Demand for short weekend cruises out of Dubai have surged ahead of the debut in the region of the Singapore-based cruise line Resorts World Cruises, according to travel agents in the UAE specialising in cruise travel.

There is a growing trend toward ‘seacations’, fuelled in part by rising air fare costs and the near-impossible nature of booking a visa appointment for Schengen countries through VFS Global, while roundtrip cruises from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are convenient and cost-effective.

However, because most UAE residents have limited time available for week-long cruises in the Arabian Gulf, there is growing interest in shorter weekend voyages that depart on a Friday evening and return on a Sunday, travel agents told Khaleej Times.

“Cruise trips have gained significant interest among UAE residents. The demand for such trips is increasing, particularly as airfare to visa-free countries has become more expensive, which increases the overall travel package cost,” said Shamsheed CV, senior consultant for outbound Travel at Wisefox Tourism.

“During the National Day holiday, many operators have started offering discounts on these trips. Seacations are becoming more popular because they are cost-effective, and travellers can enjoy various activities. It’s like a floating city where you have all the entertainment you need while sailing.”

While airfare and hotel costs for land-based vacations are sold separately, with food and entertainment then also still to be paid while on holiday, cruises offer a single package that includes accommodation, meals, and entertainment. 

“This makes them an attractive option for families, couples, and even solo travellers looking for a stress-free break without the hassle of planning every detail,” said Shamsheed.

Recognising this growing interest in the UAE cruise home market, cruise operators are capitalising on the opportunity to cater to the local market by tailoring their offerings to meet the needs and preferences of UAE residents. 

Some travel companies have partnered with international cruise lines operating in the region, offering exclusive National Day weekend packages, while Resorts World Cruises will be offering weekend cruise getaways to Sir Bani Yas Island throughout the upcoming 2024/25 cruise season.

“We will have options for two-night and three-night sailings, with prices starting at a cost of Dh1,499,” said Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travel and Tourism. “These shorter round trip itineraries will offer comfortable accommodations in a variety of categories, including palace, balcony, ocean view with window, and interior staterooms.”

Varghese also said that the unique entertainment options available on these cruises, are designed to provide an authentic Gulf experience. “We are offering special pricing during the National Day weekend, and the entertainment onboard will be tailored to local cultures, ensuring that travellers feel a deep connection to the region while enjoying their seacation,” he said.

While other international cruise lines such as Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, which have homeported in Dubai annually since the 2000s, have previously offered shorter cruise options for the local market, they are sporadic and usually involve cruises between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Resorts World Cruises is the first international cruise line to offer short, weekend cruise holidays roundtrip from Dubai on a regular basis. Between November 2024 and March 2025, the cruise line will sail a two-night Sir Bani Yas cruise from Dubai every Friday.