Night Views
The cruise gives you striking Dubai skyline views after dark, a highlight even for guests less impressed by the meal.
Alishba Dhow Cruise
Dubai Marina
Alishba Dhow Cruise is a dinner-and-entertainment cruise in Dubai Marina, with buffet dining, city skyline views and onboard performances such as the Tanura dance. It suits visitors wanting an evening on the water, especially for birthdays, anniversaries or group outings.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
774 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Live Shows
The Tanura dance is a recurring highlight, while DJs and other onboard entertainment add a lively finish to dinner.
Celebration Help
Some guests had tables decorated or birthday cakes arranged, making the cruise workable for personal celebrations when confirmed.
Open Deck
The upper open deck is a strong choice if your priority is an unobstructed view of the skyline during the ride.
Wheelchair Access
One review specifically reports wheelchair accessibility, which may matter when planning a group outing.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm Extras. If booking a birthday or anniversary, confirm the table setup and cake directly; one guest received muffins instead of the promised cake.
Check Route. Ask which landmarks the sailing will cover, since one booking skipped key Marina canal sections and spent more time near Ain Dubai.
Choose Deck. Request the upper deck if skyline views matter most; the lower deck is air-conditioned while the upper deck provides the view.
Ask Photo Prices. Before posing for onboard photos, ask for the rates: one guest later found each photo cost AED 40.
Set Food Expectations. Treat the cruise primarily as a sightseeing and entertainment outing if buffet quality is important to you; one guest suggested dining elsewhere.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Marina Promenade
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Popular Mentions
Alishba Royale Dubai Dhow Cruise
This named cruise option was booked for an anniversary, though the guest reported that the promised seating and cake were not arranged.
international buffet dinner
The cruise includes an international buffet dinner according to a customer description of the experience.
live Kabab
One group specifically enjoyed the live kabab among the buffet selections.
Common Concerns
Food Quality
Food feedback is uneven: some diners reported cold, tasteless or undercooked buffet dishes, despite others finding it fresh and enjoyable.
Route Changes
One anniversary booking expected Marina canal views but spent most of the time near Ain Dubai, with parts of the route skipped.
Buffet Refills
A guest reported slow buffet replenishment, with several dishes empty when their group reached the serving area.
Weak AC
The onboard AC was reported as half broken and effective in only one spot; an air cooler was provided after complaints.
Old Chairs
One review mentioned old, sagging chairs, a practical comfort issue worth bearing in mind.
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The Bottom Line
Alishba Dhow Cruise is a Dubai Marina dinner cruise built around an evening boat ride, buffet dinner, skyline viewing and onboard entertainment. Guests can book a standard dhow cruise, sit on the upper open deck for the city lights, and watch the Tanura dance or listen to a DJ. That combination makes it appealing for groups and celebrations rather than a quiet sightseeing trip alone.
Service is one of the steadier strengths in the reviews. Guests describe accommodating staff, smooth organisation and helpful celebration touches, including decorated tables and a birthday cake in one case. Wheelchair accessibility was also mentioned.
The upper deck is the natural choice for views, while the lower deck has air-conditioning. Food is the main variable. Some diners praised the buffet’s variety, fresh grills and live kabab, but others found dishes cold, tasteless or undercooked; one group also reported slow refills and drinks running out.
The onboard AC has reportedly worked only in one spot, and a review noted old, sagging chairs. If you are booking an anniversary or birthday, confirm the cake, seating and route in writing rather than relying on promotional promises. Also ask about photography charges before agreeing to pictures: one guest paid AED 40 per photo.
The cruise can deliver memorable views and entertainment, but meal and arrangement expectations need checking.