Guides · 2026-07-27
Upper Deck vs Lower Deck: Where Should You Sit?
Every cruise dhow in Dubai has two levels: an open-air upper deck and an air-conditioned lower deck. Your ticket usually covers both, and you are free to move between them during the sailing. But where you spend most of the evening changes the experience completely. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
The upper deck: views and atmosphere
The upper deck is why most people book. It is open to the sky, with tables along the rails and an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Marina skyline, the Ain Dubai wheel, and the passing bridges. The sea breeze, the city lights, and the sound of the water make it the romantic, cinematic option. This is also where the Tanoura dancer performs, so you get the front-row view of the show. The trade-offs: it can be breezy and cool from October to April, and warm and humid in summer, and there is no air conditioning.
The lower deck: comfort and dining
The lower deck is enclosed and air-conditioned, with the main buffet counters and more sheltered seating. It is calmer, quieter, and more comfortable for the full two hours, especially in summer or for guests who feel the cold. Elderly travellers, guests with mobility concerns, and families with very small children usually find the lower deck easier: no stairs to climb repeatedly, stable temperatures, and the food is right there. The view through the windows is still good, just framed rather than panoramic.
For photography: upper deck wins
There is no contest here. The upper deck gives you the rail, the open sky, and the ability to move around the boat for different angles: the Cayan Tower as you leave the canal, the JBR beachfront mid-cruise, and Ain Dubai glowing on Bluewaters Island. On the lower deck you are shooting through glass, which means reflections. If photos matter to you, claim an upper-deck rail spot at boarding and guard it.
For couples: mostly upper, partly lower
Couples celebrating something should start on the upper deck for the departure and the skyline, then move down for the buffet in comfort, then return upstairs for the Tanoura show and the final stretch of the sailing. That rhythm, up for the views and down for dinner, is how most couples end up spending the evening anyway.
For families with kids: mostly lower, visits upstairs
Small children do better on the lower deck: it is enclosed, the temperature is stable, the food is close, and there is no railing to worry about. Bring the kids upstairs for the Tanoura show, which they will love, and for a few photos, then settle back down. Teenagers, on the other hand, will want to live on the upper deck, and that is fine too.
Can you switch during the cruise?
Yes, freely. There is no assigned deck and no extra charge for moving around. The only practical constraint is the staircase during the busiest moments, such as right after the Tanoura show when everyone moves at once. Our advice: pick your home base at boarding based on the guidance above, then roam. The boat is yours for two hours.
Upper deck in winter vs summer
The upper deck changes character with the seasons, and knowing this helps you plan your evening. From October to April, it is the best seat in the house: a cool breeze, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures all evening, with just a light jacket needed after 9:30 PM when the wind picks up on the return leg. From May to September, the upper deck is warm and humid, and most guests treat it as a place to visit rather than a base: upstairs for the departure photos, downstairs for dinner in the air conditioning, back upstairs for the Tanoura show and the final views. Neither season ruins the cruise; they just change where you will want to sit. When in doubt, start upstairs at boarding and let comfort decide the rest of your evening. The crew is happy to help you find the right spot for the conditions on your night.
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