dubai cruise july 2023

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Cruises departing from the port of Dubai

Give yourself the gift of a cruise vacation from the Arab Emirates with MSC Cruises. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and represents a true technological, state-of-the-art paradise on the edge of the desert. Its port, Dubai Ports World, is among the largest in the world and offers every possible comfort for visitors sailing from the city.

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Cruises to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Dubai United Arab Emirates Cruise Port Guide

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. This enigmatic destination is recognized worldwide as a city pointed full throttle toward the future. Dubai is a must-experience city while on an India cruise . Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is unlike any other place in the world, filled with luxe shopping and high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) scattered all over the city, and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Not even differences in climate can stop Dubai from bringing you every experience you crave. There’s even an indoor skiing experience and the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Please Note: While we don't currently sail to Dubai, you can still discover the beauty of the region on one of our Asia cruises . Browse our cruises to Asia below.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to dubai, dubai museum.

Take an afternoon to explore history at the Dubai Museum, located within the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in Dubai. Each gallery and exhibit showcases a recreation of life and society in Dubai from hundreds of years ago. It’s a must-do for history buffs, or for those who want to learn more about Dubai’s history as a global power.

Jumeirah Mosque

If you’re looking to visit a traditional Islamic mosque, head to Jumeirah Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims as well as Muslims. This landmark mosque stands out with clean white stone. Take a 75-minute guided tour of the mosque to learn about life and traditions of the mosque.

Palm Islands

When you cruise Dubai, take a day to explore the three man-made Palm Islands, called Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali, where families and solo travelers alike can enjoy the beach resorts, swim, snorkel, and dive. Waterparks and slides make it easy to cool off on a hot day, and you can even swim with dolphins on the islands.

Dubai Fountain

Don’t miss this classic local landmark, the ornate Dubai Fountain. Catch a choreographed performance of lights and music in the center of downtown. It’s also the largest fountain system in the world.

Learn More About Dubai Shore Excursions

Top things to do in dubai, shop at the dubai mall.

Over 1,000 shops call Dubai Mall home, so you could easily spend days here and still not see it all. From jewelry to luxe clothing items and a large food court for when you get hungry, the Dubai Mall lives up to its status as the 2nd largest mall in the world. Plus, you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink located within the mall, which makes this a perfect afternoon excursion for families and those who want to stay indoors on a sweltering Dubai day.

Head to the Top of the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa clocks in as the tallest skyscraper in the world, and in person it’s an immense sight. Purchase tickets for the incredible observation decks on the 124th or 148th floors, where you can take in a panoramic skyline of Dubai.

Adventure on a Desert Safari

Thrill seekers must head out on a desert safari while in Dubai. Ride through the red dunes on a car or bike or go camel riding in the desert. Or try sandboarding on the vast sands. Spend the night at a Bedouin camp and enjoy the desert and the traditional Bedouin setting in style on a shore excursion.

Scuba and Swim at Jumeirah Beach

Wreck diving is popular in Dubai, where remnants of shipwrecks litter the ocean floor. Divers will love Dubai’s adventurous seascape even though it doesn’t have active coral reefs. Cool off on a hot day with a dive or a swim on the Persian Gulf at Jumeirah Beach.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Dubai Cruise Port

Afternoon tea is a huge part of the culture in Dubai. Stop in for high tea at the Skyview Bar at the top of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, where you can sip tea and enjoy fresh pastries while you watch the sun set over the skyline. Other dishes readily available on menus here include shawarma and falafel-based dishes. Locals regularly eat fresh seafood catches as well as lamb and mutton. Hummus is also a staple in the area. When you cruise Dubai, try another Emirati delicacy, al harees, which is a mix of wheat and meat with a porridge-like texture.

