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Dubai New Year Cruise with Toddlers: Safety, Facilities & Booking Guidelines

Dubai New Year Cruise with Toddlers: Safety, Facilities & Booking Guidelines

For family trips, Dubai offers so much to do. From golden desert to glowing towers. From calm nights to the biggest fireworks. Imagine standing on a deck with a sleepy toddler in your arms, the Atlantis sky lighting up gold at midnight, and a little face looking up at it all with wide eyes. This is the picture every parent has in mind when they think about the Dubai New Year Cruise with Toddlers. But parents also know that a tired, cranky two-year-old at 11 PM, a cold sea breeze, and no idea where the nearest washroom is – horror. But the good thing is, with the right boat and a little planning, the first picture of the Dubai New Year Yacht Party with Kids is very much possible.

Is a Dubai New Year Cruise with a toddler really a good idea?

The simple answer is yes. If you plan around the clock and not just the boat. You see, the cruise itself is usually calm and comfortable. However, the real challenge is the timing. But that’s also not an issue. Because on the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, guests board between 9 and 10 PM, and the boat sails from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. And the drop-off at the hotel is around 1:30 to 2:00 AM. This is well past a toddler’s bedtime. Moreover, on this tour you can pick the air-conditioned lower deck, which is sheltered from the wind, or the open-air upper deck for the best firework view.

Which cruise or yacht works best for a Dubai New Year’s Eve family cruise?

There are several options that suit a different kind of family. Here is how they compare when your passenger is under three.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise (the most popular choice)

If you want a proper dinner time and a calm countdown, the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise is the easiest place to start. The lower deck is air-conditioned and has big windows for the fireworks, which helps a toddler who gets cold or fussy in the wind. The upper deck is open-air. Moreover, washrooms are separate for men and women, and the entertainment area is away from the dining space. Also, dinner is a seated buffet, so you can feed your child at the table.

New Year Shared Yacht Party (best value)

In this option, you get a yacht without paying for a whole boat. The New Year Shared Yacht Party gives you the most for your money. It is a four-hour cruise from Dubai Harbour with a live BBQ-style buffet that has vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks and juices, a live DJ, and a midnight cake-cutting. It is tagged family-friendly, and shared transfers are included. Moreover, the deck is social and lively, which makes it suitable for toddlers who enjoy music and people.

New Year Private Yacht Party

If your child needs their own space, their own volume and their own timing, the New Year Private Yacht Party is the calmest choice. Only your group is on board, and you decide the music, the pace and the menu. The 33 ft yacht takes up to 6 guests and has an air-conditioned cabin. Whereas the bigger 50 ft and 60 ft yachts also have bedrooms, which is a big help when a toddler falls asleep at 11 PM.

Dhow Cruise New Year Party

The Dhow Cruise New Year Party is a traditional boat that feels different from a regular yacht. It has an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air deck, an international buffet with live cooking, a live DJ, and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne at every table. It sails from Dubai Harbour, and guests board between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. This is a good fit for families who want something festive without a private charter.

However, if you’re not sure which one suits your family. Then, our guide to family-friendly NYE in Dubai compares more ways to celebrate with children.

Enquire Now: New Year Yacht Party

Safety on Board: What to check before you book

Safety is the first thing parents ask about, and rightly so. Here is what to look at.

Life jackets

All of our cruises and yachts carry life jackets and safety equipment, and the crew is trained for emergencies. But ask about sizes for toddlers before the night, so you are not working it out at the pier.

Supervision on the deck

Boats move, even gently. Hold your toddler’s hand when you board, keep them close on the deck, and stay inside the designated areas. Keep your hands free when you move around, and ask someone in your group to be on toddler duty at midnight.

Fireworks noise

The midnight display is loud and close. If your child is sensitive to noise, bring ear protection for your child or keep them in the lower deck by the window.

Seasickness

If anyone in your family is prone to it, talk to your doctor about what is safe for a child. Do not give your toddler medicine you haven’t tried before.

For more on staying safe through the night, read our guide on safety tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Booking guidelines for parents with toddlers

A few things make booking much smoother when you are travelling with a small child.

Check the age policy first

Age rules can differ by boat and by package. Our guide on Dubai New Year yacht party age restrictions explains what to expect, and our team can confirm it for your child.

Add your children when you book.

The booking form lets you enter the number of children. Confirm the child rates and any infant policy in writing before you pay.

Know the cancellation dates

Toddlers get sick, and the dates matter. Cancellations before 1 December get a full refund. Between 1 and 20 December, you get 50%. And after 20 December, there is no refund. So, if your plans feel uncertain, decide early.

Carry your IDs

Guests must carry a passport or Emirates ID. So, keep your toddler’s documents with you too.

Book Early

New Year’s Eve fills up fast, and the 33 ft private yacht seats only 6 people. So, book early before your desired slot fills.

Conclusion

You see, a Dubai New Year Yacht Party with Kids is not as hard as it sounds. Choose a boat with a sheltered place to sit, planning around the nap and the late finish. Pack for the cold and the noise. Basically, whether you pack a dinner cruise, a dhow, or a yacht party with kids, the key is to ask the right questions before you book. Moreover, if you need help finding the best Dubai New Year’s Eve family cruise for your family, then visit Dubainewyearcelebration.com and tell our team exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions – Dubai New Year Cruise with Toddlers

Q) Which deck is better for a toddler, upper or lower?

For most families, the air-conditioned lower deck is easier. Since it is sheltered from the wind, you can sit with a stroller-free lap and watch through large windows. Although the upper deck has the best open view, it is windier.

Q) Is there a kids’ menu, or can I bring my toddler’s food?

Outside food is generally not allowed. But if your child has any allergies or needs any special food. Then tell the organiser in advance. On the private yacht, the menu is built around your group, so it is the easiest place to get toddler-friendly food.

Q) Is a Dubai New Year cruise with toddlers actually doable, or will it be a disaster?

Honestly, it is doable with planning. Pick a boat with sheltered, air-conditioned seats, nap your toddler in the afternoon, and pack a warm layer. Moreover, the cruise itself is calm. However, the late hours could be a challenge, but with the right schedule, it can work.

Q) Does my toddler need a passport or Emirates ID?

Guests must carry a valid ID, such as a passport or Emirates ID. So, keep your toddler’s documents with you to be safe. And make sure to check with our team if you are unsure what documents to carry.

Q) How will we get to the boat with a tired toddler?

Shared hotel transfers are included on the dinner cruise and the shared yacht, and the private yacht has a private pick-up and drop-off. Moreover, you can also ask for a private car on other cruises as well. But make sure to ask about the child seats. And if you have more such queries, then check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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