Private Dubai Shore Excursion from the Cruise Terminal
About This Experience
Make the most of your day in port with a private shore excursion built around your ship's schedule. Dubai has two cruise terminals, Dubai Harbour (near Dubai Marina and the Palm) and Port Rashid (Mina Rashid, near Old Dubai), and we pick up from both. Your driver-guide meets you outside your terminal and you set off straight away, with no waiting for a big coach to fill. In about 6 hours you see both sides of Dubai: the old wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, an abra ride across Dubai Creek and the spice and gold souks, then the modern city with photo stops at the Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab, the Palm and Atlantis, and time at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. We plan the route around your terminal: from Dubai Harbour we start with the Marina, Palm and Burj Al Arab and finish in Old Dubai; from Port Rashid we start in Old Dubai. We track your ship's all-aboard time and have you back at the terminal at least one hour before it.
Experience Highlights
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned car or van with driver-guide
- Pickup and drop-off at Dubai Harbour or Port Rashid cruise terminal
- Abra ride across Dubai Creek
- Bottled water
- All parking and fuel
What's Not Included
- Entry tickets (Burj Khalifa available as an add-on)
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
Experience Itinerary
8 StopsDubai Harbour or Port Rashid (Mina Rashid)
Your driver-guide meets you outside your terminal with a sign with your name. The order of stops below is adjusted to your terminal.
Walk through old Dubai
Wind-tower houses and narrow lanes of Dubai's historic quarter.
Cross Dubai Creek
Cross the creek on a traditional abra and walk through the spice and gold souks.
Photo stops
Quick photo stops at two of Dubai's newest landmarks.
Key Experience Facts
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Starting Price
- AED 550 per group
- Available Languages
- English, Arabic
- Confirmation
- Instant Mobile Voucher
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation available
- Ticket Type
- Digital / Mobile E-Ticket
Important Information
- • Send us your ship name, date in port and all-aboard time after booking.
- • We return you to the terminal at least 1 hour before all-aboard; the tour is shortened if your time in port is short.
- • We pick up from both Dubai cruise terminals, Dubai Harbour and Port Rashid (Mina Rashid), at the same price; tell us your ship and we confirm the terminal.
- • Carry your cruise card and a copy of your passport for re-entry to the port.
- • Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly for the souks.
Frequently asked questions
Everything travellers ask us about Private Dubai Shore Excursion – Dubai Harbour & Port Rashid Cruise Terminals.
How much is a private shore excursion in Dubai?+
A private 6-hour shore excursion costs AED 550 for up to 4 guests in a car, or AED 700 for up to 7 guests in a van, including pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal and an abra ride.
Where do cruise ships dock in Dubai?+
Dubai has two cruise terminals: Dubai Harbour, near Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah, and the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid (Mina Rashid), close to Old Dubai. Which one your ship uses depends on the cruise line; we pick up from both.
Will I get back to my ship on time?+
Yes. We plan the tour around your all-aboard time and drop you at the terminal at least one hour before it.
How far are the Dubai cruise terminals from the Burj Khalifa?+
About 15–20 minutes by car from Port Rashid and 25–30 minutes from Dubai Harbour, depending on traffic. The tour includes time at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Is a private shore excursion better than the ship's tour?+
A private tour leaves as soon as you are off the ship, goes at your pace, and usually costs less per person for a small group than booking each seat on a ship excursion.
Can we change the itinerary?+
Yes. It is a private tour, so tell your guide what you want to see more or less of.
What is included in Private Dubai Shore Excursion?+
Private Dubai Shore Excursion includes private air-conditioned car or van with driver-guide; pickup and drop-off at Dubai Harbour or Port Rashid cruise terminal; abra ride across Dubai Creek; bottled water; all parking and fuel. Not included: entry tickets (Burj Khalifa available as an add-on); meals and drinks; tips.
How long is Private Dubai Shore Excursion and what time does it start?+
Private Dubai Shore Excursion takes about 6 hours, with start times between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The exact pickup time is confirmed after you book.
Is hotel pickup included with Private Dubai Shore Excursion?+
Yes. Private Dubai Shore Excursion includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai; we send the exact pickup time the day before.
Can I cancel Private Dubai Shore Excursion for free?+
Yes — free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Most bookings need no advance payment: you pay on the day by cash or card.
