As a tourist in Dubai, you might experience a dhow cruise. It’s a fantastic way to see the city, and there’s no doubt it’s one of the top things to do in Dubai. However, did you know some secrets about these cruises that the tour operators still keep from you? Here are 10 of them.
- It is not a cruise:
The first secret is that the Tour Dubai Dhow Cruise is not a cruise. The dhows that you see on the creek are cargo vessels that have been converted to carry tourists. These dhows are not designed for cruising and don’t have the necessary safety features. However, this does not mean that the dhow cruise is not safe. The operators of these cruises are experienced and take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers.
- You might get seasick:
Another secret is that you might get seasick on a dhow cruise. This is because the dhows are smaller than most cruise ships, so they tend to rock more. If you’re prone to seasickness, take some medication before boarding the dhow. Besides this, try to sit near the front or back of the boat, as these areas tend to be more stable.
- You might not see any dolphins:
One of the biggest secrets about dhow cruise Dubai is that you might not see any dolphins, despite what the tour operator’s promise. This is because the dolphins are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed to show up. If you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins swimming near the dhow, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t.
- Food is not good according to your thinking:
Another secret is that the food served on a dhow cruise might not be very good. This is because the tour operators want to save money on food and know that most people will only eat a little bit. So, if you’re planning on going on a dhow cruise, bring your food. Other than this, the tour guide or captain usually gets good quality food.
- The guides are not always knowledgeable:
You might find that your guide on the dhow cruise is not as knowledgeable as you would like them to be. This is because they are often not from Dubai, so they don’t know as much about the city as you would expect. In addition, they may not have been on the cruise before, so they might not be able to answer all your questions. Besides this, the guides are usually not very good at English, so they might not be able to understand everything you’re saying.
- Your expectations might not get fulfilled:
You might not get what you expect when you book a dhow cruise. This is because the operators often change the itinerary and the activities without informing the passengers. So, if you’re expecting a specific type of cruise, you might be disappointed when you don’t get it. Other than this, the quality of the cruise itself might not be up to your expectations.
- You might get ripped off:
If you’re not careful, you might pay way more than you should for your dhow cruise. This is because some tour operators take advantage of tourists who don’t know any better. Make sure to do your research before booking a cruise, and be sure to compare prices. However, even if you end up paying more than you should, the experience is still worth it.
- It’s not always possible to see the Burj Al Arab:
One of the biggest secrets about dhow cruise Dubai is that you might not be able to see the Burj Al Arab at all. This is because the Burj Al Arab is located in a different part of the city and can be quite far away from the dhow cruise route. If you want to see the Burj Al Arab, you should try to book a dhow cruise that goes past it.
- You might not see the sunset:
Another secret is that you might not see the sunset, despite what the tour operator’s promise. This is because the dhows generally don’t sail during sunset, so if you’re hoping to see the sun dip below the horizon, you might be disappointed. Besides this, the views of Dubai at night are just as spectacular so that you won’t miss out on much. So, check with the tour operator before booking if you’re set on seeing the sunset.
- You might not get a window seat:
You might not be so lucky if you’re hoping to get a window seat to take in the views. This is because the best views are usually reserved for those who book a private cabin. Of course, you can always try your luck and see if you can snag a seat near the window, but don’t count on it.