Royal Caribbean reveals world’s most expensive shore excursion on Dubai cruises

Dubai is now home to the most expensive shore excursion in the world, courtesy of Royal Caribbean International on its upcoming Arabian Gulf cruise season aboard Jewel of the Seas.

Jewel of the Seas will homeport in Dubai, sailing roundtrip 7-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf, between December, 2019 and March, 2020. Passengers sailing on these itineraries can now book the AED 122,000 (US $33,000) ‘Ultimate Shopaholic’ shore excursion.

Passengers on this excursion get a personal shopper session at Dubai Mall.

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The package includes a personal styling session with image consultant Rose Arbaji at the Burj Khalifa, followed by a shopping spree at Dubai Mall with a dedicated personal shopper (the package doesn’t include any purchases), and a professional photo shoot outside the hotel.

Royal Caribbean cruise passengers choosing this Dubai shore excursion will also be treated to a three-course gourmet meal and a three-and-a-half hour spa extravaganza at the nearby Rose Arbaji Centre.

“The day will be such an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience, that guests really will need to pinch themselves to be reminded it isn’t a dream,” said Ben Bouldin, Managing Director, Royal Caribbean International UK and Ireland.

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Royal Caribbean International created the tour option after their research found British cruise tourists believe Dubai will be one of the three best global shopping destinations by 2020, after New York and London.

“Shopping is still a favourite pastime of the British public and they are expecting big things from Dubai’s retail offering in the coming years,” said Bouldin.

“In true Royal Caribbean style, we’ve let our imaginations run wild and have created a playground for those who love to indulge in retail therapy in the destination famous for its offerings,” he added. “And what better place to do it than Dubai?”

Image consultant Rose Arbaji, who curated the ‘Ultimate Shopaholic’ excursion for Royal Caribbean, said the tour day was designed specifically with shopaholics in mind.

“Dubai is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary shopping experiences. Guests indulging in this shore excursion will visit the city’s most extravagant locations, be guided through the Dubai Mall’s most premium brands and dine at the world’s most luxurious hotel,” she said. “This truly is the ultimate experience for shopaholics everywhere.”

With a price tag close to that of a mid-range family car, the shore excursion isn’t likely to be among the most booked, but a survey of 2,000 British cruise passengers by Royal Caribbean found that at least 10% have spent more than £2000 (AED 9,400 or US $2,500) on a single shopping spree.

One in seven adults have also booked a holiday to somewhere like Dubai, New York or Paris, purely for the shopping experience.

Package includes:

• First class return flights to Dubai
• Accommodation in the Royal Suite of the Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas cruise ship
• Styling consultation on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa
• Tailored personal shopping experience with high end brands in the Dubai Mall
• Professional photo shoot on the golden sands outside the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s only ‘Seven Star’ hotels
• Three-course gourmet meal at the Burj Al Arab
• Personal hair styling and make-up session
• Three-and-a-half hour spa extravaganza at the nearby Rose Arbaji Centre