Arabiers’ destination experts have compiled a comprehensive guide to make planning and booking your Abu Dhabi shore excursion from Sheikh Zayed Port cruise terminal as easy as a possible
Regarded as one of the world’s largest mosque with one of the finest combinations of various Islamic architecture styles, the Grand Mosque is a portrayal of serenity. Built by the honorable Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan not only as a showcase of Islamic architecture but also as a symbol of peace with diversity and a place of learning Islamic teachings and Islamic science. You will be stunned by the beauty of 1,000 decorative columns, 82 pearl-like domes and one of the world’s largest 24 carat gold-plated chandeliers.
2.Louvre Abu Dhabi - Step foot into the Remarkable Museum - 60 AED (17 USD)
The remarkable Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first of its type to open in the middle east and is situated in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural district. The architecture was done by the noted prize winner Jean Nouvel and was inspired by the symbols of UAE’s heritage like the sea and thatched palm rooves. The 9,200 square meters of galleries features a permanent and temporary section that showcases many notable pieces like Centre Pompidou, Musee d’Orsay, etc. that have been loaned by Louvre Paris.
3.Emirates Place – Where you can withdraw gold from an ATM(Free entrance)
A beacon of Abu Dhabi’s regal personality, the Emirates Palace is a perfect blend of Emirati grandeur with modern-day luxuries to provide you with a majestic walk-in experience. The attention to detail is amazing from its bubbling water fountains to the grand staircase and the breathtaking ceiling, the structure truly befits it name. Head out to the freshly manicured lawns into its private beach and observe the goldish exterior blending perfectly with the colors of nature. It’s a beautiful sight even from a distance and at night the main dome features a rainbow-changing light effect that adds to its grandeur.
4.Visit ancient Abu Dhabi at Heritage Village - Free
Experience a bit of time travel as you step into the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and view the many traditional facets of life before Abu Dhabi was modernized. You will also get an idea of how life was in the desert and be able to see a real-life ancient mosque, souk and a settlement. This is also a good place to shop for souvenirs and observe many local handicrafts like pottery-making, fabric weaving and glassblowing in the process.
5.Enjoy a desert safari Al Khatim Desert – An standard Desert tour cost 150 AED (40 USD)
Situated in between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, the Al Khatim desert is the perfect spot for some thrilling off-road drives. Cruise-ship passengers can also explore the desert with morning, evening or overnight desert safaris, camel trekking or first-class safaris that include drives across the mighty dunes of Al Khatim desert
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Travel time& taxi
Moving around in Abu Dhabi is easy thanks to the many plentiful, reasonably priced taxis. They can be hailed at the roadside or booked via phone through theTransAD hotline 600 535353.
(Suggested Itineraries with Timings 2019 October till May 2020)
Guaranteed to return Ship
Airport to Cruise Port
Lower price guaranteed then cruise line & online
Smaller group private tours and premium tours of Abu Dhabi
Free itinerary planning with the exact travel time
Suggestion 1
(Mein Schiff 7 am – 11.59 pm)
8 am to 12 pm
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal, Morning Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Experience, drop off at grand mosque
12 pm to 1 pm
Visit grand mosque
1 pm to 2 pm
Pick up from grand mosque & lunch
2 pm to 8 pm
Abu Dhabi city tour, including emirates palace, heritage village, Presidential Palace
8 pm to 9 pm
Dinner and shopping at Marina mall
10 pm
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Suggestion 2
(Mein Schiff 7 am – 11.59 PM)
8 AM – 10.30 AM
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal drive to Saadiyat Island see Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
10.30 AM – 2 PM
Visiting Yas Island Ferrari world or Yas water world
2 PM – 3 PM
Lunch (Emirati local food at Yas mall)
3 PM – 9 PM
Evening Desert Safari tours of Abu Dhabi with BBQ, Belly Dance, Tanoura dance & Dune drive Al Khatim Mega Dunes.