Culture & History of the Dubai Cruise Port

On cruises to Dubai, you’ll quickly discover that the history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rich, varied, and experiencing its very own renaissance. Humans have been living in the area that is now Dubai for thousands of years, but Dubai didn’t gain its cultural and economic prominence until the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city became the first port opening the area to trade. In the 1950s, oil was discovered and forever changed Dubai’s economy and its role in the global sphere. Since then, Dubai has steadily grown, becoming one of the most glamorous cities in history. Culturally, Dubai is greatly influenced by Islam, and during Ramadan, many restaurants and shops close to adhere to the holiday. Be sure to check to see if your Dubai cruise coincides with Ramadan during your time there.

Dubai Port Facilities & Location

Your Dubai cruise ship’s port of call is the Port of Rashid, which is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities like free wifi, currency exchange, a tourism information area, and plenty of souvenirs for you to bring back home when you return to the ship. You’ll see the Dubai skyline when you arrive at the Port of Rashid, and can depart the cruise port from a taxi or through a complimentary shuttle when you’re heading out on a shore excursion.

Transportation in Dubai

As the UAE’s most populated city, Dubai has no shortage of people buzzing around, trying to get from point A to point B. Dubai has an extensive metro and bus system that you can access by getting a Nol Card. You can simply buy a day pass while you’re stopped on cruises to Dubai. The taxi network in Dubai is enormous, too. Taxis have a different colored roof than other cars to signal what is a taxi and what isn’t. They’re also metered to make sure you get a decent fare. You can hail a taxi from the cruise port, but be sure to talk with your driver if you’re interested in booking a multi-stop ride or tour with them.

Shopping Near the Dubai Cruise Port

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, ranging from the high end to bargain markets for every type of shopper. The Dubai Mall is the second largest mall in the world, so it’s easy to lose track of time perusing over 1,200 shops featuring clothing, antiques, and fine jewelry. Of course, Dubai’s revitalized downtown contains a variety of souks and marketplaces where you can purchase gold, spices, jewelry, handmade goods, and more.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and the official currency there is called the Dirham (Dhs). You can haggle and bargain in souqs, or outdoor markets, but prices in department stores and boutiques tend to be fixed. Tipping is 10-15% of your surcharge at restaurants and bars, and you can round up to the nearest Dirham note when you’re tipping your taxi driver.

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DUBAI AND ABU DHABI CRUISES

Emirates Cruises: Beach bliss, fancy nightlife and incredible experiences

Jump into the future with an Emirates cruise and discover the contemporary metropolis of Abu Dhabi  and Dubai with their spectacular cityscapes, towering skyscrapers, and beautiful beaches that will leave you in awe. Explore the vibrant tapestry of Dubai's lifestyle and indulge in a world of luxury as you uncover the city's opulent malls. Enjoy a perfect fusion of international brands and local treasures, creating a truly unforgettable shopping spree. Savor the romance of a memorable dinner amidst the dunes after our exhilarating Desert Dune Adventure: a rollercoaster ride over golden sands and an unforgettable sunset view from the highest dune. With MSC’s cuises to Dubai, you’ll soak in the city's vibrant nightlife scene and treat yourself to exquisite fine dining in one of Dubai's beautiful restaurants for a lavish experience. In Abu Dhabi, the fun takes on a new dimension at the Ferrari World Theme Park , offering thrilling adventures. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Louvre offers an unparalleled artistic journey. Spanning 12 galleries, this world-class collection maps humanity's artistic triumphs from the Neolithic era to the present day, all while defying conventional museum exhibition practices. Emirates cruises also bring you to the stunning Sir Bani Yas island that will enchant you with a dream beach experience or a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and the protected bay areas. Embark on the journey of a lifetime as you discover the unique allure of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sir Ban Yas with MSC’s Emirates cruise.

Emirates cruise deals 

Explore the finest Emirates cruise deals in 2024 and 2025 and embark on an unforgettable journey to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From stunning skyscrapers and superb nightlife to turquoise seas, these magical lands will inspire you. Whatever your chosen itinerary, the lengthy stays in port of MSC cruises to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, allow complete immersion in incredible and authentic ashore experiences. And in between stops, savour the impeccable service, delicious cuisine and world-class entertainment on board of our ships. Get ready for an exceptional cruise holiday as you unveil the allure of an Emirates voyage with Dubai and Abu Dhabi cruise deals by MSC Cruises.

