After months of preparations, Singapore-based cruise operator Resorts World Cruises has announced the commencement of its cruising operations in the Gulf Cooperation Council region with the launch of its first sailing of its ship, Resorts World One from Dubai on November 1.

Michael Goh

This was announced by Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises at a specially-organised press conference in Dubai, at which select media, including India Outbound, were specially invited. Goh told the media that Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures. These include 2-night Sir Bani Vas Weekend Cruise, with Friday departures, a 3-night Oman Cruise, with Sunday departures and a 2-night Doha Cruise, with Wednesday departures. 

Goh added that for a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4, 5 or 7-night cruise.

He said that taking forward its expertise on the Asian market, Resorts World Cruises will now apply decades of its affiliated international experiences and in-depth expertise to cater to the needs and subtle nuances of the Gulf markets.

Goh said that developing from its in-depth understanding of client preferences, especially in culinary matters, Resorts World One will receive the official Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification upon commencing her sailing from Dubai. He added that the ship will offer certified Halal cuisines throughout the ship as all meats will be sourced from certified Halal suppliers from the United Arab Emirates. 

Other Halal-Friendly onboard offerings are also accessible, including same gender services for selected facilities and venues. 

Recognising the importance of the Indian and Indian-origin markets for the new cruise operations in the GCC, Goh said that Resorts World One will also serve certified vegetarian and Jain meals on board.

Besides officials of Resorts World Cruises, the press conference was also addressed by officials of other organisations

Onboard public announcements will be made in English and Arabic languages for the convenience of the onboard guests. Shisha will also be available onboard.

“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 November 1. 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,’’ said Goh.

“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,” he added.

Besides officials of Resorts World Cruises, the press conference was also addressed by officials of other organisations, mainly tourism promotion board from around the GCC region.

Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb

“Inspired by our visionary leadership and with the continuous support of our partners, cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai tourism industry, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as the leading global oily for business and leisure. This strategic partnership with Resorts World Cruises is a testament to our commitment to bring increasingly diverse cruise experiences to our city, underlining Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region. We appreciate the efforts of the cruise line in fully assessing the needs of the market and offering a comprehensive world-class holiday to travellers from the region and around the world We look forward to welcoming the first passengers onboard Resorts World One and providing them the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience, particularly in Dubai itself where they will begin and end their cruise Journeys and be able to take advantage of the wide range of offerings across the city,” said Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Officials of Resorts World Cruises say that the company will introduce its brand of renowned Asian hospitality to the Gulf, providing international cruising lifestyle experiences with adaptation for the regional markets being served. The commencement of Resorts World One on November 1 also coincides with Diwali, one of India and Asia’s major festivals, which will also attract a wider expat demographic in the region and the inbound Fly-Cruise segment to Dubai.

Naresh Rawal

“Best response has been from South Asia and GCC put together. It is pretty much a very good mix of the two regions. Because for the guests of the UAE and the GCC, it is a new experience at their door step, and the convenience of flying in from South Asia to the UAE makes it very easily accessible for them also,’’ Naresh Rawal, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Cruises told India Outbound.

The officials said that aboard the Resorts World One, customers ought to prepare to be amazed by a series of specially curated performances and unexpected entertainment inspired by the Gulf and across Asia. With the first departure coinciding with the Diwali festive celebrations, guests from the Gulf and across Asia will get to personally experience the Festival of Light on the Resorts World One, as the ship will be colourfully decorated and brightly it with exciting Diwali inspired activities and entertainment.

The cruise liner will also come with its onboard day to night parties, starting with the high energy ‘Dazzling Departure Party’ packed with music and entertainers. Clients can enjoy the captivating Twilight Soirée, featuring a mesmerising dinner show party that will elevate their senses or they can experience the magical Arabian culture, tradition, music and colours with the ‘Enchanting Arabian Nights Party’ or the ‘Sand & Oasis Party’ under the starry nights. 

The ship will also have its own spellbinding stage production shows with breathtaking choreography and awe-inspiring visuals with the ship’s very own ‘Trustfall’, ‘Rhythm & Balance’ and ‘Love Matters performances. Guests of all ages can also take part in a wide array of activities from various Dance Classes, including Belly Dancing, Ballroom, Japanese and Flamenco. There are several entertainment programmes for the children as well.

Representatives of numerous tourism promotional organisations were present at the event

Resorts World Cruises says that the ship will sail to some of the best and most exotic destinations in the Gulf. Over the weekend, one can explore the famous Sir Bani Yas Island known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife park with over 17,000 animals. Alternatively, one can discover Oman’s gem cities, Muscat and Khasab, from its stunning mountain landscape to sandy beaches and beautiful lagoons and centuries of rich historical wonders and architectures. Passengers can also choose to cruise to Doha, Qatar, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities where old meets new with adventurous activities from dune bashing to camel races and more.

Khalid Al Azri

“The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism with their key partners is playing a significant role in preparations to ensure a genuine experience and hospitality for Resorts World Cruises in Khasab and Sultan Qaboos Ports from November 2024 to April 2025. This endeavour holds immense significance for Oman in their respective plans to operate 11 ports in the future,” said Khalid Al Azri, Director of Tourism Trends Department, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman.

“We are excited to welcome Resort World Cruises to Doha for the first time. Renowned for its international experiences and expertise to cater to the needs of its passengers, we are eagerly waiting for her debut across the region. Qatar Tourism’s Cruise Season 2024-2025 is expected to be the largest yet, as the season will see many maiden cruises as well as returning cruise ships gracing the terminal. We will be updating visitors with all the new offerings soon,’’ said Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support Section at Qatar Tourism.

Goh added that for the ultimate luxury experience at sea clients can also 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.

With the upcoming deployment. RWC says it is also excited to announce Its new partnership with DP World, a leading maritime gateway and hub for the region. This collaboration will focus on homeporting RWC fleet at Port Rashid in Dubai.