Sunseeker Superyacht: VIP Dining, Premium Drinks & Music

Dubai has plenty of expensive ways to see its skyline, but this one adds dinner, drinks, music, and a 40-meter Sunseeker yacht. The main event is fresh omakase sushi, served with premium drinks as Encore cruises past Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Ain Dubai, and the Burj Al Arab.

I especially like the small maximum group of 30 and the way the yacht turns a sightseeing cruise into a full evening out. I also like the mix of Japanese food, DJ sets, and live music, including saxophone on some departures. The main caution is simple: this is a polished party cruise, not a quiet sunset sail, and finding the boarding gate at Dubai Harbour can take patience when construction is underway.

Key points at a glance

• Encore is a 40-meter, tri-deck Sunseeker yacht, giving you several places to sit, eat, and take in the views.
• The omakase menu changes, with dishes such as Saikyo miso-glazed black cod and crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, salmon, or yellowtail.
• Bubbly, premium beverages, and cocktails are included, so the $128.39 price is easier to justify if you plan to eat and drink well.
• The cruise lasts about three hours and carries a maximum of 30 people.
• Live music and a DJ shape the mood, making this better for birthdays, anniversaries, and date nights than for a silent sightseeing trip.
• Shoes are not allowed onboard, and smart-casual dress is required. Vegetarian food is available if requested ahead of time.

What the Encore cruise is really selling

The yacht is the attraction before the food arrives. Encore is a 40-meter, tri-deck Sunseeker, described as Dubai’s first seven-star Sunseeker superyacht. That wording is marketing language, but the basic point is useful: this is not a standard harbor boat with a buffet on the lower deck.

You have a high-end setting, a limited group size, Japanese food prepared in an omakase style, and an open drinks package. The result feels closer to a floating restaurant and lounge than a sightseeing boat with snacks.

The experience lasts about three hours. That gives you enough time to eat at an easy pace, settle into the music, and watch the city change around you. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to the next.

The atmosphere is designed to become more social as the cruise goes on. A DJ provides the main soundtrack, and some departures include a saxophonist or other live music. If you want conversation over dinner, sit away from the music when possible. If you want the party atmosphere, stay close to the main entertainment area.

Boarding at Dubai Harbour

The meeting point is at Dubai Harbour, near the junction of Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters. This is a practical location for the cruise because it puts you near several of Dubai’s major waterfront sights. It is also reachable from both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, though neither airport transfer is included.

Allow extra time to find the correct boarding gate. Construction in front of the harbor has made the entrance confusing at times, so do not plan to arrive at the last possible minute. The activity returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Once aboard, you can expect a welcome drink and slippers. Shoes are not permitted on the yacht, so wear footwear that is easy to remove. You may want to bring clean socks if you dislike walking barefoot.

The smart-casual dress code fits the setting. You do not need formal evening wear, but beach clothes and flip-flops may feel out of place at a dinner cruise built around luxury service. A neat outfit that is comfortable for sitting, eating, and moving around the decks is the sensible choice.

Omakase sushi from the first course to the last

The food is the strongest reason to choose this cruise over a regular yacht tour. Omakase means the chef selects the menu, so you should expect a changing selection rather than a fixed list of sushi rolls.

The menu can include Saikyo miso-glazed black cod, a Japanese preparation known for its sweet-savory miso coating and tender texture. Another featured item is golden crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, salmon, or yellowtail. These dishes add different textures to the meal, from crisp rice to soft fish and rich glaze.

Gourmet bites are also part of the package. Fresh sushi is prepared during the cruise, and the open presentation adds a little theater to the meal. You can watch the food being assembled rather than receiving every course from a hidden galley.

The changing menu is part of the appeal, but it also means you should not book expecting one exact set of dishes. Availability can vary. If you have dietary needs, vegetarian options are available on request, but make that request before the cruise rather than waiting until boarding.

