Key Takeaways
- Dubai has become a popular cruise port, but if you’re traveling all that way, it’s well worth it to stay longer to explore its character.
- The availability and value of all-inclusive Riu Dubai, where food, drinks, and beach/pool access are all included in the stay rate, continues and enhances the all-you-can-play cruise experience.
- The beachfront Riu Dubai is conveniently located for those looking for a coastal getaway and jaunts out to the old city and the new.
When one thinks of traditional cruise ports and ship stop hotels for pre- or post-cruise stays, both “Dubai” and “all-inclusive” aren’t exactly top of mind. Both are rare; both are extraordinary. Which makes it even doubly so that those jumping on or off a cruise through the Middle East from Dubai have this option to make their bucket list trip even more easy, accessible, and special when booking Riu Dubai.
Decompress Where You Are
As with any travel, location is tantamount. Ideal properties are close to conveniences, landmarks, and transit, yet removed from too much bustle, giving guests an oasis in which to rest peacefully to fully recharge between adventures. This property does both.
Riu Dubai is less than seven miles from DXB Dubai International Airport, and fewer than ten miles from Port Rashid, where the major cruise ships depart from. But its best argument for prime location is perhaps that it’s beachfront, which a sprawling, ultra-broad expanse of sand on which to unwind. Alternatively, those staying in any of its over 750 rooms can opt to relax at any of three outdoor swimming pools – including one with a swim-up bar, drinks for which are included – that overlook the beachfront. Even better, non-motorized water sports like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and pedaloes are complimentary for guests for an even closer encounter to the sea.
Additionally, this property is family-friendly, offering not only a RIU Land Kids Club for those ages 4-12, but also children’s pools and a Splash Water World water park with several slides. Both take center stage during the day for daytime activities, but come evening, the best entertainment is at the theater, where every guest is welcome to attend live music and other performances at no additional cost.
But we all know that beyond amenities on site, from the gym to the spa and the beach, one of the best values and benefits of an all-inclusive stay is that all food and drink is wrapped up in the hotel rate. RIU Hotels & Resorts is a global leader in this space, and this property is no exception when it comes to their 24-hour service.
Not only are all alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar beverages at the pool, restaurants, and other venues unlimited for all, so is everything at the four restaurants. The main restaurant, Al-Ándalus, hones in on the flavors of Andalusia, which is known for exciting influences from Moorish and Spanish culinary traditions, and Spices, the Asian restaurant, draws inspiration from the other geographic direction. The Palm and The Moon serve up casual Mediterranean and Lebanese fare by the pools.
It’s also only mere minutes by car to the rest of the city and its attractions, allowing for cultural immersion on demand.
Explore Dubai Better
Riu Dubai is just a short and affordable taxi ride from the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood, which is a must for any visitor. Here, you can walk the same twisting alleys among the traditional wood-constructed wind towers that locals in the mid-19th century did, before the seven emirates of the Middle East united. From there, it’s easy to explore Al Seef, the waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, cages, and art galleries.
Just as close are the gold and spice souks, where you can get the most valuable iterations of each, from 24-karat gold in various crafted forms to saffron, one of the world’s most costly spices. Or you can opt for contemporary luxury at the designer shopping malls in Dubai – a good reallocation of value for how much you’ll save staying at Riu Dubai and having all of your meals and drinks on-site covered!
For recreation, put nearby Al Mamzar Beach Park on the itinerary. This massive public green space is popular with locals for picnics, and a 5 AED (approximately $1.36) admission fee keeps it accessible for all. Five beaches provide a change of scene as bike riders and jet skiers zip on by. And if there’s a performance scheduled during your stay, do attend at the open amphitheater.
Another great value: visitors should schedule an Abra (traditional wooden boat) ride on Dubai Creek for only 1 AED ($0.27). This is an iconic experience with stops along four stations: Deira Old Souk near the spice souk, Bur Dubai west of the textile souk, Al Sabkha by Baniyas Square and Dubai Old Souk. With only 20 passengers per abra, it’s a great tour of the waterfront, including traditional houses, wind towers, and minarets.
Design Your Dubai with ALGV360⁰
Our in-destination experts recommend a 5- to 7-night stay in Dubai to take full advantage of all the city has to offer, plus some relaxing time at the resort. Building out the perfect Dubai itinerary is easy, though, with our ALGV Destination Guide for Dubai. The ALGV360⁰ travel advisor marketing portal offers in-depth resources and ready-made itineraries for free download for various destinations around the world, and our Dubai edition is especially robust for your planning needs.
The Bottom Line
Dubai is much more than a hop-on/hop-off cruise port, and is well worth an immersive stay at affordable, beachfront Riu Dubai. The rare-for-rest-of-world all-inclusive model offers tremendous value with food, drink, pool, and beach access, and it’s well located to historic and modern attractions. ALGV360⁰ has readymade itineraries travel advisors can share with their clients to make sure they see it all. In summary, a meaningful vacation to Dubai may be more accessible than travelers think.
