TL;DR: Dubai has two cruise gateways: historic Port Rashid near old Dubai, and the newer Dubai Harbour terminal between the Marina and Palm Jumeirah. MSC has traditionally sailed from Port Rashid, while Carnival Corporation brands like Costa, AIDA, and P&O use Dubai Harbour. The 2026-27 winter looks different: several major lines have paused their Gulf seasons, while TUI’s Mein Schiff and Marella continue sailing. Whichever line and terminal bring you here, private shore excursions work identically from both.
“Which terminal does my ship use?” is the question every Dubai cruiser asks, and the answer changed more in the last year than in the previous ten. Here’s the current picture by cruise line, what the 2026-27 season changes mean for your plans, and how to make your Dubai port day excellent regardless of the logo on your funnel.
Which Cruise Lines Sail from Dubai, and from Which Terminal?
Historically, Dubai’s winter season hosts MSC, Costa, AIDA, TUI Mein Schiff, Marella, Celestyal, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn, split across two terminals. MSC’s ships have docked at Port Rashid’s Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, while Dubai Harbour was built with Carnival Corporation primarily for its brands: Costa, AIDA, P&O, Princess, Seabourn, and Holland America.
| Cruise line | Usual Dubai terminal | 2026-27 winter status |
|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | Port Rashid | Gulf season paused |
| Costa Cruises | Dubai Harbour | Gulf season paused |
| AIDA Cruises | Dubai Harbour | Gulf season paused |
| Explora Journeys | Port Rashid | Gulf season paused |
| TUI Mein Schiff | Varies by sailing | Sailing |
| Marella Cruises | Varies by sailing | Sailing |
| Celestyal Cruises | Varies by sailing | Sailing, with schedule adjustments |
Terminal assignments can change by season and sailing, so treat your cruise documents as the final word. Our terminal guides cover both gateways in detail: Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour.
What Changed for the 2026-27 Season?
Several major operators, including MSC, Costa, AIDA, and Explora Journeys, paused their Arabian Gulf winter programs for 2026-27, redeploying ships to the Mediterranean and Caribbean amid regional shipping disruptions. TUI’s Mein Schiff and Marella continue their Dubai-based winters, and Celestyal operates with some schedule adjustments.
What this means practically: fewer mega-ships, quieter terminals, and for passengers on the lines still sailing, arguably the best Dubai port days in years, with shorter taxi queues and emptier viewpoints. If you hold a future booking with a paused line, watch for their return announcements; deployments in this region historically resume once conditions settle.
Do Shore Excursions Differ by Cruise Line?
No. Your cruise line determines which terminal you exit; the excursion is the same private car, guide, and itinerary either way. We meet TUI, Marella, Celestyal, and every other line’s guests at their terminal exit with a name sign, plan the route backwards from the ship’s all-aboard time, and adjust automatically if docking runs late.
The favorites, whichever flag you sail under:
- Dubai Day Tour from the Port: the full highlights loop
- Old and Modern Dubai City Tour: souks to skyline
- Desert Safari from Dubai Port: for calls of 9+ hours
- Abu Dhabi Day Tour from Zayed Port: for your capital port day
The complete list lives on our Dubai and Abu Dhabi shore excursions hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do MSC ships dock in Dubai?
MSC’s Dubai calls have used Port Rashid (Mina Rashid), at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal. MSC paused its 2026-27 Gulf winter season; check MSC’s schedule for the return of Dubai sailings.
Where do Costa and AIDA ships dock in Dubai?
At Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, built with their parent company Carnival Corporation, between Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Both lines paused their 2026-27 Gulf seasons.
Which cruise lines are sailing from Dubai this winter?
TUI’s Mein Schiff and Marella continue Dubai-based winter programs, and Celestyal operates with adjustments. Always verify current schedules directly with the line, as deployments are changing.
Can I book a private excursion no matter which line I sail?
Yes. We serve guests from every cruise line at both Dubai terminals and at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port, with pickup timed to your ship and a guaranteed on-time return.
Is Dubai still worth cruising to this season?
Very much. The city’s sights are unaffected, the winter weather is perfect, and with fewer ships in port, the terminals and attractions are quieter than they’ve been in years.