Royal Caribbean Cruises to Dubai

October 14, 2008 by slcooper
Filed under Dubai Cruise

A trip to Dubai in the Persian Gulf. It’s definitely on my wish list. Guess I’m just curious to see how an area (small by U.S. standards) is bursting at the seams with popularity and an ‘A’ list destination for the rich and famous.

Now Royal Caribbean Cruises is hoping to capitalize on some of that popularity as it announces plans to cruise from Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates) by offering itineraries on its 2,112-passenger Brilliance of the Seas.

I’ll have time plenty of time to google Dubai as the seven-night sailings will not start until 2010. The six-year-old Brilliance is scheduled to sail the region from January to April 2010. Itineraries for the new Dubai cruises will be announced in the coming weeks.

Like the Caribbean, the Persian Gulf offers consistent warm weather as well as shopping, beaches, water sports and cultural activities.

On a related note, the largest water themed attraction in the Middle East has just opened. It’s part of Dubai’s new integrated resort, called The Palm. The Atlantis, The Palm, is a luxury resort which is the sister hotel of the Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The property includes a hotel with more than 1,500 rooms, beaches, an extensive marine habitat, shopping, dining and a water park you’d have to see to believe.

The water playground consists of rides with cascades, tidal waves and rapids, also water slides – two of which catapult riders through shark-filled lagoons. It also includes an expansive open-air marine habitat and underwater exhibit with a viewing panel looking right into the mystical ruins of Atlantis. There’s also a state-of-the-art dolphin education and conservation center allowing guests the opportunity to meet and interact with the dolphins.

Picture this rising in Dubai from the coastline of the largest man-made island in the world, the Palm Jumeirah. Once Royal Caribbean begins it’s Dubai itineraries, sounds like you better schedule some serious time to visit the region before and after your cruise!

Also, just to let you know, Emirates Airlines has just started non-stop service from Los Angeles to Dubai. It’s a 16-hour flight across 8,000 miles. Emirates Airlines is considered a favorite carrier among flyers.

Brillance of the Seas, by the way, currently sails many of Royal Caribbean’s popular Mediterranean cruise itineraries. You might consider checking one of them out before heading to Dubai.

Happy Travels!

P.S. If you’re interested in theme cruises, don’t forget to check out my site at www.smartmoneycruises.com

Also, you can read more about Dubai at this link offered by Royal Caribbean.