Resorts World Cruises has made a landmark entry into the Middle East with the launch of its inaugural sailings from Dubai on Resorts World One on 1 November 2024, signalling a new era in Gulf cruising tailored to the needs of Muslim travellers.
Departing from Port Rashid Cruise Terminal 2 in Dubai, the 1,800-passenger Resorts World One will offer three weekly voyages to key Gulf destinations, including a two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise departing on Fridays, a two-night Doha, Qatar Cruise on Wednesdays, and a three-night Muscat-Khasab, Oman Cruise on Sundays. Guests can also extend their experience by combining itineraries to create four-, five- and seven-night cruises.
Tailored experiences for Muslim and Gulf travellers
Speaking at the special celebratory event on board Resorts World One, Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises, unveiled itineraries designed for the Middle Eastern and broader Muslim markets. “As an international cruise operator, we are committed to respecting local cultures and meeting the unique needs of our passengers,” he said.
“Excellent facilities are just part of it – what truly matters is delivering what our guests want. With this inaugural Dubai sailing, guests can enjoy fully halal-certified dining options, and they can rest assured that our crew is trained to be sensitive to their needs. Most importantly, we want everyone to feel comfortable and have a memorable experience with us.”
The launch event also saw participation from local dignitaries, including Hamza Mustafa, COO of DP World, which operates Port Rashid Cruise Terminal. “This is the first time a company has truly asked, ‘What can we design and offer that suits the local market?’ Resorts World Cruises is pioneering this approach. I feel fortunate that their senior management has had the vision to choose Dubai and DP World as their main port of call, committed to expanding and adapting to what works best for our region," he stated.
Homeported in Dubai, the 1,800-passenger Resorts World One will offer three weekly voyages to key Gulf destinations.
The launch of Resorts World One underscores the company’s commitment to the Muslim travel market, featuring amenities tailored to cultural and religious considerations. Christine Lim, assistant vice president of marketing & onboard revenue at Resorts World Cruises, highlighted the preparations made for the Dubai deployment. “Our crew underwent training on cultural etiquette and best practices to ensure a welcoming environment for all guests, and we've also increased the number of Muslim staff for this cruise.”
Resorts World One is certified by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and The Standards and Metrology Institute with the ship offering certified halal cuisines, including vegetarian/Jain cuisine.
A distinctive feature on board Resorts World One is The Palace, a private enclave with 24-hour butler service, designed to provide privacy and comfort for intimate family gatherings. Lim added that Resorts World Cruises plans to tap into the Umrah market, with the Gulf cruises offering an ideal pre- or post-Umrah experience for Muslim travellers.
Celebrating a milestone launch
In celebration of the inaugural sailing, Resorts World One hosted a Diwali-themed event, marking the first in a series of onboard cultural celebrations planned throughout the ship’s Dubai tenure. Over 600 guests, including government officials and business partners, attended the launch, underscoring the event’s significance.
“Seeing Resorts World One docked in Dubai and ready to set sail is a moment we’ve been eagerly awaiting,” said Goh, expressing gratitude for the support received from Dubai’s government and business community.
Saud Hareb Almheiri, cruise tourism & yachting lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, noted the launch’s significance for Dubai’s position as a cruise hub, saying, “Dubai extends its warmest congratulations to Resorts World Cruises on the successful launch of its new services… Together, we look forward to further reinforcing Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.”