Dubai is a fascinating city, known for its luxurious lifestyle, rich culture, and beautiful landmarks. Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. I recently had the opportunity to visit Dubai during my cruise on the MSC World Europa. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience and provide some insights for anyone planning a trip to Dubai.
My trip to Dubai was relatively short, as I only had 2 days to explore the city. In my opinion, this is the perfect amount of time to see the major sights and experience the culture. Any longer than that, and you may start to feel bored, as the city lacks charm and everything is quite spread out.
Burj Khalifa
One of the first things I noticed about Dubai was the incredible architecture. The city is home to some of the world’s most impressive buildings, such as the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa stands at a staggering 828 meters and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. I highly recommend a visit to the observation deck, as the view is simply breathtaking. You can see the entire city from up there, and it’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the layout of Dubai.
Burj Al Arab
Another must-visit landmark in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab. This iconic hotel is known for its sail-like structure and luxurious amenities. During my visit to Dubai, I had the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the Burj Al Arab, known as the ‘Inside Burj Al Arab’ tour. The tour provided a fascinating look at the hotel’s interior and gave me a better understanding of why it’s considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The tour was a bit pricey, but it was definitely worth it.
The Inside Burj Al Arab tour is a unique and exclusive experience that allows visitors to see the luxurious interior of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. During the tour, visitors are given access to areas of the hotel that are typically off-limits to the general public.
The Royal Suite at Burj Al Arab
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see the famous Royal Suite, which is one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world. The Royal Suite is located on the hotel’s 25th floor and spans two levels, covering a total area of 780 square meters. The suite features a private cinema, a private elevator, a dining room, a library, a spa, and a personal butler service. The suite is decorated in a lavish style, with gold leaf accents, marble floors, and a stunning staircase that leads to the upper level.
During the tour, visitors are given a glimpse into the Royal Suite, although they are not allowed to enter the room. The guide provides a detailed description of the suite’s features and design, as well as the amenities that are available to guests who stay in the suite. Visitors are also shown the different types of rooms and suites that are available in the hotel, each one more luxurious than the next.
In addition to the Royal Suite, visitors on the Inside Burj Al Arab tour are given access to other exclusive areas of the hotel. They are taken to the hotel’s private beach, which is located on a separate island and is accessible only to guests of the hotel. Visitors are also shown the hotel’s private helipad, which is located on the 28th floor and offers stunning views of the city and the Persian Gulf.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the tour is learning about the history of the Burj Al Arab and how it was constructed. The hotel was built on an artificial island and required extensive engineering work to make it stable. The hotel was designed to resemble a sail, and its exterior is covered in a reflective material that gives it a stunning appearance.
Overall, the Inside Burj Al Arab tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the world of luxury and extravagance. While it is certainly a pricey experience, it is one that is worth considering for anyone who wants to see the best of what Dubai has to offer.
Downsides to Dubai
While the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab are undoubtedly impressive, I found that some of the other attractions in Dubai were a bit underwhelming. For example, I visited The Palm, which is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. While it’s certainly an impressive engineering feat, there wasn’t much to do there besides take a stroll along the beach. I did, however, have the opportunity to take a helicopter ride over The Palm, which was a fantastic way to see the island from a different perspective.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Dubai is that everything is quite spread out. It can take quite some time to get from one attraction to another, especially if you’re traveling during rush hour. I recommend planning your itinerary carefully to avoid spending too much time in transit.
In terms of food, Dubai has a lot to offer. The city is known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, and I had the opportunity to try some fantastic dishes during my visit. I particularly enjoyed the shawarma, which is a Middle Eastern sandwich filled with grilled meat, vegetables, and sauce. If you’re looking for a fancy dining experience, Dubai has no shortage of high-end restaurants. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these dining experiences.
Final thoughts on Dubai
Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Dubai, but I do think that the city is best experienced in a short amount of time. There are certainly some incredible landmarks and attractions to see, but beyond that, the city lacks charm and can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, I recommend doing some research ahead of time to make the most of your visit. Additionally, be prepared for the high cost of living in Dubai, as the city is known for its luxurious lifestyle and expensive amenities.
In conclusion, visiting Dubai during a cruise on the MSC World Europa was a fantastic experience. While the city may not have the same charm as other destinations, such as Paris or Rome, it’s certainly worth a visit.