Royal Caribbean Expands Its Presence To Dubai

Royal Caribbean Intl 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 vacationers to an international mix of guests, on seven-night sailings from this increasingly popular destination.

"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 vacation than traditionally offered in this region," said Michael Bayley, senior vice president, international, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Royal Caribbean continues to attract vacationers globally 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."

Brilliance of the Seas has a sleek profile and features vast expanses of open space, mirrored surfaces and glass paneling with nearly three acres of exterior glass. The open Centrum with ten-deck high windows and ocean-facing glass elevators offers 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, recreational amenities 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 a variety of choices, from Chops Grille steakhouse to Portofino Italian restaurant, Minstrel main dining room, or the casual Windjammer Cafe and Seaview Cafe. Freshly-brewed coffee, cappuccino or pastries can be found in Latte-tudes coffee bar.

Itineraries for the new cruises from Dubai will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more daily news from the cruise industry, visit CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.