F1® QATAR GRAND PRIX® 2024

EMIRATES PORTS

Cruise from dubai.

With MSC's cruises from Dubai, your journey begins in the mesmerizing blend of beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions, and unique experiences of this extraordinary city. Your cruise holiday will continue in Abu Dhabi that will surprise you with its daring, futuristic architecture. While in Sir Bani Yas Island , beautiful beaches beckon, and a wealth of water games awaits, including paddleboarding, kayaking, the swan pedalo experience, and many other. Dubai is the perfect start for your Emirates cruise!

Cruise from Abu Dhabi

Embarking on an MSC cruise from Abu Dhabi, you'll be immersed in the captivating fusion of stunning coastlines, extraordinary landmarks, and unparalleled fun. Continuing your cruise holiday, you'll explore the avant-garde wonders of Dubai , where you'll be 'blinded by the lights' of stunning architecture, towering skyscrapers, and dazzling fountain water shows that will leave you in awe. While on Sir Bani Yas Island, unwind on the sandy beaches, embark on an island horseback ride, or experience a unique safari, spotting rare animals in the vast nature reserve. An MSC Cruise is the perfect gateway for your Emirates discovery!

View all Dubai & Abu Dhabi ports

• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
• Doha, Qatar
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Khasab, Oman
• Muscat, Oman
• Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

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Cruises From Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Departing Cruises Calendar

Cruises from Dubai in 2023

Browse through all 2023 sailing dates for cruises departing Dubai & Emirates. See a cruise you like? Call us and speak to our cruise experts who can package the perfect cruise and stay holiday at a budget to suit your needs. All bookings are fully ABTA & ATOL protected.

Find Out More About Cruising Dubai & Emirates

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Home > Destinations > Dubai Cruise Deals

Dubai Cruises

Welcome to the gateway of opulence and adventure – Dubai . Dubai cruises promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Arabian Gulf, where modern extravagance meets timeless traditions.

Cruise through the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf, discovering fascinating ports of call, including Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and more. Experience the height of luxury on board our cruise ships, with elegant accommodations, fine dining, and top-notch entertainment. Immerse yourself in Dubai’s rich culture. Explore historic souks, admire stunning architecture, and witness the blending of old and new. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping desert safaris or serene moments on pristine beaches, Dubai offers it all. Dubai is also a shopper’s paradise. Indulge in retail therapy at high-end malls and traditional markets.

Some of the most popular attractions in Dubai are:

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa currently holds the title of the world’s tallest building. Standing at a staggering height of over 828 metres, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the city.

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, the only 7 star hotel in the world, takes over the Dubai coastline. Shaped like a sailboat, it stands on its own artificial island, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a grand and awe-inspiring religious landmark located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As one of the world’s largest mosques, it boasts stunning white marble architecture, intricate Islamic designs, and can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

The best time to take a cruise holiday to Dubai depends on the region you want to explore and the specific experiences you’re seeking.

The best time to visit Dubai is typically during its winter months, which span from November to April. This period offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s degrees Celsius (mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit). The skies are clear, and rainfall is infrequent during these months, making it ideal for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, enjoying outdoor dining, and taking part in desert adventures like dune bashing and camel rides. Additionally, Dubai hosts various festivals and events during this time, adding cultural and entertainment options to your itinerary.

It’s also essential to consider factors like local holidays, festivals and peak tourist seasons. It’s always a good idea to consult with one of our cruise agents who will give you the best advice!

Which cruise lines sail to Dubai

Azamara , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Explora Journeys , Fred Olsen Cruise Lines , Holland America , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises , P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Royal Caribbean , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises , Virgin Voyages & Windstar Cruises .

Book Your Dubai Cruise

Our cruise specialists at Southampton Cruise Centre are here to help! Call us from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week on 02380 658 386 . Or search our collection of Cruises to Dubai below and send us an enquiry online! 

