alkapandey
New member
Let's be real, the fireworks are why most people book a new year dinner cruise. Watching them burst over the water at midnight is something else. But that's one moment, and you'll be on board for three or four hours before it. Which leaves one important question. What's for dinner?
Short answer, quite a lot. Menus change from boat to boat, but most cruises in Dubai follow a similar pattern, and knowing it helps you pick the right one.
When you first step on board
Expect a welcome drink as you board, usually juice, mocktail or soft drink, and often Arabic coffee with dates too. A few boats add light snacks as you pull away from the Marina or the Creek.
The main spread
Dinner on most boats is a buffet, and it's usually half Arabic, half international. Cold mezze comes first. Hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh, fattoush, a basket of warm bread.
The hot side has grilled chicken and lamb, some rice, pasta, a fish dish, and nearly always a biryani. Bigger yachts sometimes add a live grill or a carving station.
And on a few premium cruises there's no buffet at all, just a plated set menu brought to your table, which does make the night feel more special.
Vegetarians are rarely stuck. Salads, vegetable curries, grilled vegetables and pasta are standard on most boats. Still, if you're vegan or have a food allergy, tell the operator while booking, not on the night. Kids usually get simple stuff like nuggets, fries and pasta, which, let's be honest, is all they'd eat anyway.
Dessert and that midnight moment
Then comes dessert, and most boats really don't hold back here. Warm Umm Ali, sticky kunafa, baklava, fruit, a few cakes, little pastries you'll keep going back for. Some cruises time a cake cutting with the first fireworks at midnight, which is a nice touch. You'll often get a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly for the countdown too. If you're hoping for wine or champagne, though, ask first, since only licensed boats can serve it.
A few things worth checking
Before paying, ask whether it's buffet or plated and whether soft drinks are unlimited. Cheaper cruises often keep the food basic. The price gap usually tells you.
A good new year dinner cruise feeds you well, keeps the drinks coming and gets you in the right spot for the fireworks. Get those three right and the night pretty much takes care of itself. To compare options and book early, check Dubaiticketexpert.com but make sure to book before December month.
Short answer, quite a lot. Menus change from boat to boat, but most cruises in Dubai follow a similar pattern, and knowing it helps you pick the right one.
When you first step on board
Expect a welcome drink as you board, usually juice, mocktail or soft drink, and often Arabic coffee with dates too. A few boats add light snacks as you pull away from the Marina or the Creek.
The main spread
Dinner on most boats is a buffet, and it's usually half Arabic, half international. Cold mezze comes first. Hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh, fattoush, a basket of warm bread.
The hot side has grilled chicken and lamb, some rice, pasta, a fish dish, and nearly always a biryani. Bigger yachts sometimes add a live grill or a carving station.
And on a few premium cruises there's no buffet at all, just a plated set menu brought to your table, which does make the night feel more special.
Vegetarians are rarely stuck. Salads, vegetable curries, grilled vegetables and pasta are standard on most boats. Still, if you're vegan or have a food allergy, tell the operator while booking, not on the night. Kids usually get simple stuff like nuggets, fries and pasta, which, let's be honest, is all they'd eat anyway.
Dessert and that midnight moment
Then comes dessert, and most boats really don't hold back here. Warm Umm Ali, sticky kunafa, baklava, fruit, a few cakes, little pastries you'll keep going back for. Some cruises time a cake cutting with the first fireworks at midnight, which is a nice touch. You'll often get a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly for the countdown too. If you're hoping for wine or champagne, though, ask first, since only licensed boats can serve it.
A few things worth checking
Before paying, ask whether it's buffet or plated and whether soft drinks are unlimited. Cheaper cruises often keep the food basic. The price gap usually tells you.
A good new year dinner cruise feeds you well, keeps the drinks coming and gets you in the right spot for the fireworks. Get those three right and the night pretty much takes care of itself. To compare options and book early, check Dubaiticketexpert.com but make sure to book before December month.