Royal Caribbean International has announced its entry into Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with the deployment of Brilliance of the Seas in 2010.From January to April 2010, the cruise line will offer its signature style of cruising for active holidaymakers to an international mix of guests, on seven-night sailings from this increasingly popular destination. Itineraries for the new cruises from Dubai will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Dubai is a dynamic and thriving city that shows great growth potential. Building on our reputation for introducing revolutionary cruise experiences, we are excited to provide a different cruise holiday than traditionally offered in this region,” said Michael Bayley, senior vice president, international for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Royal Caribbean continues to attract holidaymakers internationally and we are thrilled to offer new and exciting choices for our guests - combining our distinct onboard amenities with compelling itineraries including the Arabian Gulf’s most popular destinations.”

 

Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland added, “Our travel partners in the UK and Ireland have highlighted the potential growth in cruising from Dubai to match the land-resort development in the region. We are confident that these new cruises will perform well in this market as we continue to drive growth in our market share with new destinations, new experiences and new ships.”

 

Brilliance of the Seas has a sleek profile and features vast expanses of open space, mirrored surfaces and glass paneling - nearly three acres of exterior glass. The open Centrum with ten-deck high windows and ocean-facing glass elevators offer guests breathtaking vistas of the passing landscape and sea. Among the ship’s unique features is a pair of ultra-high-tech, self-leveling pool tables in the Bombay Billiards Club.

 

For Royal Caribbean’s typically active guests, the recreational facilities include a rock-climbing wall, jogging track, basketball and volleyball court, golf simulator and nine-hole miniature golf course, and a large gym with treadmills facing the sea.

Five dining venues allow guests to enjoy Chops Grille steakhouse, Portofino Italian restaurant, Minstrel main dining room, or the casual Windjammer Café and Seaview Café. Freshly-brewed coffee, cappuccino or pastries can be found in Latté-tudes coffee bar.

 

Continuing its legacy of creating revolutionary holiday experiences, Royal Caribbean is set to take cruising to the next level with its latest project that has already received widespread international attention.  Due to launch in November 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest, most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.

 

An architectural marvel at sea, the ship will span 16 decks, carry up to 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms, as well as seven unique neighbourhoods that provide holidaymakers with a multitude of experiences and environments to suit their moods.  The six announced neighbourhoods include Central Park, a lush, expansive, open-sky space, lined with restaurants and boutiques, accented by grass, trees and seasonal flora; Boardwalk, a breathtaking seaside-inspired entertainment environment for families, featuring the AquaTheater, the first amphitheatre and deepest freshwater pool at sea; and an enhanced Royal Promenade, twice as wide as those on the Freedom- and Voyager-class ships and with a new mezzanine level overlooking the boulevard of restaurants, bars and lounges, and shops.
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