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Sun, Jan 25, 2026 | Shaban 6, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
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Why UAE residents are choosing 'floating Christmas' instead of flying this year
Cruise ships sailing from the UAE are running at full or near-full capacity this festive season, with Christmas and New Year departures selling out weeks in advance
For many UAE residents, Christmas usually comes with a familiar routine, scanning flight prices, battling holiday crowds at airports, and squeezing as much rest as possible into a short break. But this year, many residents are skipping flights and choosing something different — celebrating Christmas at sea.
Cruise ships sailing from the UAE are running at full or near-full capacity this festive season, with Christmas and New Year departures selling out weeks in advance. Routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sir Baniyas Island, Musandam and Doha have become some of the most in-demand winter journeys.
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“It’s like a floating city that travels from one destination to another,” said Ion Lazarescu, director of Celestyal Cruise. “People don’t just book a cruise for the destination anymore. They book it for the experience like the food, the entertainment, the festive atmosphere and everything is wrapped into one."
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According to Lazarescu, travelers from all over the world are choosing the UAE as their cruise starting point, with strong interest coming from the Caucasian region. “The UAE has become a winter gateway for cruising,” he said.
“Guests can enjoy warm weather, modern ports and culturally rich stops without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.”
What is driving the festive rush is convenience. Unlike flying, a cruise offers Christmas celebrations without the stress of airport queues, hotel hopping or planning multiple activities. Festive dinners, themed shows and seasonal entertainment are included in the fare, allowing travelers to switch off.
Sold out already
Travel agents also said that demand this winter has been exceptionally high. “Christmas and New Year sailings are almost completely sold out,” said Sandra Lobo, business head of the Cruise Division at Rayna Tours.
“This year, there are fewer ships operating in the region, which means most departures from late November to the first week of January filled up very quickly. We currently have MSC and Celestyal Cruises for the UAE residents.”
Average cruise prices start at around Dh1,900 per person for a standard sailing, a cost that includes accommodation, food and onboard entertainment. “When you look at what’s included, many residents feel it offers better value than flying during peak season,” said Lobo.
Modern cruise ships are designed to cater to every age group, making them especially attractive for families during the holidays. Larger vessels sailing in the region can carry up to 7,000 passengers and feature water parks, adults-only zones, dry slides, bowling alleys, arcade games, basketball courts, kids’ clubs, yoga sessions and even silent discos.
“Cruising is not a year-round product here. It operates mainly during winter, from November to April. That seasonal nature makes it feel special. UAE residents travel all year round by air, but a cruise feels like a limited-time experience.”
A cruise offers the comfort of a staycation combined with the excitement of international travel. Guests wake up to a new destination, enjoy shore excursions during the day, and return to the same cabin at night without worrying about transfers or check-ins.
"There is also a feel of Europe on these routes. You get a mix of cultures, ports and experiences that feel international, yet you are never far from home.”
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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