Cruise ship heading to Asia

Dubai, UAE, May 21, 2013-Royal Caribbean International's newly enhancedMariner of the Seas,a Voyager class ship, arrived in Dubai today ending her European tour. On the same day, she will embark on her journey towards Asia.

Mariner of the Seas begins an 11-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore with port calls at Goa, Cochin, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The ship will join her sister ship, Voyager of the Seas in Asia and offer a wide variety of itineraries ranging from three to 12 nights from China and Singapore to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea until the end of the year. Mariner of the Seas' arrival in the Far East will make them the two largest capacity and most innovative cruise ships operating in the region.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director Middle East, said guests would enjoy a range of newly enhanced and exciting amenities and facilities onboard. "Mariner of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships to arrive in Dubai. She is from the Voyager class of ships, which revolutionized the cruise industry by introducing active cruise vacations, debuting the first onboard ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall. Another stunning feature is the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that runs nearly the ship's length; flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques and where lively parades and evening parties are held. The guests can continue enjoying their evenings in a three-storey high theatre with some popular Broadway-standard shows produced using the latest theatre technology."

Speaking about the event Dr Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Strategy & Tourism Sector Development, DTCM said: "Dubai is currently the homeport for four luxury cruise lines and features in the itineraries of no less than 20 world's leading cruise lines. Since Royal Caribbean International first started its operations in the Middle East, choosing Dubai as its homeport in the region, we have developed a highly successful working relationship and so are very pleased to be able to welcome the beautiful 'Mariner of the Seas' on its journey to the Far East. We look forward to continuing to work together and foresee many more prosperous cruise seasons in the future."

Vacationers of all ages onboard Mariner of the Seas can enjoy the DreamWorks Experience featuring parades, themed activities and events based on DreamWorks Animation's popular feature-film characters: Po - the star of the movie 'Kung Fu Panda'; Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots from the movie 'Shrek'; and Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and the Penguins from 'Madagascar'. The 3-D theatre also plays the latest DreamWorks animation films. Younger guests can join the complimentary award-winning Adventure Ocean children's program and take part in an exhilarating list of games and activities.

When she sails into China in June 2013, Mariner of the Seas will offer guests the benefits of the multi-million dollar Royal Advantage revitalization, including enhanced staterooms, new onboard dining options, variety of entertainment options and other innovative features that Royal Caribbean International has created in recent years.  Some of the revitalization features are: Outdoor movie screen, Boardwalk Dog House, pervasive Wi-Fi, interactive flat-panel televisions in staterooms, Digital Wayfinding Systems, Sports facilities including an inline skating track, Royal Caribbean's signature rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.

There's also the cruise line's signature Viking Crown Lounge, the Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, a 1,400-square meter Day Spa & Fitness Center, and complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program.  In addition to a fabulous range of activities, the ship offers conference facilities which provide the ideal environment for corporate meetings. 

Built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Turku, Finland and registered in the Bahamas, Mariner of the Seas can carry 3,114 guests on double occupancy. The ship has 1,557 staterooms of which 775 are with balconies and 939 with ocean views. With a 138,279 gross tonnage (GRT), the ship has 15 passenger decks and 16 passenger elevators. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, CyberCabin, refrigerator and other amenities just like any five star resort hotel on land.

-Ends-

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Awards.

For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent,
visit www.royalcaribbean-arabia.com or call +9714 3314299.
Follow Royal Caribbean Arabia on Facebookwww.facebook.com/RoyalCaribbeanArabia 
Twitterwww.twitter.com/RoyalCarArabia.

© Press Release 2013