06/05/2025
As we continue our global life aboard the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, new ports unfold in new regions – full of unfamiliar cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting discoveries. In this blog series, we introduce the key stops along the route step by step – with a special focus on cities in the Middle East and ports in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
The goal of this series is to provide useful, up-to-date, and traveler-friendly information about every arrival port:
• How far is the city center from the port?
• What transportation options are available?
• Is the city walkable?
• What are the must-see sights, local flavors, and one-day experiences?
• What should you keep in mind if you have limited mobility or simply want a comfortable, cultured experience?
Among the featured cities are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait – but from there, the journey continues southward, all the way to Cape Town. Along the way, we’ll stop in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Maldives as well.
Whether you're currently aboard the ship or just collecting inspiration for a future voyage, this series will be a helpful and enjoyable travel companion.
Dubai – Adventure in One of the World’s Most Exciting Cities
Dubai is stunning even when arriving by cruise ship. It has two main cruise terminals: Port Rashid and the brand-new Dubai Harbor Cruise Terminal, located near the Marina district and the famous Palm Jumeirah. Both ports are modern, well-equipped, and comfortable starting points for exploring the city.
How far is downtown from the port, and how do you get there?
Downtown Dubai (around Burj Khalifa) is about a 20–30 minute taxi ride from the ports, depending on traffic. A taxi ride costs around €30 (120 AED), but you can opt for a cheaper metro + taxi combo: a metro ticket costs just 8 AED (approx. €2). From the nearest metro station, you can quickly reach Dubai Mall or the Burj Khalifa, and then continue by taxi.
Is the city walkable?
Dubai is a vast city with intense sunshine, so it’s not very pedestrian-friendly – especially in summer. Short walks are manageable thanks to well-designed sidewalks and air-conditioned walkways, especially in tourist hubs like Dubai Mall or Dubai Marina.
Where to try local flavors?
The local Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine is a treat: try shawarma, mezze platters, date-based sweets, and a cup of karak tea. Dubai Mall and the Marina area offer many stylish and refined restaurants.
For travelers with limited mobility or those seeking a comfortable experience
Dubai is an exceptionally accessible city. Most metros, malls, and tourist attractions have elevators, ramps, and spacious layouts. It's a good idea to inform the ship's crew or taxi service of any needs in advance – in Dubai, high service standards are expected, not unusual.
Fun Fact: Taxis that are fully pink or have pink roofs are for women only – and their drivers are also women.
Did You Know? In the UAE, you can’t pay for public transport with cash. To ride buses or the metro, you need to buy a Nol Ticket, which is available at any public transport station.
You won’t be able to see all of Dubai’s famous neighborhoods in just one day. Here’s a blog post to help you decide what not to miss!
Doha – Where Tradition Meets Modernity on the Waterfront
Doha, the capital of Qatar, uniquely blends the ancient traditions of the Arab world with a futuristic skyline. Beneath the gleaming skyscrapers lie traditional markets, mosques, and historic neighborhoods – a place where past and future breathe as one. And now, this experience starts the moment you arrive, thanks to Doha’s new cruise terminal, which makes passenger arrivals smoother than ever.
Where is the Doha cruise terminal?
In the past, cruise ships docked at the Hamad Port, about 40 km from the city – not ideal for quick visits. But for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this changed: the Grand Cruise Terminal opened, a modern, passenger-friendly facility right near downtown Doha.
This new terminal can handle two large cruise ships at once, serving up to 7,000 passengers – making disembarkation seamless, fast, and elegant, just like the city itself.
How to get into the city?
From the Grand Cruise Terminal, you can catch a taxi, a private transfer, or even join an organized sightseeing tour. Doha Metro is another great option, although a short taxi ride might be needed to reach the nearest metro station. Transport is fast, modern, and well organized.
Is the city walkable?
The downtown area – especially around the Corniche promenade – is quite walkable in pleasant weather. Most attractions are close together, making it easy to enjoy a rich experience even in half a day.
Local flavors and culinary experiences
Don’t miss the mezze bites, grilled meat specialties (especially lamb), or a fresh date-and-tea combo in one of the traditional cafés near Souq Waqif.
For travelers with limited mobility
Doha’s modern areas – especially the metro, museums, and main attractions – are designed to be accessible. Most taxis and tours offer special services; just be sure to communicate your needs in advance.
You won’t be able to visit every famous district during a short stay in Doha. Here’s a blog post to help you prioritize!
Addu Atoll (Gan Island, Maldives)
Located in the southern Maldives, the main maritime entry to Addu Atoll is Gan Island, which also hosts the Gan International Airport. Ships anchor offshore here, as there is no dedicated cruise terminal. The port mainly handles cargo, but basic services are available for tourists.
Transportation
The proximity of Gan Airport makes land travel easier. Taxis and local buses operate on the island, though services may be limited.
Services
The port offers basic facilities such as customs clearance and freight services. Tourist amenities are minimal, so advance planning is advised.
Le Port (Pointe des Galets), Réunion
The main port of Réunion Island, Le Port (Pointe des Galets), is located on the northwest coast, about 22 km from the capital, Saint-Denis.
Transportation
Free shuttle buses take passengers from the port gates to the exit, where you can catch a taxi or local bus to Saint-Denis. The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes, but costs can be high.
Services
As the port is primarily industrial, it offers only basic facilities for passengers. Planning your transfer to the city in advance is highly recommended.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s main seaport, where cruise ships dock at various piers, as there is no dedicated cruise terminal.
Transportation
The port is near the city center, so major attractions are easily accessible by taxi or local bus. Transportation options are diverse, but traffic can be heavy.
Services
The port provides basic services like customs and cargo handling. Amenities for passengers are limited, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Cape Town, South Africa
The Cape Town Cruise Terminal is located in the V&A Waterfront area, just a 5-minute walk from downtown. Its prime location makes it easy to reach the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and shops on foot.
Transportation
The V&A Waterfront and surrounding downtown area are easily walkable. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available. Local public transport is less tourist-friendly, so app-based travel is recommended.
Services
Named “Africa’s Best Cruise Terminal” in 2024, the facility is modern and passenger-focused. Free Wi-Fi is available not only in the terminal but also throughout the V&A Waterfront: at Victoria Wharf, the Silo District, the Watershed market, and Battery Park. The terminal also offers duty-free shops, comfortable waiting areas, and information desks.
Thanks to its central location and excellent infrastructure, Cape Town has become one of the world’s favorite cruise ports – even for those stopping by for just one day.
Whether you're sailing on board Victoria Cruises Reisidential Ship for just dreaming of your next great getaway, these port guides will help you make the most of every stop. From ultra-modern terminals to more remote anchorages, each destination offers its own rhythm, challenge and charm. With the right information, even a short visit can be an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned - more stunning ports are just over the horizon.
Author: VCL Team
06/05/2025
