If a Muslim-friendly cruise with all-halal F&B offerings and experiences that make you feel welcome and included is something you’ve been looking for, then Resorts World One’s Gulf sailing is worth checking out.
In 2022, Resorts World Cruises became the world’s first cruise to feature a certified halal restaurant. With its Gulf sailing, launched on 1 November 2024 aboard Resorts World One, it offers halal dining across all outlets.
From the word “go” (think prayer mats in the cabins, a dedicated ladies’ spa hour), the cruise has crafted experiences for Gulf and Muslim passengers to cruise in comfort. A new addition on the ship, the Ladies Lounge, provides a private space for women to let their hair down (literally!). As Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises told us, “When we were planning this, it was important to us that we understand and respect the Gulf and Islamic culture.”
That ethos extended to making female butlers available on request for guests staying at the brand-defining The Palace, the all-suite accommodation. The butlers, along with the rest of the ship’s crew, have undergone cultural sensitivity training to better understand the Muslim guests’ faith-based needs.
Arabian nights and days
Homeporting in Dubai, Resorts World One offers 2-night cruises to Abu Dhabi or Qatar, and a 3-night Oman cruise, combinable for week-long adventures. Photo Credit: Anis Ramli
Home porting in Dubai, Resorts World One sails through the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, offering a choice of a 2-night cruise to Abu Dhabi, a 2-night cruise to Qatar, or a 3-night cruise to Oman. Guests can choose to mix and match the itineraries, or combine all three for a longer, week-long voyage.
We joined two of the sailings. In Oman, the scenic fjords in Khasab set the backdrop for a languid dolphin-watching excursion aboard a traditional dhow. Such was the soporific effect, everyone slumbered into bliss after lunch was served.
On Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, we took an open viewer truck safari. The island is a conservation ground for endangered species such as the Arabian oryx and gazelles that now roam freely. Once, our driver slyly tried to outrun an ostrich (we lost!), but later made it up by bringing us up close to a striking zebra.
Activities and relaxation on the high seas
During its Middle East sailings, Resorts World One has a dedicated ladies’ spa hour, offering exclusive access to wellness facilities for enhanced privacy and relaxation. Photo Credit: Anis Ramli
The cruise ship has plenty for passengers to do: family games, free movie screenings, daily trivia contests, kids’ activity, spa, lounges, gym. One afternoon, there was even a towel folding demo, much to the glee of the Gen Zs with their penchant for ‘granny hobbies’. One can pencil in days of full activity; but sometimes, luxury is in the stillness.
Strolling through the promenade, marvelling at the Gulf’s varied landscape, listening to the soughing of the sea. In our Balcony Stateroom, where quiet was the greatest luxury, sipping Orange Pekoe tea on the step-out balcony witnessing a stunning sunset checked all the right boxes. The WIFI was a bit spotty, but you wouldn’t be swiping screens with so many things to do anyway.
At times, we wondered how guests at The Palace fared. The vibe on these suites is serene, comfortably contemporary, with hot tubs in some suites and, in the Palace Villa, an outdoor jacuzzi with same views as the bridge! With exclusive access to their own dedicated dining, pool and leisure area, what’s a good reason to leave?
The answer: food hunt. The twelve F&B outlets onboard, including a gelateria, bakery and café, were worth getting up (or out) for. Three are inclusive restaurants (meals are included in cruise fare); but if there was one specialty outlet worth paying for, it was the Blue Lagoon. Serving Asian specialities equalling to those back home, the fried char kuey teow was spot on with strong wok hei flavour while the curry laksa was the best we ever had. For date nights, we recommend the Vintage Room. Surely eating off a US$300 Versace plate deserves getting dressed up? Plus, the lobster bisque is to die for.
Cruises tailored for Muslim travellers
Resorts World One's balcony stateroom features elegant decor, a comfortable bed, spacious seating, modern amenities, and a private balcony offering stunning ocean views for ultimate relaxation. Photo Credit: Anis Ramli
“The Muslim market is important to us, and remains largely untapped,” said Christine Lim, assistant vice president of Resorts World Cruises. “We’re grateful for the guidance of United World Halal Development in shaping our Dubai sailing and look forward to creating more programmes that resonate with our Muslim travellers.” One such initiative includes offering the Gulf sailings as a post-Umrah tour, especially to pilgrims from Indonesia and Malaysia, Lim added.
Dr. Mohamed Jinna, group chairman of United World Halal Development, expressed appreciation for Resorts World Cruise’s commitment to Muslim travellers’ needs. “Their willingness to explore what more can be done truly sets them apart in the industry. InsyaAllah (God willing), there are plans to introduce a similar spiritual voyage to the one we had with Genting Dream where we can host invited guest speakers and special lectures to create a different kind of retreat at sea.”
3 things we love about the Gulf sailing
All-halal F&B offerings across the 12 restaurants and cafes
Inclusivity that makes everyone feel welcome
Balcony class privileges that offer free WIFI and beverage onboard credits worth US$38/night
What we hope for in the future
Segregated swimming pool times for ladies
Extending Stateroom credits to food to enhance onboard experience
Immersive, cultural experiences at shore excursions for guests to connect deeper with the local culture.
Resorts World One homeports in Dubai until April 2025.