This is not the right choice if you want a large selection of cooked dishes or a traditional multi-course Japanese restaurant meal. The menu centers on sushi, gourmet bites, and a few featured preparations. If you enjoy sushi and like trying the chef’s selection, it makes good sense.

Premium drinks and the real value of $128.39

The price is $128.39 per person. That is a serious charge for a three-hour activity, but the comparison should be with a yacht dinner and drinks, not with a basic sightseeing cruise.

The package includes free-flowing LP bubbly, premium beverages, cocktails, and gourmet bites. If you would normally pay separately for sushi, several drinks, and a skyline venue, the total can rise quickly in Dubai. The included drinks make the price easier to understand, particularly for a celebration or date night.

There is an important practical point here: the package works best if you intend to eat and drink throughout the cruise. Someone who does not drink alcohol or prefers a light meal may find the value less convincing. The setting and views still matter, but much of the price is tied to the food-and-drink format.

Personal expenses and add-ons are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded, so you must make your own way to Dubai Harbour. Factor in the cost of getting there when comparing this with a hotel-based dinner.

The cruise is often booked about 38 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if you want a particular date, especially for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday visit. The maximum of 30 people helps keep the yacht from feeling like a mass-market excursion.

Dubai Harbour and the first stretch at sea

Dubai Harbour is more than a departure point. It sits close to beaches, Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters, and several of the city’s best-known modern landmarks. From the yacht, the marina setting gives you a first look at Dubai’s waterfront architecture before the boat moves into wider views.

This opening part is useful for getting comfortable with the yacht. You can find your preferred deck, settle into your seat, and begin with a drink before the main food service gets underway.

Do not expect a guided history lesson at every landmark. The supplied details focus on dining, music, and scenery rather than a formal narration program. You are paying for the setting and the experience, not for a museum-style commentary.

The harbor can be difficult to navigate on foot because of construction. A taxi or ride service may be easier than trying to walk from a distant point, but hotel transfers are not part of the activity. Check the exact meeting instructions before leaving your hotel.

Jumeirah Beach Residence from the water

Jumeirah Beach Residence, usually called JBR, stretches for about 1.7 kilometers along the Persian Gulf. From the water, you see the waterfront community from a different angle, with its high-rise residential and hotel buildings set behind the beach.

The value of this stop is visual rather than historical. JBR gives you a sense of Dubai’s resort side, while the yacht provides distance from the traffic and crowds onshore. It is a good backdrop for photographs, especially as the light changes toward sunset or evening.

The cruise does not promise a dedicated stop at JBR, so think of it as part of the passing route rather than a place where you get off. Your views will depend on the sailing path, weather, and where you are sitting on the yacht.

Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island

Ain Dubai is the very large Ferris wheel on Bluewaters Island. From the yacht, it becomes one of the clearest symbols of Dubai’s taste for oversized attractions.

Seeing Ain Dubai from the water gives you a broad view that you cannot get from the base of the wheel. It also fits naturally into the cruise route because Dubai Harbour and Bluewaters sit close to one another.

The drawback is that landmark views are not guaranteed to look perfect from every angle. The boat keeps moving, and other parts of the yacht may offer better sightlines at different moments. If photography matters to you, move between decks rather than staying in one seat all evening.

Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis

Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s famous artificial palm-shaped island, and Atlantis, The Palm is its best-known resort. The yacht route provides a water-level view of the palm and the resort’s striking architecture.

Atlantis is one of the main photo moments, but conditions can affect how clearly you see it. One account of the cruise noted that the view of Atlantis was not ideal, so keep expectations sensible. You may get a strong view, but the exact position of the boat, lighting, and route all matter.

The Palm is also where the cruise feels most like a Dubai postcard. The mix of sea, resort architecture, and the city skyline gives you a better sense of the area than a meal inside a hotel restaurant. You can enjoy the sight without giving up the food and music happening onboard.

The Burj Al Arab and the best photo opportunities

The Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s sail-shaped luxury hotel and one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. A route around the Palm toward the Burj Al Arab gives the cruise a clear visual payoff.

