Royal Caribbean International’s ship Brilliance of the Seas, has introduced two new 12-night itineraries in its Gulf cruises, which, for the first time, will include ports in India.

From January through April 2011, the ship will be offering seven-night cruises in the region, which will start in Dubai, sail to Fujairah and dock in Muscat - where guests can enjoy an overnight stay. She will then continue, spending the day at sea and sail, via Abu Dhabi, back to Dubai.

In the 12-night itineraries, Brilliance of the Seas will also call into Cochin, Goa and Mumbai – where there will be an overnight stay – and sail back to Dubai.

“It is a real pleasure for Brilliance of the Seas to return to her winter home in Dubai and the Gulf region and we're very much looking forward to building on the success of our 2010 inaugural season. We're particularly excited that, in addition to our overnight stay in Dubai, we're also including one night in Muscat, which will give our guests a wonderful opportunity to explore this ancient and historical country and experience true Arabian hospitality,” said Helen Beck, Royal Caribbean International’s regional sales director, International Representatives, Emea.

The largest global cruise line reports that this year’s itineraries are proving to be very popular; nearly all sailings are fully booked at the season’s outset.

“We're in the happy position that the majority of our seven-night sailings are close to being sold out, with some limited availability on the late March and April sailings. We’re equally pleased with the performance of our new 12-night itineraries to India and they are on track to sail at full capacity also,” continued Beck.

Due to high demand, Royal Caribbean will extend the third consecutive season which will comprise 18 roundtrip 7-night sailings and two Dubai and India 12-nights sailings from November through April 2012.

“The interest of regional guests increases from season to season as well as the awareness of cruising as a holiday option. There is still huge potential in the region,” added Lakshmi Durai, executive director Royal Caribbean International in the Middle East.

Royal Caribbean also offers numerous shore excursions to explore the sights of Dubai; the Dubai city tour takes guests to the World Trade Centre, the Burj Khalifa, andends at the Bastakiya area, the city's oldest quarter built by wealthy merchants. Other highlights are the high tea at the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah Souq, a boat trip around the Jumeirah Palm Island, a dhow cruise with dinner or a round of Golf at the Els club.-TradeArabia News Service