Resorts World Cruises is seriously considering a longer-term commitment to the local Arabian Gulf cruise market following the success of its first ship in the region, Resorts World One.

Speaking to Seatrade Cruise News, Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises, said the response from the local market has been encouraging, with up to 50% of all bookings coming from the local home market.

“We are hoping for a long-term deployment,” said Goh. “Resorts World Cruises has put in a lot of investment and effort into making the cruise experience on point for the local market. So far, there is a good balance when it comes to serving the domestic market and Asian market.”

Goh explained that Resorts World Cruises has specifically designed its Dubai itineraries and onboard experience to appeal to the huge foreign community in Dubai, which includes expatriates from established cruise markets like the US, UK and Europe, as well as emerging cruise markets such as India.

By offering two- and three-night sailings, tour operators can combine these shorter durations into longer packages, adding value for consumers and providing flexibility during the winter months when hotel costs are high.

“During the winter months, the hotels are very expensive here,” said Goh. “In between coming on board the ship, passengers can disembark and do a day tour in Dubai – and then after that, extend for two more nights. We have that flexibility.”

The shorter itineraries will appeal to UAE Nationals and expatriates living in Dubai and the wider UAE. The 2-night roundtrip Dubai cruises to Sir Bani Yas during the weekend in particular, will prove popular with expats without the time to book a full-week itinerary.

Goh also emphasised the importance of using local suppliers for procurement, supporting the local economy and catering to local tastes.

This includes for its halal-certified meat, served in all restaurants on board Resorts World One.

“Our suppliers are all local. We support the local economy, because I think this is what cruise tourism brings to a country. That was a commitment we wanted to make to the local community,” he said.

Resorts World Cruises is the first major cruise line to homeport in Dubai and target the local market to this extent. The cruise line will be joined in the region in December with the launch of AROYA Cruises in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s first homegrown cruise brand.

AROYA will initially operate in the Red Sea, however, sailing from Jeddah to ports in Egypt and Jordan.