10 pm
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Suggestion 3
(Mein Schiff 7 am – 11.59 PM)
8 AM – 10.30 AM
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal drive to Saadiyat Island see Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
10.30 AM – 12 PM
Drive to Dubai for city tour
12 PM – 1 Pm
Drive around Palm Jumeirah & take pictures at Jumeirah Beach &Burj Al Arab
1 PM – 2 PM
Lunch
2 PM to 9 PM
Visit Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal, Dubai Mall, Dubai Museum, Old Souk, Gold Souk &Spice Souk
10.30 PM
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Suggestion 4
(Oceana day 1 - 7 am & day 2 – 5 pm)
Day 1
8 am to 10.30 am
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal drive to Saadiyat Island see Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
10.30 am to 11.30 am
Drive through Yas island (Ferrari world, Yas water world & Yas marina circuit) reach grand mosque
11.30am –12.30 pm
Visiting grand mosque
12.30 PM to 1.30 Pm
Lunch
Day 2
1.30 PM to next day
Premium Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour & Check in - BBQ Dinner & Overnight stay in Bedouin tents or Desert houses – Arabian Nights Village
12 pm - 1.30 pm
Reach Abu Dhabi
1.30 pm – 2.30 pm
Lunch and heading to Emirates Palace – Quick photo visit
4 pm
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Suggestion 5
(Mein schiff 5 4.30 PM to 11.59 PM)
4.30 PM to 9 PM
Evening Desert Safari tours of Abu Dhabi with BBQ, Belly Dance, Tanoura dance & Dune drive Al Khatim Mega Dunes.
9 pm to 10 pm
Visit grand mosque
12 PM – 1 Pm
Drive around Palm Jumeirah & take pictures at Jumeirah Beach &Burj Al Arab
10 PM to 11 PM
Drive around the Abu Dhabi cornice covering Emirates palace & Fathers founders’ memorial
11.30 PM
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Suggestion 6
AIDA PRIMA (Day 1 8 pm to 5 pm day 2)
Day 1
8.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal, Visit Emirates palace, drive around cornice, visit fathers memorial
Day 2
8 am to 12 pm
Pick up from Abu Dhabi cruise terminal, morning Abu Dhabi morning desert safari
AIDA PRIMA
12 pm to 2 pm
Visiting grand mosque
2 pm to 3 pm
Lunch
4 pm
Drop off to Abu Dhabi cruise terminal
Abu Dhabi Shore Excursions Price List
Pick up from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal
Standard safaris take place at a traditional campsite in Abu Dhabi AL Khatim camp. Premium safaris are conducted in the Arabian Nights Village resort and provide premium meals
Tickets to attractions like Abu Dhabi Louvre, Yas water World, etc. can be arranged with an extra fee.
All tours mentioned above require minimum of 2 people. For groups of more than 8 people a group discount will be offered.
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Visiting Dubai while on a Cruise in Abu Dhabi
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
A Dubai tour is a must while visiting Abu Dhabi on a cruise ship. Dubai is the first city in the Arab World to bag a spot in UNESCO’s ‘creative cities of design’ list. A potpourri of cultures existing harmoniously to paint a diverse landscape of culinary, fashion, performance and music while holding on to its Islamic roots firmly, Dubai is a city loved by all. Its not just superlative-winning high-rises and high-end malls, this city has many personalities and a Dubai city tour will introduce you to every one of them. Head to Dubai’s oldest building, the Al Fahidi fort, situated in an ancient neighborhood where you can still see mudbrick walls and houses with wind towers. Go inside the coral and mortar walls of the fort to observe the many dioramas and exhibits that showcase artifacts and daily life scenes that date back to the 1800s. Go on a trip that will open all your senses, an Abra (water taxi) ride. The eyes will view the splendid mix of old and new Dubai buildings lining the banks. The ears will revel at the peaceful sound of water mixed with the bustling sound of shoppers at the nearby souks. The nose will pick up scents of the fragrant spices that you will soon be able to touch and taste at the spice souk. From coffee and incense to spice and dried flowers, the spice souk has every kind of dried item. Dubai is not named the city of Gold for no reason. Let your eyes take in the variety of designs as you walk through the Gold Souk. Stop by at Dubai Mall that is home to not just 1200 shops but also the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater zoo. Then, for a look at a traditional shopping souk visit Madinat Jumeirah and finally the showstopping icon, the Burj Al Arab.
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What’s in port Abu Dhabi
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: Visit Dubai
Source: AD Post
Source: AD Post
Source: AD Post
Source: Visit Dubai
The modernized Abu Dhabi Cruise terminal is a breakthrough with regards to Middle eastern cruise tourism. Situated in Zayed Port, the terminal inaugurated on 2015 and is well-equipped for all kind of nautical vessels to dock. Its mix of Arabic and modern design not only supports the flow of passengers but also serves as a demonstration of Emirati heritage. The antique ornaments and colors signifies UAE’s maritime history. It offers a variety of bespoke passenger services and has Etihad Airways check-in counters which make it easy for debarking passengers to check-in their luggage and get ready for their journey.
Travelerscan try out Arabic coffee, watch falconry shows and get their hands decorated with henna upon arrival. Additionally, a recreation of a historic souk and a heritage area where passengers and locals can take part in many activities.