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• Cruise Destinations

Dubai and Emirates Cruises

If you are looking for some winter sunshine then a cruise exploring Dubai & the Middle East is the perfect winter cruise destination

Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise line or Choose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line

Dubai and Emirates Cruise Offers

Find all the best Dubai and Emirates cruises with Cruise Direct

1. Greek Isles & Turquoise Coast

Seabourn Encore 14 nights 20 Oct 2024

• 6* Luxury All-Inclusive Cruising

2. Spice Route Cruise

Anthem of the Seas 14 nights 07 Nov 2024

• Award winning ships & spectacular entertainment
• Fun for all the family

3. Doha to Port Louis

Norwegian Dawn 14 nights 22 Dec 2024

4. Caribbean Explorer

Enchanted Princess 20 nights 19 Jan 2025

5. Middle East: Seychelles, Madagascar, Oman & UAE

Norwegian Dawn 17 nights 12 Feb 2025

6. Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, India & Arabia

Seabourn Encore 31 nights 16 Feb 2025

7. Jewels Of India & Arabia

Seabourn Encore 17 nights 02 Mar 2025

8. Hong Kong to Dubai

Queen Anne 19 nights 19 Mar 2025

• White Star Service
• Classically British cruise experience

9. Mahe to Doha

Silver Spirit 16 nights 25 Mar 2025

10. Doha to Athens (piraeus)

Silver Spirit 17 nights 10 Apr 2025

11. Cape Town to Southampton

Queen Anne 16 nights 11 Apr 2025

12. From Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Norwegian Sky 14 nights 19 Apr 2025

13. Singapore to Doha

Silver Muse 16 nights 05 May 2025

14. Doha to Piraeus (Athens)

Silver Muse 17 nights 27 May 2025

Ports of Interest

Abu dhabi port, port of fujairah, dubai and emirates in detail.

Take a cruise to the Pearl of the Arabian gulf. A Dubai cruise will bring you a mixture of architecture and glittering uber chic life.

People choose to cruise to Dubai for mainly three reasons - sand, sea and sun! Upon reaching the city of Dubai on your cruise ship, you won't help but notice the impressive Burj Al Arab Hotel, dominating the skyline at 321 meters tall, resembling a huge sail.

With the impressive architecture of the Grand Mosque and a helping of boastful nightlife, a cruise holiday to Dubai and Emirates is a mixing pot of fascination.

Guaranteed sunshine, water sports, off roading in the desert, camel riding and the best in relaxation opportunities that anywhere in the world can offer - a cruise holiday to Dubai is more than just a cruise, it's an experience.

Dubai and Emirates Weather

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Transportation | Expect the cost of your airfare to continue to…

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Transportation

Transportation | expect the cost of your airfare to continue to rise, an aviation trade group and industry heads warn.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The cost of your next flight is likely to go up.

That’s the word from the International Air Transport Association, which held its annual meeting Monday in Dubai, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates.

While carriers recover from the groundings worldwide from the coronavirus pandemic, industry leaders told journalists that there are several costs likely to push those ticket prices ever higher.

Part of that comes from worldwide inflation, an ongoing problem since the pandemic started. Jet fuel costs, roughly a third of all airline expenses, remain high. Meanwhile, a global push for the aviation industry to decarbonize has more carriers fighting for the little amount of so-called sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, available in the market.

“The airlines will continue to do everything they can to keep costs in control as much as possible for the benefit of consumers,” said Willie Walsh, the director-general of the the International Air Transport Association, an industry-trade group. “But I think it’s unrealistic to expect that airlines can continue to absorb all of the costs. … It’s not something we like to do, but it’s something we have to do.”

Also pressuring the industry is a pandemic hangover in aircraft production as well, they say. Carriers now keep older planes that burn more fuel flying longer. There also aren’t enough new aircraft to expand routes and increase supply to bring down overall prices.

