January 19, 2010 - Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas has made her maiden docking into Dubai, marking the company's official entry into the Middle East.
It heralds the start of seven-night return-trip sailings to Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain from her home port of Dubai over the next four months.
The 90,090-ton Brilliance of the Seas will add more than 32,000 guests in her first four-month season to the region's burgeoning cruise sector - which is expected to grow by 30 percent this year.
Michael Bayley, Senior Vice President International for Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: "The Middle East's prospective growth figures for luxury cruising are remarkable and we expect Brilliance of the Seas to establish itself as the leading cruise option for years to come."
Brilliance of the Seas features indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre and day ppa, an indoor and outdoor sports deck with golf simulator, sports courts, a rock-climbing wall and a jogging track. It also boasts a wide range of dining options with Arabian flavour added especially for the Gulf cruises, shopping arcades and a theatre.
Guests can also enjoy the cruise line's Broadway-style musical revues and the Adventure Ocean kids and teen programme.
In 2009, Dubai played host to 100 cruise ships that brought 260,000 cruise tourists. This year, Dubai will be hosting 120 ships with over 325,000 passengers after the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in February.
A nine-night Dubai fly/cruise on Brilliance of the Seas costs from £1,066 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).
Royal Caribbean - 0844 493 2061, www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
Brilliance of the Seas
