Family Reunion Cruise in Dubai: Private Charter Guide

Quick answer: A family reunion cruise in Dubai is a private charter on a Dubai Marina boat that is reserved for your family alone. You can choose a Private Dhow for up to 150 guests or a Private Catamaran for up to 200 guests, add decoration and a cake, arrange food, soft drinks and water, bring your own music, and start at sunset for family photos. Private charters usually make the most sense from around 50 guests, and the price depends on the number of hours and whether you want food.

Getting a large family into one place is hard enough. This guide explains how a private cruise works, how to choose between our two boats, and what to arrange before the day so everyone enjoys it.

Why a Private Cruise Works for a Family Reunion

A private cruise works for a family reunion because the whole boat is reserved for your group, so there are no strangers, no shared tables and no one else's schedule to work around. Everyone can move around, sit with their own relatives and take photos without crowds.

Dubai Marina is also an easy place to gather. Relatives who live in different emirates or fly in from abroad can meet at one location, and the skyline views make the trip feel like an event, not just another dinner.

Private Dhow or Private Catamaran: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between a Private Dhow and a Private Catamaran comes down to your group size and the mood you want. Both are based in Dubai Marina and both are fully private, but they feel quite different.

• Private Dhow — up to 150 guests. A traditional wooden-style boat with a warm setting, best for a relaxed and intimate family gathering.
• Private Catamaran — up to 200 guests. A modern boat with a glass-walled interior, best for a livelier, party-style reunion.

If your family includes grandparents who enjoy a calm evening, the Dhow is usually the more comfortable fit. If you expect a big crowd, music and a younger group, the Catamaran gives you more space and a more modern feel.

How Many Guests Do You Need?

A private charter is usually best value for groups of around 50 guests or more, because you are booking the whole boat and the cost is shared between more people. For a smaller family group, speak to our team first, because they can tell you whether a charter or another option suits you better.

Count everyone who might come, including children, before you ask for a quote. It is easier to confirm the final number later than to change the boat.

Decoration and Cake

Decoration is available on request, so you can make the cruise feel like a real family celebration. Our team can arrange setups such as banners, balloons or a theme that suits your reunion, and you can ask for a cake as well.

Decoration and cake are arranged in advance and are paid for separately, so tell us what you want when you book instead of on the day. The same approach is used on our other private events, such as the bachelor and bachelorette party cruise.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks on a private cruise are arranged around your group instead of from a fixed menu. We can arrange food, non-alcoholic drinks and water for your guests when you coordinate with our team beforehand.

Tell us how many people are coming and what kind of meal suits your family. The price of your charter depends on the hours you choose and on whether food is included.

Music and Entertainment

On both boats you can bring your own music setup or your own DJ. This lets you play the songs your family actually enjoys, from background music during dinner to something livelier for the younger relatives.

If you plan to use a DJ or speakers, mention it when you book so the setup runs smoothly.

Timing: When to Start

The best time to start a family cruise is at sunset, because the light is ideal for group photos and the Marina skyline is at its best. From there you can continue into the evening, as there is no fixed end time.

For ideas on sunset views, read our guide to the best sunset spots in Dubai.

Prices and Deposit

The price of a private charter depends on how many hours you book and whether you want food. Because of this, there is no single fixed price, and the best way to get an accurate quote is to contact our team with your date, guest count and hours.

A deposit is required to secure your date. Ask our team for the exact amount when you request your quote.

When to Book

Book at least a few weeks ahead, and earlier if you want a weekend or a date between November and March, which is the busiest period for private charters. Families often need extra time to confirm the guest list, so starting early gives you more choice of dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people fit on a private family cruise?

The Private Dhow takes up to 150 guests and the Private Catamaran takes up to 200 guests.

Is the boat only for our family?

Yes, a private charter reserves the whole boat for your group alone.

Can we bring a cake and decorations?

Decoration and cake can be arranged with our team in advance, and they are paid for separately.

Is food included?

Food, non-alcoholic drinks and water can be arranged with our team. Whether food is included affects the price of your charter.

Can we bring our own music or DJ?

Yes, you can bring your own music setup or DJ on both the Dhow and the Catamaran.

How far ahead should we book?

At least a few weeks ahead, and earlier for weekends and for November to March.

Plan Your Family Reunion Cruise

A private cruise from Dubai Marina gives your whole family one shared evening with room for everyone. Compare the Private Dhow and the Private Catamaran, then contact our team with your date and guest count for a quote. For more on what to expect on board, read our Dubai Marina cruise guide, or see how groups celebrate on our group celebration cruises.

📸 عکس‌های پیشنهادی

• عکس شاخص: گروه بزرگ خانوادگی روی عرشه‌ی کشتی در غروب با اسکایلاین مارینا
• بخش انتخاب کشتی: یک عکس از Private Dhow و یک عکس از Private Catamaran (فضای داخلی شیشه‌ای)
• بخش دکوراسیون: کیک و دکور بادکنک یا بنر روی کشتی
• بخش غذا: میز غذا و نوشیدنی روی عرشه
• بخش زمان: عکس خانوادگی هنگام غروب