That warning comes as the IATA estimates globally, airline revenue will reach nearly $1 trillion in 2024, a record high. There will be 4.96 billion travelers on airplanes this year, with total expenses for carriers reaching $936 billion — another record high.

But industry profits also are expected to be nearly $60 billion this year.

In particular, Emirates, a main driver for Dubai’s economy, saw record profits of $4.7 billion in 2023 off revenues of $33 billion.

The Emirates’ results track with those for its base, Dubai International Airport . The world’s busiest airport for international travelers had 86.9 million passengers last year, surpassing numbers for 2019 just before the coronavirus pandemic grounded global aviation.

The airport now plans to move to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches in the next 10 years in a project worth nearly $35 billion .

Tim Clark, the airline’s president, obliquely acknowledged that Monday by saying that he didn’t want people to “get boxes of tissues out and play the violins” when warning that the industry’s profit margins sit in the low single digits. However, he contended that as airlines have grown larger and carriers consolidated, cost savings have quietly been passed onto consumers now able to book flights across the world.

“It is quite amazing that ticket prices are where they are today,” Clark said. “I think the value-for-money proposition that the consumers have had the benefit from for many decades is something that is one of those hidden bits of the narrative.”

Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir, also highlighted the taxes and fees imposed on carriers by the countries they operate in. She specifically cited those paid by carriers flying out of African nations as “already ridiculous.”

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How Waymo outlasted the competition and made robo-taxis a real business

The road to autonomous driving is not for the faint of heart.

Look behind to view the wreck of Uber’s self-driving car. In the ditch to the left is General Motors’ Cruise robo-taxi. And that scent of burning rubber? That’s from the skid marks Apple made as it careened toward the exit ramp .

But one funny-looking vehicle appears to be gaining momentum.

Waymo, born 15 years ago as the “ Google Self-Driving Car Project,” now offers fully autonomous rideshare services in Phoenix—where its driverless vehicles also make Uber Eats deliveries—as well as in San Francisco and part of Los Angeles; 50,000 paid Waymo rides take place across the three cities each week, the company recently announced.

That paying passengers now routinely hop into empty Waymo vehicles, which gracefully move among the surrounding jumble of human-piloted cars, is a remarkable feat of engineering and a genuine pinch-me moment for anyone who has experienced it. And while Waymo has been at it longer than most, the fact that it has become the leader in the crowded race to commercialize self-driving cars was not a given.

Frederic Bruneteau, the founder of Ptolemus, a Brussels-based automation consultancy and market research firm, likens the competition in the self-driving car industry to the grueling Tour de France bicycle race: “Sometimes you see people catching up with you, and sometimes you’re getting ahead and the number of people behind you are pretty scarce. That’s what’s happened with Waymo.”

50,000 Total weekly Waymo rides in L.A., Phoenix, and San Francisco. Source: Waymo

Aman Nalavade, Waymo’s group product manager for growth and expansion, says a go-slow approach has proved to be the right strategy for this race. “We scale responsibly, as it’s bad business to overrun supply,” Nalavade says. For technology as novel as fully autonomous vehicles, “it takes time to build up a meaningful service and gain a community’s trust.”

But even the most bullish believers in autonomous transportation acknowledge the tech still has a ways to go before it’s reliable enough for widespread deployment on U.S. roads. And while Waymo has outlasted its rivals so far, new challenges on the regulatory and competitive front mean that it’s closer to the next phase of the race than it is to the finish line. 

From moonshot to reality

Google launched its self-driving car program in 2009, incubating it within the X “moonshot” lab before spinning it out as a stand-alone business called Waymo (“a new way forward in mobility”) within the Alphabet parent company. The car’s physical design and functionality, as well as the team’s leadership, have gone through multiple transformations since then. 

Google initially designed the technology as a copilot system that allowed human drivers to let go of the controls, retaking the wheel only when necessary, but concluded the approach was unsafe. In 2015, the company began building its own pod-shaped “koala” car—a two-seater with no pedals or steering wheel—only to revert in 2017 to using modified versions of commercially available cars. Today Waymo’s fleet consists of Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs equipped with an array of sensors.

