Resorts World Cruises is set to make a splash in the Middle East with the deployment of Resorts World One in the Arabian Gulf. From 18 October 2024 to 13 April 2025, the cruise ship will homeport and depart from Dubai with a series of new and exciting cruise options.
The cruise ship will offer a 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise with departures on Fridays; a 3 Night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat departing on Sundays; and a 2 Night Doha Cruise departing on Wednesdays. Guests will have the flexibility to combine two or all three of these itineraries, creating extended cruises of 4, 5, or 7 nights, tailored to their preferences.
Resorts World One will also add Doha as a homeport during the Qatar school holidays from 24 October to 2 November 2024. During this period, vacationers will have the additional convenience to embark from Doha to enjoy two 2 Night Dubai Cruises (24 and 31 October departures) and two 5 Night Dubai–Khasab-Muscat Cruises (26 October & 2 November departures).
Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises, expressed excitement about the new deployment, stating “As an international cruise line that is homegrown in Asia, we have decades of valuable experience in the cruise and hospitality sector, especially in catering to the needs of different ethnic and religious markets. Both cities Dubai and Doha are key international gateways to the Middle East and with the support of the respective local governments, authorities and travel partners, we look forward to further developing cruises to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.”
To cater to the growing Muslim cruise passenger market, Resorts World One will receive the official OIC/SMIIC* Standard Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification, providing regional Muslim travellers with the convenience and access to certified Halal-Friendly offerings onboard the ship. All meats are sourced from UAE Halal suppliers and no pork served onboard.
Additionally, guests can make pre-advanced appointments to have crew members of the same gender attend to them for selected onboard services, such as the spa. Certified Vegetarian and Jain cuisine will also be available to cater to travelers from India and others who prefer specialised vegetarian selections. Furthermore, onboard public announcements will be made in both English and Arabic languages.
With an expected 75 calls in the region and 150,000 passengers over the six-month period, Resorts World One's presence is set to significantly contribute to the growth of cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The cruise ship will attract a new segment of cruise passengers from Asia, increasing diversity in the Arabian Gulf cruise market.
Waves of excitement across the Arabian Gulf
The upcoming deployment of Resorts World One in the Middle East is welcomed by the Arabian tourism leaders with excitement.
Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET), commented: “In choosing Dubai as their ship’s homeport and debut destination in the Middle East, Resorts World Cruises has further highlighted Dubai’s position as the cruise capital of the region.”
Yas Island's wildlife sanctuary boasts over 17,000 animals, including Arabian oryx, ostriches, gazelles, deer, and giraffes, offering diverse safari experiences. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Галина Сандалова
Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi said: “Sir Bani Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi's most beautiful hidden treasures, providing total immersion in nature and wildlife, and a serene stopover for cruise travellers… inspiring them to return and explore the full array of wonders that Abu Dhabi and its cruise routes have to offer."
Philip Dickinson Leading International Market Development at Visit Qatar added: “The Resorts World One cruise ship will further boost Qatar’s inbound and outbound cruise tourism sector, showcasing the best of Qatari hospitality, culture, and our tourist attractions to a new target audience.”
Khalid AlAzri, Director of Tourism Trends Department, Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated: “The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism with their key partners is playing a significant role in preparations to ensure a genuine experience and hospitality for Resorts World Cruises in Khasab and Sultan Qaboos Ports from October 2024 to April 2025. This endeavour holds immense significance for Oman in their respective plans to operate 11 ports in the future.”