Celebrations by the dozen on eve of Resorts World One’s inaugural Arabian Gulf voyage
On November 1, Resorts World One will venture on its first ever Arabian Gulf voyage prompting a wave of excitement and support from dignitaries in the region.
Celebrations that began on the morning of October 31 aboard Resorts World One in anticipation of the ship’s first Arabian Gulf voyage continued long after sundown, with various dignitaries noting the importance of the decision and the positive impacts expected as a result.
In a speech to guests, dignitaries and journalists on board the vessel docked at Mina Rashid in Dubai, Michael Goh, president, Resorts World Cruises, said, ‘Resorts World Cruises is a cruise line that knows Asia best and we are proud to say that with Resorts World One in Dubai, Resorts World Cruises is a cruise line that knows the Gulf best.’
According to Goh, Resorts World will ‘bring new and unique experiences’ to the region through the well-considered itineraries. For instance, the vessel will operate two-night voyages from Dubai to Sir Bani Yas every Friday from November to April 11. ‘Passengers and their children can enjoy this cruise without taking leave [from work] or days off from school. It is also very convenient, as passengers only need to use their Emirates ID to cruise, without the need for passports. So this really makes it so easy for weekend occasions and retreats,’ explained Goh.
Two-night sailings to Doha will run every Wednesday from November to April 9. Three-night voyages to Khasab and Muscat will take place every Sunday from November to April 6.
‘The beauty of our itineraries is that you can combine any of these to enjoy either a four-, five- or seven-night cruise, with enough shore time for our fly-cruise guests to enjoy Dubai and the Gulf in between these cruises.’
Reactions
Saud Hareb Almheiri, representative of the department of economy and tourism in Dubai, said the collection of sailings represents the ‘start of a new journey for us’ and expressed gratitude towards Resorts World Cruises for its ‘commitment to investing’ in the region.
Speaking for the Oman ministry of heritage and tourism, Khalid Al Azri conveyed enthusiasm at the prospect of Resorts World Cruises ‘boosting the economy and creating jobs’ at destinations in Oman. He explained that the country endeavours to strengthen cooperation with the cruise line, hoping to attract more calls in the future.
For Hamza Mustafa, COO, DP World, which operates Port Rashid Cruise Terminal, the voyage will be ‘the most exciting inaugural call’ that he has ever been involved with, ‘ushering in a new type of cruise vacation’ which serves those in the region. ‘This has been two years in the making,’ he revealed. Grant Holmes, VP global cruise and super yachts, Inchcape Shipping Services, echoed these sentiments, telling Resorts World Cruises ‘we’re so proud to receive you’. He shared an anecdote describing ‘what makes a ship a ship’ and reflected on the ‘rollercoaster’ cruise industry and his more than 20 years of experience working in the cruise sector.
Benjamin Duckworth, speaking for Tourism 365, said the ship’s first sailing out of Dubai will be a ‘milestone’ event ‘and a step forward’ in connecting destinations in the region – a region he called ‘remarkable’ with ‘a vibrant energy’ and ‘serene landscapes’. That residents in Dubai will be able to enjoy weekend cruise breaks is ‘truly unique for this destination,’ he continued.
There is a desire to develop more shore excursions in all five destinations – Dubai, Sir Bani Yas, Doha, Khasab and Muscat – that will mean passengers experience the Middle East in a more ‘authentic’ way, Duckworth asserted.
The sailings will result in a ‘wonderful blend of culture’ and ‘cross-cultural exchange’ between Asia and the Middle East, he said.
‘Here’s to new voyages, new friendships and wonderful journeys that lie ahead.’
Media and trade
Close to 200 regional and international representatives from the media and travel trade will cruise with Resorts World One in the Gulf to ‘promote Dubai and the Gulf as a key cruise hub for the fly-cruise market,’ commented Goh. The six-day maiden Arabian Gulf voyage, which gets underway on Thursday, will see the ship sail from Dubai, arriving in Sir Bani Yas on Saturday, before returning to Dubai on Sunday. Some guests will disembark and others will remain on board, ready for Resorts World One to sail to Khasab and Muscat on November 4 and 5, before the vessel returns to its homeport on November 6.
‘We look forward to a successful deployment - with that it is full steam ahead, and we create a new milestone together…’ said Goh.
Festival of Lights
Colin Kerr, the line’s SVP entertainment, compèred the Dubai Inaugural Launch Celebration Event in the Zodiac Theatre where the speeches were delivered and where commemorative plaques were exchanged.
A flavour of the entertainment to come onboard followed – from ballet dancing to belly dancing and from contortionists to knife throwing in the ‘Wheel of Death.’
Michael Goh accepts a commemorative plaque from Khalid Al Azri. PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE
Entertainment in the Zodiac Theatre following the speeches. (PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE)
Music, singing and games continued throughout the afternoon and evening.
The ship’s first sailing from Dubai also coincides with Diwali. To mark the the Hindu festival of lights, brightly coloured decorations and bunting are hung along the decks of the ship, with sweets and other delicacies found in abundance. Diwali-inspired activities and entertainment are also taking place throughout the ship, including a four-hour Diwali Bollywood Celebration complemented by a bbq, DJ and entertainers. These highlights will continue ‘during the entire week of celebrations – but first on the high sea and the celebration like no other,’ said Goh, alluding to the inaugural voyage.
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