Khalid Al Malik said Dubailand would attract repeat tourists and cruisers. Khalid Al Malik said Dubailand would attract repeat tourists and cruisers.

Dubailand and Royal Caribbean International have joined forces to create a joint product offering for the cruise line’s guests.

The US cruise firm, which will offer seven-night sailings on the Brilliance of the Seas in the Gulf from January 18 to April 2010, will boost its shore excursion offering for pre- and post-cruise with a Dubailand option.

Several elements of Dubailand — designed as a tourism, leisure and entertainment destination and a member of Dubai Properties Group — are now operational.

These include Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, Dubai Outlet Mall in Outlet City, Global Village and Dubai Sports City, which features the Ernie Els Golf Club, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the Cricket Stadium, which collectively receive more than eight million visits annually.

“Combining some of Dubailand's exciting destinations with the excellent Royal Caribbean product will provide a wealth of entertainment options that will attract repeat visits from tourists and residents alike,” said Dubai Properties Group CEO Khalid Al Malik.

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“We look forward to welcoming this world-class vessel to [our] shores and we are confident this development will contribute to the growth of regional and international tourism.”

Key features of Brilliance of the Seas include an open Centrum with 10-deck high windows and ocean-facing glass elevators, both of which offer spectacular views of the passing shoreline and sea.

Activities offered include mini-golf; a rock-climbing wall and the Adventure Beach waterslide. For the Gulf itineraries the ship’s ports of call after departing Dubai will include Muscat, Fujairah and Bahrain.

RCI regional vice president Rama Rebbapragada said the cruise line had received an “excellent response” for Brilliance of the Seas’ first ever Gulf sailings with key global source markets including the UK, North America and Germany.

“We are also seeing strong interest from the Middle East,” he said. “Together with Dubailand, we look forward to offering great shore excursions and an overall outstanding vacation experience for our guests.”