Dubai to host world's 'most expensive shore excursion' for cruise passengers

Dubai will soon become home to the world’s most expensive shore excursion from a cruise ship, according to media reports.

According to Cruise Arabia & Africa, Royal Caribbean International – which will begin 7-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf from December 2019 – will now offer passengers a AED 122,000 ($33,000) “ultimate shopaholic” shore excursion.

The package will include a personal styling section with image consultant Rose Arbaji at the Burj Khalifa, as well as a shopping excursion – complete with personal shopper – to Dubai Mall and a photo shoot.

Passengers who opt for the shore excursion will also be taken for a three-course meal and an over three hour spa experience at the Rose Arbaji Centre on Jumeirah Beach Road.

“The day will be such an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience, that guests really will need to pinch themselves to be reminded it isn’t a dream,” Royal Caribbean International UK and Ireland managing director Ben Bouldin is quoted as saying.

According to Bouldin, the excursion was created after research found that British cruise passengers believe Dubai to be only behind New York and London when it comes to shopping.

“Shopping is still a favourite pastime of the British public and they are expecting big things from Dubai’s retail offerings in the coming years,” he said. “We’ve let our imagination run wild and have created a playground for those who love to indulge in retail therapy…what better place to do that than Dubai?”

In May, Royal Caribbean confirmed that cruises aboard its “Jewel of the Seas” will return for the 2019/2020 cruise season. The company’s last cruise in the Arabian Gulf ended in March 2017.