Resorts World Cruises has announced that from 1 November 2024, its luxury cruise liner, Resorts World One, will be based in Dubai’s Mina Port Rashid and offer three weekly departures.
Departing Fridays is the two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise, while the three-night Oman cruise will depart on Sundays and the two-night Doha cruise will leave on Wednesdays. Passengers can combine itineraries for extended four, five or seven-night itineraries.
“These are exciting times for Resorts World Cruises, as we inch closer to the start of our first sailing from Dubai to the Gulf with the Resorts World One on 1 November. The response from the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon”, said Mr. Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises.
Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “This strategic partnership with Resorts World Cruises is a testament to our commitment to bring increasingly diverse cruise experiences to our city, underlining Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region. We appreciate the efforts of the cruise line in fully assessing the needs of the market and offering a comprehensive world-class holiday to travellers from the region and around the world.”
On board experience
With extensive international experience, Resorts World Cruises is poised to cater to the preferences of the Gulf market. Notably, Resorts World One will be awarded the OIC/SMIIC Standard Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification, ensuring a welcoming environment for Muslim guests. They’d therefore be able to cruise with peace of mind and indulge in Halal cuisine, sourced from UAE Halal suppliers, and also access various Halal-Friendly amenities, including same-gender services and facilities. The cruise will offer certified vegetarian and Jain options as well. To further enhance the experience, onboard announcements will be made in both English and Arabic, and Shisha will be available for guests to enjoy.
Set to bring its signature Asian hospitality to the Gulf, offering a blend of international cruising experiences tailored to the local market, the debut of Resorts World One on 1 November coincides with the vibrant Diwali celebrations, a significant festival in India and Asia, which is expected to draw a diverse expat crowd and attract inbound fly-cruise travellers to Dubai.
For the ultimate luxury experience at sea, passengers can look into staying at The Palace, a luxury ‘ship-within-a ship’ all-suite enclave with private amenities, and access to exclusive restaurants, including 24-hour butler service. This private club on board is the largest of its kind on any cruise liner.
Maiden voyage and beyond
To mark the ship’s maiden voyage coinciding with the Festival of Light, the cruise ship will transform into a kaleidoscope of colours and lights; and passengers can expect to be dazzled by a seriers of spectacular performances, dinner shows and entertainment that showcase the vibrant spirit and traditional cultures of the Gulf and Asia. Cruise-goers can also look forward to ‘Gujarat food festival’ treats, and other sweet indulgences throughout the week-long celebration; and stay active with dance classes, karaoke, outdoor games and more.
While those cruising to the famous Sir Bani Yas Island can explore its beautiful beaches and wildlife park with more than 17,000 animals, travellers heading to Oman will enjoy some of the country’s rugged beauty including its mountainscapes, sandy beaches and lagoons, as well as centuries’ old historical wonders and architecture. Finally, cruise-goers heading to Doha, Qatar, will no doubt enjoy things dune bashing and camel races while taking in the city’s incredible melting pot culture.
Regional growth
The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is taking significant steps to ensure a warm and authentic welcome for Resorts World Cruises in Oman. In collaboration with key partners, the ministry is working tirelessly to provide an unforgettable experience for passengers at Khasab and Sultan Qaboos Ports from November 2024 to April 2025. This initiative is part of Oman’s ambitious plans to operate 11 ports in the future, further solidifying its position as a premier cruise destination.
Meanwhile, Qatar Tourism is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of Resorts World Cruises in Doha for the first time. Renowned for its international expertise and commitment to catering to the needs of its passengers, the cruise line is expected to bring a new level of excitement to the region. Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support Section at Qatar Tourism, expressed enthusiasm for the debut, stating that the 2024-2025 cruise season is expected to be the largest yet, with many maiden cruises and returning ships gracing “The Terminal”. Qatar Tourism will soon unveil new offerings and updates for visitors, further enhancing the cruise experience.
With the upcoming deployment, Resorts World Cruises has also announced its new partnership with DP World, a leading maritime gateway and hub for the region, where the collaboration will focus on homeporting Resorts World Cruises fleet at Port Rashid.
