Getting About in Dubai - what you need to know!
Phil gives you a few tips and information about getting about whilst in Dubai.
Dubai is very much a developing city. It is also by all acounts one of, if not, the safest city in the world - and with so much to see and do, you need to plan your days carefully. I guess you will want to visit the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khailifa (reserve tickets..!!) and at the same time maybe take in retail therapy next door at the Dubai Mall. Maybe the more active will want to spend an afternoon or morning on the slopes at SkiDubai - once again, if this is not your scene, you can go shopping at the ajoining Mall of the Emirates (Emirates Mall). Skiing is approx £40 per person and well worth it. Just pack some gloves otherwise you will have to buy some at approx £3pp. Take in a Dune Safari - a fantastic experience in the desert and the perfect way to watch the sun set over the dunes. Dine out at Spice Island - Refresh yourself and have fun at the Wadi Wadi water park - Search for Gold and leather in the Dubai Souks or take a journey across the Creek on a Dow. Whatever you choose to do in Dubai, if there is anything my team can do for you, please do not hesitate to drop us a line. |
 |
Dubai: Dubai airport is huge, if you have never been here before - be prepared for a bus journey from your aircraft to the terminal building that can take upwards of 10 minutes. You may well be lucky and simply walk off the aircraft into the terminal building, but more likely a bus transfer.
On arrival into the main terminal building, depending on which terminal you fly into - there can be a considerable walk. Terminal 3 for Qatar Airways for example is a fair distance (longer than Palma..!!) to immigration.
Once you have arrived at immigration there are several lines which you can join, just be patient and if there is any queue, it will move fairly quickly.
That,s the hanging around finished with and you can now look forward to hopefully a great holiday in Dubai and the Emirates.
When you exit the terminal building turn LEFT. Your transfer will be waiting with a board an your name clearly shown. Alternatively, if you are travelling independently, still turn LEFT and continue walking past offers of a taxi until you reach the government taxi rank. Cream taxis..!! They tend to be split with larger 6 seaters to the right and standard cabs on the left, but you will be greeted and shown which taxi will take you to your hotel / ship. The cost to the ship or your hotel (if approx 10 - 20 minute drive) will be anything from 30 - 50AED (£6-10). It is good value for money.
 |
Checking-In at the Cruise Terminal.
Make sure you have COMPLETED your online check-in either on: My advice concerning cruise check in - Costa Cruises allow British guests to check in from 3pm with cabins available from 6.30pm. I would recomend that you spend your day of check-in, in Dubai or Ras AL Khaima and make the most of it. Leave your luggage at hotel concierge and make plans for arrival at Port Rashid for say 6pm. You should avoid any queues and if you are lucky, your luggage will arrive in the the cabin before you..!! You can then go to open seated dinner on this first evening onboard. Royal Caribbean - similar advice in that I recommend you make the most of your time in Dubai or Ras Al Khaima before rushing straight to Port Rashid. But make sure you have checked in online..!! This way, you can make the most of your day in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, collect your luggage from your hotel and take your transfer or taxi to the ship. IMPORTANT: Make sure you have completed the online checkin on Costa Cruises website - it is very easy and WILL save you time at check-in. By the time you are ready to board, your cabin should be ready for you. Our luggage actually arrived before us..!! |
 |
Transport in Dubai
Taxi or Metro. Whilst taxis are not expensive, the traffic in Dubai is extremely busy especially Sunday - Thursday and not only will your taxi fare increase but you may find yourself wasting valuable sightseeing or shopping time. Most of our featured hotels in Dubai are close to the Metro stations and in the case of the Excelsior Dubai Creek (where I stayed in February), it is only a few minutes stroll to the If you are staying at the Excelsior, make sure you go to the Jebel Ali platform, but it is well signposted. The Metro also offers a great view around the city, so don't go all the way to Dubai without taking a ride. |
 |
Eating Out in Dubai
There are several restaurants in Dubai where you can eat out and I am always hesitant to recomend. However, there is one venue that I think you should visit and for 2011, CruiseDubai will be able to assist you in making a reservation.
The unique thing about Spice Island is the choice of food, this varies from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Mongolian, Sushi, Lobster, vegetarian, cheeses, meats, salads and a wide choice of deserts. My advice is to make an evening of it. |
 |
Transfers to Ras Al Khaimah
If you are staying pre or post cruise in Ras Al Khaimah, you will normally have transfers confirmed by us in writing. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will clearly display your name. Make sure you turn LEFT when exiting the terminal building. The transfer time / journey to Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 50 - 60 minutes. We can offer details for you to book an English speaking driver to take you to Dubai for the day to visit points of interest at your request. Call my team for full details of this service. |
 |
Emirates Information - Out and About
The United Arab Emirates consist of seven Emirates which were united on the 2nd of December 1971. The names of the emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujeirah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. The president is his highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayan who is also the ruler of the capital city of Abu Dhabi. There are no borders between each emirate and each emirate is ruled by a sheikh. The emirate of Sharjah is the most conservative of the seven emirates and special consideration has to be given with regards to the choice of dress if you are planning to visit this emirate. Please refrain from wearing revealing clothes and keep your knees and shoulders covered.
|
|
Disembarkation
The cruise lines generally arrive into Dubai the day before your flight home which is a great opportunity to get a taxi and go and visit the Burj Khalifa (Burj Tower). Just make sure you book your tickets online in advance because it will be popular and especially around sunset. I guess a viewing time of around 3.30pm would be great. You can then go back to your ship in time for dinner. Make sure your bags are placed outside your cabin at least 5 hours before you disembark (check with your cruise line). Taxi's are available 24 hours a day, so do not worry if you are making your own way back to the airport. The journey in the early hours will only take approx 15 minutes. |
I hope that you find my observations informative and if you do have any questions, please use the free text form below or call one of my team at The Cruise Village who will look after you. From June 2010 our Dubai experts will have grown to 5 members of the team, all of whom will have visited our featured hotels and will be able to speak with experience. The Cruise Village will always give you an honest assessment of our experiences and we want to make sure that you have all the information you need when making the decision to book a cruise holiday. There is nothing worse than buying a cruise on price alone and finding out that the holiday is not what you thought it would be. Call my "Award Winning Team" on 01253 341014. |
|
Khalid Bin Al Waleed metro station where a 5AED one way ticket 1st class (£1) will take you to the Burj Khalifa (Burj Tower) & Dubai Mall or the Emirates Mall for shpping or even an afternoon on the piste at SkiDubai. 
SPICE ISLAND - for approx £30-£35 per person all your food and drinks are included for the evening. This represents fantastic value in a city where food and drink is not cheap. Take the middle option, there is no need to go for "premium package". Note: In most cases everyone in the party must have the same package - ask on arrival. 
