Affordable Seafaring over Flying: Reason Behind UAE Residents' Preference for Cruise Trips
In the vibrant world of travel, luxury cruises are making a significant splash among families from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. These seafaring vacations offer a unique blend of convenience, cultural connection, family orientation, and exclusive comfort that is driving their growing appeal.
The popularity of cruises, especially those lasting between 7 and 10 days, can be attributed to their value for money. When considering meals, entertainment, and visits to multiple destinations, cruises often prove to be cheaper than equivalent land vacations.
Europe, the Far East, and the Caribbean are popular cruise destinations for many GCC families, offering a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. However, regional Middle Eastern locations such as Dubai, Muscat, Salalah, and Khasab are also gaining traction. Cruises departing from Dubai, for instance, provide local cultural and natural attractions, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a blend of adventure and familiarity.
Luxury cruises cater to the preferences of GCC travellers by offering villa-style suites, private terraces, and personal butler service. This allows family members their own spaces alongside communal areas, ensuring both privacy and shared experiences. The vessels also respect cultural norms, providing a comfortable environment for travellers.
In addition to the comfort and privacy, luxury cruises offer immersive, culturally rich, and family-friendly experiences. Travelers seek journeys that allow deeper engagement with local culture, heritage, and nature, enabling a more reflective and immersive vacation. Popular ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and budget options such as Utopia of the Seas attract this market with unique onboard attractions and diverse onshore excursions.
The luxury cruise market has seen a significant surge globally, tripling since 2010. This trend is evident in the region as well, with new cruise stops in the Gulf such as Ras Al Khaimah enhancing regional cruise appeal.
Hurtigruten, known for its local interactions, sustainable practices, and seasonal activities, has also gained interest from the region. Another noteworthy development is the Aroya Cruise from Saudi Arabia, which targets a wide Muslim audience with halal food, prayer rooms, and shisha decks.
Cruises, with their all-inclusive packages, are becoming a more affordable option compared to land holidays. Moreover, guests on luxury cruises do not have to wait in queues for amenities, adding to their appeal. Some cruises are even ice breaker cruises with a maximum of 100 guests, offering an intimate and exclusive experience.
During the summer, UAE travellers are increasingly choosing cruise holidays. The demand for luxury cruises is on the rise due to their unique experiences, smaller ships, and personalized service. Notable experiential cruises include Arctic and Antarctic cruises, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Celestyal cruises, which homeported out of Abu Dhabi and Doha, reported a high demand from the region, exceeding their occupancy target. Luxury cruise liners often provide unique experiences with an incredible level of service, making them a desirable choice for discerning travellers.
In conclusion, luxury cruises from the UAE and GCC combine convenience, cultural connection, family orientation, and exclusive comfort, making them an attractive option for travellers in this region. Whether it's exploring the wonders of Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, luxury cruises offer a memorable and immersive vacation experience.
- The popularity of luxury cruises among families from the UAE and GCC is growing due to their ability to provide a unique blend of convenience, cultural immersion, family-friendliness, and exclusive comfort.
- Travelers on luxury cruises value the all-inclusive packages, as they offer affordability compared to land holidays, without the need to wait in queues for amenities.
- New cruise destinations in the Gulf, such as Ras Al Khaimah, are enhancing regional appeal and contributing to the significant global surge in the luxury cruise market.
- Halal food, prayer rooms, and shisha decks are features on the Aroya Cruise from Saudi Arabia, targeting a wide Muslim audience and adding to the diversity within the luxury cruise industry.
- Luxury cruises, with their smaller ships and personalized service, offer unique experiences that cater to discerning travelers, who now opt for experiential cruises like Arctic and Antarctic journeys for once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
