DUBAI CRUISE DEPARTURES
The Middle East Emirate of Dubai has rapidly emerged as one of the world's leading holiday destinations. With the UK providing almost three quarters of a million yearly visitors and over 140 direct weekly flights, Dubai is established as a firm favourite with British holidaymakers.
Not surprising, as it offers pristine sandy beaches, year round sunshine, fine dining and an incredible array of activities to suit all tastes.
But now you can add a further dimension to a Dubai holiday - a fantastic 7 night cruise!
For 2011/12 Winter Season, the two major protagonists offering cruises from Dubai are once again Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean, although the Italian cruise line MSC has a handful of departures as an alternative from its primary departure port of Abu Dhabi.
Royal Caribbean is once again utilising Brilliance of the Seas, commencing a series of 7 night cruises every Monday starting 21 November 2011. The final sailing takes place on 12 March 2012 with most prices starting at less than £400 per person.
Costa's 7 night cruises deploy their latest ship, the impressive Costa Favolosa with a commencement date of Friday 16 December 2011 through to 06 April 2012. Prices on this ship are slightly more than on the alternative Royal Caribbean vessel, the small increase perhaps reflecting the fact that clients are experiencing the latest in state of the art facilities.
Both companies offer an almost identical itinerary, which include stops in Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Bahrain - although the latter is under review due to recent social unrest.
Because of the increasing popularity of Dubai and of 7 night cruises, Royal Caribbean have already released their planned deployment for Winter 2012/13. They will be using Serenade of the Seas which is a year younger than the popular Brilliance of the Seas. Cruises commence on Monday 17 December 2012 and operate weekly with a final sailing on 25 March 2013.
Dubai as a holiday destination is an excellent choice, offering exceptional standards of accommodation coupled with high quality of eating establishments. However, there has been a recognisable increase in prices over the last few years. We believe that the growing popularity of cruises from Dubai is due to the realisation that it is cheaper to spend the majority of a Dubai holiday onboard one of the aforementioned ships, bearing in mind all meals, accommodation and evening entertainment are included. With prices starting at just under £400 and child reductions of 75%. these cruises really do offer excellent value for money. In addition - as an added bonus, you get to see some other areas of the Middle East too!
Please use the links above to find competitive priced flights, hotels and transfers.
