Royal Caribbean Increases Cruise Departures from Dubai

Royal Caribbean International is increasing the length of its Dubai-based season for the 2,501-passenger Brilliance of the Seas during the winter 2011-2012 season due to feedback from travel professionals that there is demand for those cruises.

The Brilliance of the Seas debuted cruises from the United Arab Emirates in January 2010 with the ship operating a series of eight-night fly/cruise itineraries until April 2010.

Sales for 2009 and 2010 in the U.K. and Ireland were 30 percent ahead of target for the cruise line’s first four-month season from Dubai. Agent feedback that they enjoyed significant client interest for cruises in the Middle East as well as the strong airlift from across the country direct to Dubai, drove the decision to increase the number of cruises on offer during the third season in the region. The ship’s return to Dubai in November 2011, two months earlier than previously planned, will offer an increased range of itineraries, including longer cruises up to 18-nights.

During the 2011-2012 season, Royal Caribbean also will continue to offer seven-night cruises departing weekly from Dubai. In fact, there will be double the number of seven-night itineraries compared to previous years, with minor changes to the itinerary, including an overnight stay in Dubai at the end of the cruise, rather than the beginning, and a revised order in the ports of call to simplify visa processing. Featured ports of call include Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Muscat, Oman.