All aboard: Why sea holidays are stealing the spotlight
Forget the endless hotel buffets and the stress of airport layovers—UAE travellers are trading land vacations for something cooler (literally): cruises. Turns out, hopping on a floating hotel with built-in entertainment, fine dining, and multiple destinations is not just fun—it’s often cheaper than sticking to a single land holiday.
Travel insiders say it’s all about the math. When you divide the cost per night (with meals, WiFi, shows, and excursions included), the cruise usually wins over your average five-star resort. No surprise then that Abu Dhabi news and Dubai travel updates are buzzing with stories of residents swapping city breaks for the sea.
Summer 2025: Families cruising in waves
“Families from the UAE and GCC are booking seven to ten-day cruises across Europe, the Far East, and the Caribbean,” explained Mohamed Kasim from Akbar Travels. Translation? Cruises aren’t just for retirees anymore—they’re the new family holiday trend.
Ships like Icon of the Seas (complete with one of the world’s largest waterparks at sea) and Utopia of the Seas are topping the popularity charts. With entertainment that rivals theme parks, these vessels make a land resort look… well, a little dull.
Abu Dhabi making waves in cruise tourism
Abu Dhabi has been carving its own niche in the cruising world. Celestyal Cruises — which homeported out of Abu Dhabi and Doha last season — reported being fully booked on most trips. That’s right—what was meant to be a 60% occupancy target turned into packed ships and an early booking rush for the next season.
This surge only adds to the emirate’s growing reputation as a launchpad for global travel—cementing yet another win for Abu Dhabi updates.
The rise of luxury cruises
Think less “crowded pool deck” and more “private yacht vibes.” Luxury cruises are on the rise, with smaller ships, boutique itineraries, and more crew than passengers in some cases. Saleh Mohamed from Elevate Cruises recalls a Tauck cruise where 160 passengers had nearly 200 crew members pampering them. That’s practically a personal butler per guest.
According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, luxury cruises are a booming global and regional trend, giving travellers bespoke excursions and queue-free onboard experiences.
For travellers comparing upscale options, you can see how Abu Dhabi is also elevating its luxury scene through events like the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi Ceremony.
Value that floats
Industry experts agree: cruises are all about value. No unpacking multiple times, no airport drama, and way more bang for your dirham. As Lakshmi Durai from CruiseXplore summed up, “If you break it down to a per-night rate, a similar land vacation will cost much more.”
For UAE travellers chasing both value and adventure, that’s an offer too good to resist. Looking for more on money-saving tips? You might also like our guide to DARB toll changes in Abu Dhabi.
Experiential cruises: More than just a deck chair view
Beyond luxury, “experiential” cruises are making waves too. The legendary Hurtigruten line in Norway now offers eco-friendly cruises where passengers can kayak, hike, and even dog-sled while feasting on locally sourced fish.
Others are pushing boundaries into the Arctic and Antarctica with icebreaker ships that carry only 100 passengers—plus expedition experts to guide adventurers through the poles.
And in the region, Saudi Arabia’s new Aroya Cruise is quickly becoming a hit with Muslim travellers, thanks to halal dining, prayer rooms, and even shisha decks.
The bottom line
Cruises aren’t just holidays—they’re floating adventures, cultural immersions, and luxury retreats rolled into one. For UAE residents, they’re proving to be more cost-effective and far more exciting than your standard land vacation.
So next time you’re planning a break, maybe skip the hotel booking tabs and head straight to the sea. And if you’re keeping an eye on local travel and lifestyle, don’t miss our coverage of Abu Dhabi tourism updates.