The yacht’s position on the water lets you photograph the Burj Al Arab without the crowded foreground you often get from the beach. It is also a pleasant point in the cruise for stepping away from the dining area and taking in the skyline.

Sunset departures are especially attractive because the city lights begin to appear as the sky darkens. The exact timing depends on the selected departure, so check the schedule when booking if sunset photography is a priority.

The views are a major part of the value, but this is still a moving boat. Do not expect every landmark to remain in front of you for long. Keep your phone or camera ready, and take a few moments to enjoy the scene without trying to document every second.

Music, service, and the mood onboard

The crew is a major part of the experience. Service is described as attentive and professional, with staff taking care of drinks, food, and special occasions. Lauren, also known as Lola onboard, has received particular praise for her personal service.

The music gives the cruise a distinct personality. A live DJ is included, and some sailings feature saxophone alongside the DJ. That combination suits a birthday, anniversary, or couples’ evening, especially if you want dinner with a social soundtrack rather than a hushed dining room.

The music may be too much for some people. This is not a quiet luxury cruise where the only sounds are the water and soft conversation. The best seats for a relaxed meal may not be the best seats for the DJ, so consider what kind of evening you want before choosing where to sit.

Electric shisha is also included. It adds to the lounge feel, though it will not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a smoke-free environment, ask the crew about seating away from that area.

Daytime swimming and what is not included

Swimming is listed as an inclusion for the day tour only. It is not a standard part of the evening dining experience, so do not book the dinner cruise expecting a swimming stop.

Towels and slippers are provided. The slippers are useful because shoes are not allowed onboard, while towels matter mainly for the daytime version with swimming.

The experience is suitable for most people, but weather can change the plan. Poor conditions may lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

That policy makes early planning sensible, but it also protects you from being stuck with a rough-weather cruise. Dubai usually offers plenty of clear days, but sea conditions still matter.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for a couple celebrating an anniversary, a birthday group, or anyone who wants one polished evening that combines dinner and sightseeing. The yacht gives the occasion a sense of ceremony without requiring formal dress.

It also suits visitors who have already seen Dubai’s main sights and want to experience them from the water. You get Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Ain Dubai, JBR, and Burj Al Arab in one outing, without spending time driving between them.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to families with young children, but the supplied information does not set an age restriction. The music, drinks, and evening mood clearly shape the experience, so check the booking details if you need a quieter or child-focused activity.

Sushi lovers will get the most from the meal. If you dislike raw fish, do not drink alcohol, or want a calm cruise with detailed sightseeing commentary, another Dubai boat trip may suit you better.

Should you book the Encore superyacht cruise?

Book it if you want a special-occasion evening, fresh sushi, generous drinks, and landmark views in one package. The maximum of 30 people, attentive crew, high-end yacht, and live entertainment make it feel more personal than a large dinner cruise.

At $128.39, it is not a bargain outing. Its value depends on using the food and drinks package and caring about the yacht setting. For a birthday or anniversary, the combination is persuasive. For simple sightseeing, it is more luxury than you need.

Arrive early at Dubai Harbour, request vegetarian food in advance, dress smart-casually, and remember that shoes stay off the boat. If those details suit you, Encore offers a stylish way to see Dubai at sea level, with enough food and music to make the three hours feel like a complete night out.

FAQ

How long is the Sunseeker superyacht experience?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to the meeting point at Dubai Harbour.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the omakase sushi menu, gourmet bites, free-flowing LP bubbly, premium beverages, cocktails, skyline and landmark views, live music, a DJ, towels, slippers, Zen-Med gastronomy, and electric shisha.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Dubai Harbour in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear?

Smart-casual clothing is required. Shoes are not allowed onboard, so you will remove them before or when boarding. Slippers are provided.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available on request, so ask for them when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience may be rescheduled because it requires good weather. If the operator cancels due to weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.