RCI launches Arabian cruise

Global cruise line Royal Caribbean International's (RCI) vessel – Brilliance of the Seas – will offer a seven-night Arabian Gulf cruise starting and ending at Dubai from January 18 through to April next year, the operator has announced.

Royal Caribbean has tied up with Dubailand, a member of the Dubai Properties Group, to offer the new cruise, whose other ports of call include Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

Royal Caribbean said guests will have the opportunity to experience Dubai's tourism offerings at Dubailand's attractions through its pre/post cruise packages and shore excursion programmes.

Dubailand, a tourism, leisure and entertainment destination, offers such facilities as the Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, Dubai Outlet Mall in Outlet City, The Global Village, and Dubai Sports City, which features the Ernie Els Golf Club, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the Cricket Stadium.

Khalid Al Malik, CEO, Dubai Properties Group, said: "The two brands have come together to deliver a series of attractions that will increase visitor numbers to the region. We look forward to welcoming the vessel to the shores of the UAE and we are confident this exciting development will contribute to the growth of regional and international tourism."

Rama Rebbapragada, Regional Vice-President of Royal Caribbean International, said: "We are gearing up for the launch of our first dedicated Arabian season, and we have received an excellent response for Brilliance of the Seas' first-ever voyages in the Gulf from our key global source markets – the UK, North America and Germany.

"We are also seeing good interest from the Middle East markets. Together with Dubailand we look forward to offering the shore excursions and an overall outstanding vacation experience for our guests."

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