Resorts World goes all in catering to Middle East passengers ahead of Dubai cruise season

Resorts World Cruises has revealed the full extent to which it will adapt its onboard experience for Middle Eastern passengers during its first press conference in Dubai, alongside Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The cruise line announced that its vessel Resorts World One will debut in the Gulf on November 1st, 2024, homeporting in Dubai at DP World’s Port Rashid and offering three weekly departures.

These include the 2-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise (Friday departures); the 3-night Oman (Khasab–Muscat) Cruise (Sunday departures); and the 2-night Doha Cruise (Wednesday departures). For a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4, 5 or 7-night cruise. 

Ahead of its first cruise season in the Arabian Gulf, and in a sign of how significant it believes the local cruise market to be, Resort World Cruises will ensure that its vessel Resorts World One receives the official OIC/SMIIC Standard Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification.

The certification lets Muslim guests cruise with peace of mind knowing that cuisine at all venues throughout the ship comply with UAE Halal standards.

Other Halal-Friendly onboard offerings will also be accessible, including same-gender services for selected facilities and venues. In a nod to the UAE’s sizeable Indian expat population, certified vegetarian and Jain cuisine are also available.

Onboard public announcements will be made in both English and Arabic for the convenience of the onboard guests, and shisha will be available onboard.

These measures tally with those announced by AROYA, the Arab world’s first-ever homegrown cruise line, and mark the first time an international cruise line has specifically attempted to target the local home cruise market in the region.

“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 1st November,” said Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises.

“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”, he added.

“Our deployment in the Gulf will unlock new opportunities for Dubai and the Gulf as a premiere cruise region. We look forward to this journey together, as we boost inbound and outbound travel for the cruise tourism sector.”

Resorts World One carries 1,800 passengers at double occupancy and is a similar size to MSC Cruises’ smaller ships MSC Opera and MSC Symphonia, which have previously homeported in Dubai.

The ship was previously operated by Dream Cruises, but was acquired by Resorts World after Genting Hong Kong went bankrupt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ship offers 17 restaurants and bars, as well as four lounges and several entertainment venues such as the Zodiac Theatre where full production shows are held every night of the cruise. There are also retail spaces, a spa and gym, kids and teens facilities, and a range of sports options available onboard.

For the ultimate luxury experience at sea, discover The Palace, a luxury ship-within-a ship’ all-suite enclave with private amenities and access to exclusive restaurants, including 24-hour butler service.