When November arrives, bookings for luxury yachts in Dubai automatically increase. Of course, the reason is New Year’s Eve celebrations. Some want to rent a whole boat, others only want a seat or two. But somewhere in the middle the big question pops up- private or shared, which option is better for a party on New Year’s night? There is no one answer for it really. It depends on how many of you are going, what kind of night you want and of course budget, because on 31st December nothing in Dubai is cheap.
But one thing is sure. Watching the fireworks from the water is different. You are not stuck in traffic near Downtown, not fighting for space on a rooftop, you are just sitting on the deck with Atlantis on one side and the Marina towers lit up on the other. That is why every New year yacht party Dubai package gets sold out so early.
- Money first, since that is what everyone checks first anyway
Shared yacht is cheaper per head. You buy a ticket, and a New year shared yacht Dubai ticket normally has dinner or buffet, soft drinks, a DJ and the fireworks included in the one price. For a couple or 3 to 4 friends this is the most sensible option.
Private is where people may hesitate by the number. The whole boat is charged, minimum hours are fixed and the New Year rate is much more than a normal Friday charter. Suppose you are 15 or 20 people though, divide it and the per person figure is sometimes not that far from shared tickets.
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So do the maths for your own group before you decide, don’t just look at the total and run. Also some shared yachts have different ticket types, like upper deck or VIP seating, so ask what exactly you are getting for the price.
- Who else is on the boat
For many guests, this factor matters more than the price. A shared yacht means you will share the deck and other facilities with strangers all around you. It could be 50 people or maybe more – it depends on the size of the boat. A big boat means a bigger crowd. Some people enjoy it a lot because NYE is all about sharing the festivities with everyone. The music is loud, everybody is dancing, countdown together at midnight, it feels like a real party. Others hate it.
If it is a family with small kids, or a couple who want something romantic, or an office group that want to talk business and celebrate, then private is better. Your music, your people, your cake at midnight (yes, operators can arrange that).
- Food and extras
Shared menus are fixed. You eat what is on the menu for the night. Private charters provide a choice of what you can have catered, options for decoration, a photographer, a live singer – anything you are willing to pay for. If someone in your party has specific dietary needs, a private charter makes it much easier to arrange everything.
- The fireworks spot
Now this is the part people don’t ask about and later regret. On New Year’s Eve the yachts leave the marina early and park in the water well before midnight, and where your boat stops is what you will see. A big shared yacht usually has one fixed position. With private you can actually discuss with the operator, Atlantis side, Palm side, or a spot where Burj Al Arab is also visible. Get the location confirmed on WhatsApp or email before paying. It’s the whole point of booking.
Space is related to this. Near 12 o’clock everyone on a shared boat rushes to the front deck for photos and it gets packed. On private you just stand wherever you like. Washrooms are less crowded, there is a cabin inside if kids get sleepy, and after the fireworks you are not waiting in a line of people to get off the boat.
- So which one?
Shared yachts are the top pick for couples, friends and solo travellers. Here’s why-the party is loud, full of fun and the price never changes. Most people want these boats, you better book them early.Families, big groups, corporate bookings, or anyone who wants a quiet night or a specific view, go private. And if you are somewhere in middle, like 8 or 10 people, take quotes for both, sometimes the private one surprises you.
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Whether you want a private or shared yacht, book your boat as quickly as possible. Every year, the popular boats sell out by the end of November, the remaining ones are sold for a higher price. This keeps happening year after year. Before paying check the boarding time, how many hours, what food and drinks are included, transfers, cancellation policy. Carry Emirates ID or passport also because they check at boarding and without it you are not getting on.