There’s been no shortage of problems and setbacks. In December, Waymo recalled its vehicle software after two of the cars crashed into a pickup that was being towed in Phoenix. And U.S. regulators recently opened an investigation into 22 reported incidents involving Waymo cars, including 17 collisions with stationary objects such as gates and parked cars, and multiple occasions where the vehicles appeared to disobey street signs and road markings. 

But whether the result of superior safeguards or mere luck, Waymo has managed to avoid the more serious road accidents that have derailed its rivals. Uber abandoned its self-driving car efforts in 2020, two years after one of its cars fatally struck a pedestrian in Arizona. A Cruise vehicle in October hit and dragged a pedestrian who had been thrown into its path after being struck by another car. Regulators made Cruise suspend its driverless operations in San Francisco, and Cruise soon halted operations nationwide.

250 Waymo vehicles operating in San Francisco. Source: Waymo

It was a major setback for Cruise, which, just months earlier, had gotten California regulators’ green light to offer driver-free robo-taxi services to paying customers any time of day in San Francisco. Cruise has not provided a date for when it plans to resume its robo-taxi passenger service, but recently began testing cars with human safety drivers in Arizona again.

Apple, meanwhile, called it quits in February, shutting down an expensive yearslong project that never reached the point of testing without human safety drivers on public roads.

Waymo’s ability to “mostly stay clear of trouble,” along with its steady geographical expansion and its investors’ deep pockets, has put the robo-taxi operation “into a very good position,” says Pedro Pacheco, a vice president of research at Gartner. While other autonomous driving companies might be tempted to move too fast in order to justify themselves to their investors, he adds, Waymo’s situation as a mostly autonomous sister company to the cash-generating Google gives it “the comfort to take a somewhat cautious pace of growth.”

What comes next

The heat may soon be on again, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promised that his company will reveal its own robo-taxi in early August.

Tesla has so far not been a direct competitor to Waymo—its fallaciously named “full self-driving” (FSD) technology is more akin to an advanced driver-assist system, requiring a human driver to be attentive at all times (known as Level 2 autonomy in industry jargon, versus Waymo’s Level 4 vehicles, and Level 5, the highest).

While the two companies’ vehicles use different hardware to navigate the roads—Teslas rely solely on cameras; Waymo cars draw data from cameras plus radar and lidar laser sensors—AI will play an increasingly important role. 

Tesla’s fleet of hundreds of thousands of vehicles constantly feed data to the company’s neural networks so that its FSD software can learn to drive more like humans do. This year’s version of the software, FSD 12, is the first to let the neural network make decisions about driving. According to Gartner’s Pacheco, Tesla’s self-learning approach is a “hint of the direction in which this is heading, and now an AI breakthrough could unlock a lot of new possibilities for autonomous vehicles.”

Waymo’s Nalavade says AI “has long been a part of our stack, but its role has grown massively in recent years.” The progress in AI, he notes, has made Waymo’s recent expansion possible by allowing its systems to “generalize”—to apply previously learned lessons to new environments, rather than having to start from scratch in each new place. “The Waymo Driver [system] is capable of generalizing to dozens more cities tomorrow, but we’re focused on building a valuable ride-hailing service that people want to use in the cities [in which] we operate,” he says.

While an imminent Tesla robo-taxi has many doubters given Musk’s history of overly optimistic timelines, there are plenty of other players with no intention of ceding the future of automobiles to Waymo. Amazon subsidiary Zoox has a robo-taxi currently shuttling employees to work in certain locations. Automakers like Ford, Volkswagen , and Mercedes-Benz are driving hard (often in partnership with startups) toward Level 3 systems, which still require occasional human intervention. And China’s rising band of automakers have various projects in the works.

“We’re far from getting to the final chapter of robo-taxis,” says Pacheco. 

This article appears in the June/July 2024 issue of Fortune with the headline “How Waymo steered to the front of the pack and made self-driving taxis a reality.”

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