DUBAI EXCURSIONS AND TOURS

Dubai tours, Dubai | MSC Cruises
Dubai, United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s most exciting destinations. Book our MSC shore excursions to plug deeply into the rich history, top attractions and one-of-a-kind experiences of this fast-paced desert metropolis.

No Dubai holiday would be complete without taking in the amazing views from the Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the record for the world’s tallest building. For another ‘only-in-Dubai’ experience, explore the Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped island archipelago. With its luxurious resorts and giant water park, it’s another favourite on our Dubai excursions.

In a city on perpetual fast-forward, our Dubai tours also venture to the city’s historic core along Dubai Creek.

Excursions in Dubai

Our expertly curated Dubai tours ensure that you won’t miss any of the must-see places to visit in Dubai. The passionate guides who lead our Dubai excursions are a treasure trove of expert knowledge and will quickly make you feel like an insider.

Come away with a deeper understanding of such major Dubai attractions as the towering Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Miracle Garden flower oasis in the middle of the desert, the glittering Dubai Gold Souk and the fascinating Al Shindagha Museum.

Dubai tours, Burj-Khalif | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Burj Khalifa | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Burj Khalifa | MSC Cruises

Go to the top and behind the scenes of the Burj Khalifa

If you want bragging rights of having visited the world’s tallest building, try a tour of the Burj Khalifa.

At 828 metres, the sleek colossus is truly a testament to engineering ingenuity.

 

For an unforgettable experience, take the lightning-fast elevator to observation decks at 456 or 555 metres and enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline of skyscrapers. Best time? Sunset when the city is transformed into a sparkling sea of lights. Alternatively, book a table at Atmosphere, one of the world’s highest restaurants at 442 metres.

Dubai tours, Miracle Garden | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Miracle Garden | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Miracle Garden | MSC Cruises

Dubai Miracle Garden: a floral megalopolis

A botanical wonderland surrounded by parched desert? With 150 million blooms arranged in vibrant flower beds and enormous floral installations, Dubai Miracle Garden is like a colourful mirage rising magically from the sandy surroundings.

 

Get your camera ready as you stroll past petal-covered peacocks, pyramids and cars. Wave hello to the giant teddy bear, find shade in the Umbrella Tunnel and pose with a life-size Airbus A380. Open only in winter, this surreal bonanza of flowers is sustained by a drip irrigation system using recycled water.

Dubai tours, Souk Al Bahar | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Dubai Gold Souk | MSC Cruises
Dubai tours, Deira | MSC Cruises

From tradition at Dubai Gold Souk to modern mega-malls

With its many malls, including Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest, Dubai is clearly a paradise for power shoppers. For a more local retail adventure, head to historic Deira. Buy saffron in the Spice Souk, jewellery in the Dubai Gold Souk and heady scents in the Perfume Souk before learning about Dubai’s history at the Al Shindagha Museum.

 

Fabulous finds also abound in modern bazaars such as Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Al Bahar. For local designer boutiques, head to Jumeirah Rd south of the majestic Jumeirah Mosque (tours available).

Book your cruise to Dubai

A cruise to Dubai dazzles from the moment you step ashore. This dynamic emirate likes to live large. Be captivated by audacious architecture, over-the-top attractions, and world-class dining and shopping. But also take time to connect with its rich heritage, before sailing to other exciting Gulf destinations.

Soak up the mystique of Oman’s capital, Muscat, bask in the understated beauty of Bahrain or take a wildlife safari on Sir Bani Yas Island.

 

Book a Dubai cruise and start dreaming.
Dubai tours, Dubai | MSC Cruises
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Why choose MSC Shore Excursions to Dubai

Swerve the mediocre and lock-in the must-sees with MSC shore excursions. Our wide range of Dubai tours are the key to unlocking the very best bits that Dubai has to offer, plus a few secrets that are off the tourist trail.

Dubai excursions and tours FAQ

In which language are Dubai excursions conducted?

MSC shore excursions in Dubai can be conducted in five different languages (English, French German, Italian and Spanish), but please note that this is based on guide availability. The final language of the excursions will be confirmed to guests during their cruise.

Are Dubai tours always available to be booked?

It’s possible that some Dubai excursions may not always be available for booking, due to the popularity of these Dubai tours. Therefore, MSC cruises recommends that guests book their excursions before cruise departure, in order to secure availability.

Can the Dubai excursion programme be changed?

MSC Cruises’ excursions programme in Dubai is intended only as a guideline of available tours. Please note that the final programme, itinerary and price of MSC shore excursions will be confirmed onboard during the cruise. The schedule and details of all tours may change based on local conditions or events, or to comply with local regulations and/or other factors.

Is there a bike tour of Dubai?

MSC Cruises offers two different bike tours of Dubai: one on a traditional bicycle and the other on an e-bike. The ‘Dubai Active Tour by Bike’ (covering around 15 kilometres by bike) is centred around the Old City. Starting at the cruise port, you’ll cycle to Dubai Creek, the city’s main waterway. Then, travel under the creek to Deira, the oldest part of Dubai, to explore the area’s alleyways and traditional markets, such as the gold and spice souks. There’s some free time to explore the souks before riding past the Dhow Harbour and over Al Maktoum Bridge. Afterwards, spend time exploring a clothes souk before returning to the cruise terminal.

The half-day ‘Dubai by E-Bike’ excursion travels around the modern part of Dubai. It starts at Dubai Marina, heading past the Jumeirah Mosque on the way to Dubai’s main beach. Take in views of stunning villas and the Burj Al Arab hotel before taking a break to explore a traditional souk. The tour then moves to the world-famous Burj Khalifa before heading along Jumeirah Beach Road and back to the cruise port.

What is included in the Dubai City Tour?

The ‘Dubai City Tour’ offered by MSC Cruises involves a mix of coach journeys, walking and boat rides, through both the modern and traditional parts of Dubai. This four-hour excursion covers the city’s most famous sights, including the Jumeirah Mosque and the World Trade Centre.

 

After exploring the modern part of the city, visit the Al Bastakiya district, which holds relics of Dubai’s past with old houses and buildings constructed in traditionally local style. Guests then get a chance to explore the Al Shindagha Museum before being transported across Dubai Creek in an abra boat, stopping at a spice market. The tour ends at Dubai’s famous Gold Souk, where guests can browse through jewellery and pick up souvenirs.

Does MSC offer a shopping tour of Dubai?

It’s no secret that Dubai is a paradise for shoppers, and MSC Cruises offers a number of tours reflecting this. The ‘Retail Therapy, Dubai Style’ tour is one of two excursions dedicated entirely to shopping. It involves approximately five hours spent exploring traditional souks in the Old City, as well as the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, two of the world’s largest and most luxurious shopping centres.

 

The other dedicated shopping excursion is ‘Absolute Shopping’, which visits the same locations but features approximately seven hours of shopping time.

Many other Dubai excursion offered by MSC Cruises also feature some opportunities for shopping, including ‘Dubai City Tour’, ‘Sunset Dhow Cruise and Shopping’, ‘New Wonders of Dubai’ and ‘Transfer to Dubai Mall and Fountain Show’.