Dubai and Arabian Gulf star in major cruise TV ad campaign for first time

P&O Cruises on Tuesday released its new 2019 TV advert for the UK market, putting Dubai and the Arabian Gulf front-and-centre for the first time on primetime programming.

It is the first time the Dubai cruise market has been the focus of a TV advert for a cruise line, and showcases P&O’s first ever cruise season in the city. The cruise line will be returning to the Arabian Gulf for the 2019/2020 season as well as next year’s 2020/21 season, cruising roundtrip from Dubai between October and March.

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Starring Welsh actor and comedian Rob Brydon, the advert follows him on a P&O cruise out of Dubai. The cruise ship shown alongside in Muscat is Oceana, which P&O will be once more homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the upcoming season.

The new TV campaign ‘Souvenirs’ seeks to connect with a new segment of British holidaymakers, guests looking for more enriching travel experiences, but who may have not yet considered a cruise, P&O said.

The advert paints a picture of a more authentic travel experience giving passengers an immersive experience of the local culture and natural beauty of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.

The advert was shot entirely in Oman, as part of P&O Cruises’ Dubai and Arabian Gulf itineraries.

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It shows Brydon haggling with local market owners, ‘dune bashing’ in the desert, playing football with local children, scuba-diving with turtles and exploring architecturally striking mosques.

“Our new advert helps us to challenge tired stereotypes, by highlighting the exciting and enviable experiences our guests can enjoy on a P&O Cruises holiday,” says Paul Ludlow, President, P&O Cruises.

“As we launch our new ship Iona and begin to re-shape the market, it’s a great example of how we are also changing the way we communicate with guests past, present and future,” he added.

On Twitter, Ludlow said that he felt the advert was the P&O marketing team’s “best work yet”.

The brand-new seven-night Dubai and Arabian Gulf itineraries for 2020/21 will see Oceana cruise roundtrip from Dubai on two alternating itineraries, including a maiden call to Doha, Qatar, from October 2020 to March 2021.

Calls will also include Manama, Bahrain; Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Muscat, Oman.

“We were delighted with the positive feedback from our guests following our first Dubai and Arabian Gulf holidays, so Oceana will now offer new seven night holidays for her third season in the region,” said Ludlow.