| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 24 |
| Copyright: Other |
Royal Caribbean drops Dubai from itinerary
Royal caribbean international
Report by PAULNORRIS
ROYALCaribbean International has dropped Dubai from next season’s Royal Journeys itinerary after experiencing visa problems.This season the cruiseline began the final leg of its inaugural Royal Journeys cruise from the United Arab Emirates port but for 2000/01 Dubai will be replaced by Mombasa.
A spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean said the company had encountered difficulties in arranging visas for passengers wishing to disembark its Legend of the Seas ship at the UAE city.
The problem was worsened by the fact that many passengers started their cruise in Dubai and would have had to obtain a visa to enter the UAE.
The spokeswoman said Royal Caribbean was hopeful of bringing Dubai back into future itineraries once the firm had agreed new visa procedures with government authorities.
She added the inclusion of Mombasa next season enabled the cruiseline to offer passengers a safari in Kenya. Three to 10-day safaris are on offer.
The line has also included the Egyptian port of Safaga into the new programme.
The stop is between Aqaba, Jordan, and Mombasa. Excursions from Safaga include trips to the pyramids at Luxor and to the ancient site at Thebes.
Royal Caribbean launches its second Royal Journeys cruise on November 18 from Athens. The route takes in Middle East destinations, India, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand. Excursions include Israel trips, visits to Petra, the Taj Mahal, Singapore and also the Great Barrier Reef.
The 2,076-passenger capacity Legend of the Seas is due to finish the cruise back in Athens on May 9 2001.
Legend of the Seas: will start its Royal Journeys cruise on November 18