly with limited accessibility: Dhows have narrow staircases between decks and compact restrooms. Strollers must be folded, and wheelchair users may need assistance boarding

Your Alexandra dhow cruise ticket options explained

Cruises with transfers

Best for: travelers wanting a seamless evening, families, tourists staying far from Marina, first-time visitors.

Includes: round-trip hotel pickup & drop-off, 1h45m cruise, buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Tanoura show.

Recommended experiences

Book Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise for full-service package with round-trip hotel transfers.

Book Sunset Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise for sunset departure on select days.

Book Dubai dhow cruise tickets

Cruises without transfers

Best for: guests staying near Dubai Marina, metro-accessible travelers, those wanting the lowest price.

Includes: 1h45m cruise, buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Tanoura show.

Recommended experiences

Book classic Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise for the classic cruise experience.

Book Alexandra Sea Lounge Dhow Cruise for dinner at an award-winning floating restaurant.

Alexandra dhow cruise boarding point

Address: Marina Promenade, near Marina Mall & Marina Walk, Dubai Marina

Getting there

Metro: Red Line → DMCC Station, 10–12 min walk along Marina Walk.
Tram: Dubai Marina Mall or Marina Towers stops, 8–10 min walk.
Taxi: 15–35 AED from most districts; easy return pick-up.
Parking: Available at Marina Mall, limited street parking after 7pm.

Transfers: If included, pickup is 45–60 minutes before cruise time. Self-arrival guests must reach Marina Promenade independently.

Accessibility: Promenade is step-free; boarding ramp may be steep at low tide. Upper deck via stairs only. Fold strollers before boarding.

Dhow cruise boarding points

Top sights to see on your Alexandra dhow cruise

Ain Dubai Ferris wheel at sunset with city skyline in the background.

Bluewaters Island & Ain Dubai

As the dhow approaches Bluewaters, Ain Dubai towers overhead; its enormous frame glowing at night. Sunset cruises catch the wheel silhouetted against golden light, while night departures reflect its colors across the Marina waters.

Cayan Tower illuminated at night with yachts in Dubai Marina.

Dubai Marina Mall waterfront with yachts docked at night.

Jumeirah Beach Residences skyline with beach and boats in Dubai.

Alexandra Dhow Cruise lit up at night in Dubai Marina, reflecting on the water.

Plan your Alexandra dhow cruise experience

Alexandra Sea Lounge Dhow Cruise illuminated at night on Dubai Marina.

Most dinner cruises board around 8pm–8:15pm, depart at ~8:30pm, and return by ~10:30pm.
Sunset departures (for certain products) board ~5:00pm–5:30pm and return ~7:15pm.
For sightseeing variants, departures may begin earlier (e.g., around 12pm).
Instructions for hotel pickups (when included) will be available on your booking voucher and can vary depending on hotel location and traffic.

Dubai dhow cruise timings

Dining setup on a dhow cruise with city skyline in the background.

Boats offer a lower air-conditioned deck and an upper open-air deck for views.
Onboard buffet dinner with vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, and live entertainment (such as Tanoura dance).
Restrooms onboard, though size and accessibility vary by boat.
Staff are available to assist; welcome drinks may be offered on some cruises.

Plan your Dubai dhow cruise

Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.

Wheelchair access varies: Most Marina/Canal dhows have ramps; many Creek dhows require steps.
Best for limited mobility: Lower deck (flat flooring, stable seating). Upper decks are stair-access only.
Restrooms: Larger Marina/Canal boats may offer semi-accessible restrooms; Creek dhows usually have compact facilities.
Strollers: Allowed and can be folded for boarding.
Crew assistance: Staff help with boarding and seating when notified in advance.
Transfers: Hotel pickups can reduce walking distance and are recommended for guests with mobility needs.

No smoking sign at Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech.

Outside food & drink are not permitted.
Smart-casual dress is recommended; avoid beachwear, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops on dinner cruises.
Smoking only allowed in designated upper-deck areas.
Children must be supervised; leaning over rails or climbing is prohibited for safety.
Alcohol may not be included on all cruises; check your ticket details.

Dhow cruise with lights reflecting on Dubai Marina at night.

Best seats: Arrive early and aim for the rail on the upper deck for unobstructed skyline views.
Weather check: Evening cruises can be breezy; bring a light jacket.
Photo tip: The first and last 15 minutes of the cruise often offer the strongest lighting for skyline shots.
Transport tip: If located outside Marina/Creek, check whether transfers are included or available for add-on.
Booking tip: Dinner cruises fill up fastest on weekends, book 2–3 days in advance for best availability.
Dietary needs: Notify the operator in advance if you require vegan, halal, or special-diet meals.