The popularity of Dubai as a cruise destination as well as embarkation port for Middle East cruise itineraries is “soaring”, according to Paul Ludlow, Senior Vice President, P&O Cruises.

“We are excited to be offering Dubai & Arabian Gulf cruises for the first time
ever. The popularity of this region is soaring and these itineraries offer a mix of destinations, experiences and unique cultures complemented by a choice of unusual tours including camel racing and dune rides,” he says.

Ludlow added that the UK-based cruise line would be bringing a taste of Britain to the Middle East. P&O will undertake its first Arabian Gulf cruise season out of Dubai aboard Oceana.

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“P&O Cruises is British through and through,” he says. “We recognise that British guests want the security of a home away from home, not to mention personal service, the feeling of anticipation, incredible adventures ashore, relaxation and friendships – all coming together to create lasting memories.”

Some of the ways that P&O Cruises plans to offer a truly British experience in the Middle East cruise market is through celebrity partnerships, in addition to collaborations with iconic British entertainment brands.

Paul Ludlow, Senior Vice President, P&O Cruises.

“We are always finding unique ways to
tell our story and inspire guests,” says Ludlow.

“We do this through relationships with some of the UK’s top chefs such as Marco Pierre White. These chefs are at the top of their field, thus enhancing our on-board dining experiences,” he adds.

“Also, as the only holiday company to partner with Strictly Come Dancing, one of the country’s best loved shows, we offer those money-can’t-buy, up-close-and-personal experiences, such as one-to-one dance classes or hosted dinners with the dancers,” he says.

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P&O Cruises maiden Dubai cruise season will be sailed by its family-friendly cruise liner Oceana. She will conduct ten roundtrip Dubai cruises. These cruises will call at Bahrain; Abu Dhabi; Khorfakkan; Khasab coupled with Sir Bani Yas Island over the course of a ten-night cruise.

P&O Cruises in publicity material says these itineraries promise “a landmark journey” of “timeless landscapes, ancient mosques, futuristic cities, and glorious sandy beaches”.

Balcony suite, shopping area and spa area aboard P&O Cruises’ Oceana.

Oceana’s Arabian Gulf cruises are being marketed as a family-friendly cruise holiday option. The ship is designed to cater to all ages. There are age-specific kids’ clubs, a night nursery for under 4s, and dedicated family restaurants with early eating times.

She also features child-free zones such as the Spa, an adults-only pool, and a Champagne Bar as well as a casino.

Oceana will sail her first Dubai to Dubai cruise on January 20^th, 2019. P&O Cruises has previously indicated this is a tester for a longer Middle East homeport deployment. She’ll depart the region on March 21^st, bound for La Valletta on the ancient Mediterranean island of Malta.