Creek or Marina: which dhow cruise?
The two routes compared, honestly.
The Creek cruise leaves from Deira or Bur Dubai and runs the length of the old harbour: past the gold souk side, the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, the abra crossings and the lit-up Deira skyline, turning at Al Maktoum Bridge or the Festival City fountains and coming back. The boats are traditional wooden dhows, some genuinely old. It is atmospheric, the food is good rather than fancy, and most boats are dry.
The Marina cruise leaves from Dubai Marina walk and runs along the towers, out under the bridges to the JBR side and sometimes towards the Palm. The dhows here are larger, more modern and often licensed. It is a skyline show rather than an old-town one, and it suits guests staying in the Marina, JBR or on the Palm who do not want a long transfer.
There are also glass-topped catamarans and Canal cruises through Downtown and Business Bay, which pass the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Water Canal waterfall. They are pricier and a bit smarter.
Our rule of thumb: first-time visitors with one evening, Creek. Families staying in the Marina, Marina. Couples who want something a bit more polished, the Canal.