DUBAI / CRUISE TERMINALS
Dubai cruise terminals: Dubai Harbour and Port Rashid
Cruise passengers in Dubai embark or disembark at one of two cruise ports: Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, near Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, or Port Rashid (Mina Rashid), close to the older city centre. They are in different parts of Dubai, so the right terminal matters for your transfer. This guide sets out the facts from official sources and explains how to book a private car to or from the ship.
- Fixed quote agreed before you travel
- Flight-aware pickup planned around your arrival time
- Meeting point confirmed in writing
- Right vehicle for your passengers and luggage
Two cruise ports, two parts of the city
| Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal | Port Rashid (Mina Rashid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Dubai Harbour, next to Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina | Mina Rashid, near Bur Dubai and close to Dubai International Airport |
| Terminals | Two terminal buildings, often shown as Terminal A and Terminal B | Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal and other terminal buildings |
| Operator | Owned by Shamal Holding | Operated by DP World |
| Opened | First passengers on 25 November 2021 | Homeporting since 2007 |
Sources: Dubai Media Office, The National, DP World. Your cruise line decides the port and terminal, and it can change between seasons, so always check your final cruise documents.
Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal (Terminals A and B)
Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is a twin-terminal cruise port. According to The National, the two terminal buildings each cover 15,000 square metres and sit on a 910-metre pier in the Dubai Harbour district, and the passenger boarding bridges can process more than 3,250 passengers an hour. Carnival Corporation describes the facility as able to handle two large cruise ships at the same time.
The terminal welcomed its first cruise passengers, from AIDAbella, on 25 November 2021, as reported by the Dubai Media Office. The Media Office lists facilities including currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, duty free, dedicated parking and taxi stands, and states that all facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Because Dubai Harbour is beside Bluewaters and Palm Jumeirah, it is close to hotels in Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah. If your documents say Terminal A or Terminal B, include it in your transfer enquiry so the driver goes to the right building.
Port Rashid / Mina Rashid cruise terminal
Mina Rashid (Port Rashid) is Dubai’s long-established cruise port. DP World says it can accommodate seven mega cruise vessels, or up to 27,000 passengers, at the same time, and that its flagship Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal is the world’s biggest single covered cruise terminal facility. Cruise guides often call this building Terminal 3. DP World also notes that Mina Rashid has offered homeporting since 2007 and is located close to Dubai International Airport.
Several cruise lines, including MSC Cruises in some seasons, have used Port Rashid, but deployments change. Search terms such as “MSC cruise terminal Dubai” do not have one fixed answer, so rely on your booking documents.
If you take a metered taxi from the port, the Dubai Taxi airport tariff lists a higher starting fare at Port Rashid than for a street pickup, and the RTA fare formula includes a fee for entering the Port Rashid area. Our Dubai taxi fare guide explains how these charges add up.
Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal
Many cruise passengers fly in on the day of embarkation. Port Rashid is close to DXB, while Dubai Harbour is on the other side of the city near Dubai Marina, which is often a shorter drive from Al Maktoum International (DWC). Check which airport you land at and which cruise port you sail from before choosing flights; our Dubai airports guide and DXB terminals guide help with the airport side.
- Leave enough time between landing and the cruise line’s check-in cut-off
- Keep cruise documents and luggage tags to hand, as the cruise line requires
- Tell us the ship name, cruise port and terminal, and the check-in window
- For a hotel night before sailing, book the hotel transfer and the cruise transfer as two journeys
If you would like the driver to meet you inside the airport, ask about meet and greet. For a few hours of sightseeing between the ship and your flight, an hourly chauffeur booking may suit you better.
Transfers after disembarkation
On disembarkation day, passengers usually leave the ship in groups at set times. Send us your expected time off the ship and your onward plan: a flight from DXB or DWC, a hotel in Dubai, or a trip to another emirate such as Abu Dhabi. We plan the pickup and agree the meeting point in writing.
Book a cruise terminal transfer
Every cruise terminal transfer is quoted individually. Email info@belgraviatransfers.com with the details below and we reply with availability, the suggested vehicle and a price. The booking is confirmed only once you accept it.
- pickup point: airport and terminal, hotel name or full address
- destination: hotel, building or full address, with the entrance if you know it
- date and time, plus your flight number for airport pickups
- number of passengers and cases, child seats and any accessibility needs
- a return journey, listed as a separate trip with its own date and time
Where is Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal?
In the Dubai Harbour district, close to Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. It has two terminal buildings on a 910-metre pier.
Is Port Rashid the same as Mina Rashid?
Yes. Port Rashid and Mina Rashid are names for the same port, which is operated by DP World and is home to the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal.
Which Dubai cruise terminal is closest to the airport?
DP World describes Mina Rashid (Port Rashid) as close to Dubai International Airport. Dubai Harbour is further west, near Dubai Marina.
Which terminal does my cruise use?
Cruise lines choose the port and terminal, and this can change between seasons. Check your final cruise documents and include the terminal in your transfer enquiry.
Can you take us from the ship straight to the airport?
Yes. Send the ship name, cruise port, expected disembarkation time and your flight details, and we quote the transfer.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your journey
Abu Dhabi airport to DubaiZayed International (AUH) to your Dubai address.Explore
Sharjah airport to DubaiSHJ arrivals with a pre-booked private car.Explore
DWC to Palm JumeirahFrom Al Maktoum to the Palm.Explore
Abu Dhabi to DubaiA pre-booked alternative to a long taxi ride.Explore
Family airport transfersChild seats, luggage and space planned ahead.Explore
Chauffeur service DubaiCity journeys for business and leisure.Explore
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
A considered arrival.
A clear next step.
Tell us where you are landing and where you want to go. Include your travel date, flight number, passenger count and luggage so your enquiry starts with the right details.
Send your journey details to Belgravia Transfers. Ask for availability, vehicle suitability, pricing and pickup arrangements for your itinerary.
Your booking is confirmed only when the arrangements have been agreed. Please do not send payment-card details or passport copies by email.
- 1Send your detailsAirport, flight, address, passengers and bags.
- 2Receive your quoteWe reply by email with the vehicle and price.
- 3Travel as agreedMeeting point and pickup confirmed in writing.