Royal Caribbean Announces Dubai Sailings

Last week, Royal Caribbean announced that the Brilliance of the Seas will be based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a series of 7-night sailings between January and April, 2010.

Dubai is an increasingly-popular vacation destination, with man-made attractions, from casinos to snow skiing in the desert, along with some of the most opulent hotels in the world. In fact, it's the future home of the Queen Elizabeth II. While it's just emerging as a destination for North Americans, it is a well-known playground for those in other parts of the world.

These sailings will be the "immersion" sailings, similar to the ones Royal Caribbean operates in Asia, Latin America and England. While they'll be marketed in the US, their primary focus will be more locally-based and regional passengers, rather than those from North America. It's their effort at expanding the brand, without creating additional "brands" and gives them more flexibility in best utilizing their fleet as demand and preferences change.

There is one major caveat if you're considering this destination, and it's one which has not yet been addressed by Royal Caribbean or Dubai - passports. Currently, the UAE routinely doesn't permit entry if the passenger has previously been to Israel and has Israeli stamps in their passport. Whether or not the UAE will issue a waiver for cruise line passengers is an open question. However, if you are considering this destination, and also have or will travel to Israel, I suggest you go as many travelers to the Middle East have had to do for years - apply for a duplicate passport for use in Israel only. You can get a duplicate for that purpose, and you should state that reason on your application. It's a pain, but due to political concerns in the region, one I highly recommend to ease your travel across borders.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas - Pre-Orders!

As most of you are probably aware, the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest extremely innovative ship, will be accepting reservations for Diamond and Diamond Plus members starting August 21, other Crown and Anchor members on August 28, and for general reservations on September 3. However, we have created a website where you can let me know your booking desire RIGHT NOW and have me take care of the reservation when bookings open!

To make your waitlist reservation with me, go to Oasis of the Seas Pre-Order and click on Waitlist. Your request will be sent to me and I'll be sure you're among the first to get your booking!