Xclusive Yachts - Yacht Rental Dubai

The 2-hour BBQ dinner shared ride with Xclusive Yachts is one of the more refined ways to experience the Dubai Marina skyline without chartering a private vessel. Boarding takes place at their dedicated pier near Al Majara Tower, where the "red carpet" welcome—while a bit gimmicky—sets a nice, upscale tone compared to the chaotic dhow cruise operators nearby. The yacht itself is modern and well-maintained. Unlike the crowded traditional dhows, these yachts feel spacious even on a shared trip. You have the option of an air-conditioned lower deck, but the real experience is up on the flybridge where you get unobstructed views of JBR, the Ain Dubai wheel, and the Palm Lagoon. The food is surprisingly decent for a boat tour. The live BBQ station churns out fresh chicken skewers and koftas which are juicy and hot, rather than the lukewarm buffet fare often found on similar excursions. The sides are standard—hummus, salads, and bread—but fresh. Soft drinks are unlimited, though if you want alcohol, you’ll need to purchase it separately onboard. Service is where they stand out; the crew is attentive, constantly offering to take photos for guests and clearing plates quickly. The 2-hour duration is perfect—long enough to relax and eat, but not so long that it drags. My only tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early as finding the specific check-in booth among the marina walkways can be tricky. It is a solid value for a premium sightseeing experience.

We booked a dinner cruise. The food was ok, should have been a greater variety considering the price paid. The live pasta station is a nice idea but considering the duration of the cruise being 90 minutes, more than half that time was spent standing in the queue. The dessert options were tiny pieces of cake, disappointing. The dinner felt rushed. Would be better if this was a longer cruise with more meal options so that you can relax and enjoy it. The entertainment was good, the person playing the saxophone was brilliant-highlight of the evening. The table set up and allocation was good. We were on the upper deck so had a good view. Overall a good experience.