Why Prices Vary Between Dhow Cruise Operators in Dubai
Among the most popular evening tour experiences in Dubai are the dhow cruises. Onboard entertainment, sightseeing, and great food are the key features of these cruises in traditional boats, or dhows. But even though the cruises offered by different operators seem almost the same, prices often vary greatly. This sometimes creates confusions in the minds of prospective customers. However, the prices vary because there are variations in the experiences as well. Read on to know more about why prices vary between dhow cruise operators in Dubai.
Type of Dhow Boat & Level of Luxury
The condition – and type – of the dhow has a significant impact on the cruise price. The standard dhows come with a “no-frills” kind of setup. The interiors are simple and the seating arrangements are fairly basic. Budget travelers prefer these as they offer shared cruises and the rates are quite cheap.
On the other hand, luxury dhows are much bigger vessels. They usually have several decks. Glass windows, top-notch interiors with polished wood finishes, and ambient lighting arrangements are the key features here. Seating arrangements are fairly luxurious. The dhow ends up looking more like a floating hotel than a vessel. The onboard facilities are far more premium. The maintenance costs are also higher. And all these pull up the ticket prices.
Cruise Location (Marina vs Creek vs Deira)
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise – usually, these are the priciest of the lot. In this dhow cruise Marina, you get to view the architectural marvels of Dubai all around you. The majestic Ain Dubai, fascinatingly opulent yachts, and dazzlingly illuminated bustling waterfront promenades leave you wide-eyed with their beauty. If you are looking for a premium dhow cruising experience, then this is your best bet. And anything premium comes with a high price tag!
Dubai Creek Cruise – if you are looking to experience the cultural aspect of Dubai and a view of the heritage quarters of the city, then you must go for a dhow cruise in Dubai Creek. You would cruise past traditional souks, heritage constructions, and old-time trading zones. This cruise is easier on the pocket.
Deira Creek Cruise – this is by far the most budget-friendly among the three. You would be sailing along busy & commercial zones of the city. For price-sensitive travelers, this cruise works best.
Food Quality & Menu Variety
For any cruise, food occupies a critical part of the overall experience. Different operators offer different qualities of menu. In a budget cruise, the international buffet would be quite basic. The number of items is limited and the veg & non-veg dishes of standard levels. When you opt for a mid-range cruise, the menu will have a wider choice. There would also be live grill counters and BBQ dishes. You would also have a better variety of desserts.
In a premium dhow cruise, the buffet would be of a high quality, with top-end chefs preparing delicious and top-quality gourmet meals. You would be able to sample local delicacies as well as a wide range of seafood options. And because of the chefs being high-quality and food compliance being strictly enforced, the rates go high.
Entertainment & Onboard Services
In a standard dhow cruise, you would be seeing one traditional performance – usually a Tanoura dance. This is already included in the package price. In a higher-priced cruise, the performances are more in number. The onboard DJ would also play live music to which you can shake a leg! The lighting & sound systems are of a higher quality. In more premium cruises, welcome drinks are also served. The table services would also be more attentive & personalized. As a result, the package rates in premium cruises are significantly higher.
Capacity & Crowd Management
The number of guests that the dhow brings onboard also has a direct impact on both pricing & guest comfort. Space management has an important role to play here. if the cruise ticket price is on the lower side, it would mean the seating capacity utilization is maximum. This helps the cruise operator to reduce the per-person costs. But operators offering higher-priced cruises would put an upper limit on seating capacity. This gives more space to guests and also facilitates personalized service.
Transfer & Pickup Services
Budget cruise providers usually don’t offer hotel transfers. This means guests would need to reach the boarding point on their own. At a moderate extra charge, however, some operators may offer shared transfers. But premium cruise providers would offer private transfers, thus ensuring higher comforts.
Brand Reputation & Service Standards
Providers that have been in the market for quite some time with a strong online presence, tend to command higher rates. Their service delivery levels are much higher and they maintain very high safety standards with every service being offered by well-trained staff. Lesser brands can offer much lower rates to attract customers – but they might also compromise on quality maintenance.
Thus, several parameters are there that determine the price of the cruise. Understand the parameters well and then choose the right cruise based on your budget and expectations. This will help you to have a wonderful time on the waters.
