For many people, the UAE is synonymous with Dubai. This sci-fi-esque city with its palm-shaped islands is a popular tourist destination. What’s more, it’s a great launch pad for family cruises around the Middle East. From Qatar’s bustling Souq Waqif to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, a cruise is an excellent way to explore this region.

November to March is the ideal season for a cruise in the Middle Eastern waters. If you want to balance sightseeing with shopping, don’t forget, the Dubai Shopping Festival runs from 5th Dec 2025 till 11th Jan 2026. Even if they don’t start from here, most cruise itineraries will include an overnight halt in Dubai. So, let’s take a look at the top family cruise ships sailing these waters and their cruise packages.

MSC Euribia
Named after the Greek Goddess, Eurybia, MSC Euribia offers a luxurious, family-friendly experience. The ship can host over 6000 cruisers with 18 categories of cabins and suites, including the MSC Yacht Club Suites. These lavish suites come with 24-hour butler service and exclusive access to the MSC Yacht Club restaurant, lounges, pool, solarium, and whirlpool baths.

There are plenty of amenities you can enjoy even outside the MSC Yacht Club. The ship has 5 unique swimming pools, including a waterpark. There’s also a casino, theatre, sportsplex, an indoor shopping promenade, and dozens of dining venues spread across 19 decks. There’s even an F1 simulator!

MSC Euribia has many exciting itineraries for short sailing holidays in the Middle East. The 3-night cruise from Abu Dhabi takes you to Sir Bani Yas Island and Dubai, while the 4-night cruise from Dubai takes you to Abu Dhabi with stops en route at Doha and Bahrain. The cruise line also offers 7-night round-trip cruise deals from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

Celestyal Discovery
One of 2 ships in the boutique cruise line, Celestyal’s fleet, the Discovery has everything you need for a memorable cruise. With 34 suites and 680 cabins, it can accommodate up to 1360 guests on each cruise. Celestyal Discovery cruise itineraries are typically limited to 3, 4, or 7 nights of sailing with itineraries designed to maximize daylight hours at port cities.

Your time onboard the Celestyal Discovery can be as energetic or as relaxing as you’d like. You can join a dance class, watch cooking demonstrations, or try your luck at the onboard casino. For a more relaxing time, take a dip in the pool or get a massage at the Sozo spa. And, once the sun sets, make your way to the ship’s Amphitheatro Show Lounge for spectacular live shows or dance the night away at the AFTer Disco Bar & Lounge. Off-ship, a series of specially curated excursions at every port lets you soak up local flavours.

Celestyal Discovery will sail on round-trip cruises from Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. For a short getaway, take a look at the 3-night and 4-night Iconic Arabia Cruise. Their 7-night Iconic Arabia Cruise combines both these cruises for a longer holiday. Then there are the 7-night Dessert Days from Doha Cruise and 7-night Dessert Days from Dubai Cruise. These cruises have a more relaxing pace with overnight stays in Dubai and a day at sea.

Cruising Meets Formula 1
November and December will see Doha and Yas Island buzzing with excitement as F1® drivers battle it out on the Grand Prix circuit. MSC Cruises and Celestyal offer exciting packages that combine the joy of cruising with exclusive trackside experiences.

On select departure dates, the MSC 7-night cruise from Abu Dhabi and from Dubai includes overnight stays at Doha with convenient transfers and panoramic seats to the penultimate race of the 2025 F1® season. You’ll also get access to the Fan Zone and track tours.

Celestyal’s Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix package begins with 2 nights in Abu Dhabi and culminates with a 5-night cruise through the Arabian Gulf. The Celestyal Grand Prix package won’t just give you a seat close to the action; it also gives you access to fan zones, superstar concerts, and an exclusive beach party on Sir Bani Yas Island.

Planning International Cruises from India
With short flights connecting India to Dubai, the city is one of the most popular starting points for cruises from India. Take your pick from these luxury cruise packages and we’ll tend to all the details. From cruise confirmations to Dubai flight bookings, visas, and insurance, the Cruisebay team covers all the bases. What’s more, we’ll help you combine a cruise with an onshore holiday before or after the cruise to explore other spectacular sights in the area. Reach out to know more.