The Gulf Gets Its First Cruise Ship

The Gulf News covers the first port call of the Gulf's first-ever luxury cruise ship. The Orient Queen from Lebanon-based Abou Merhi Cruises is a 12 deck five-star ship hoping to capture the eye of a growing market in the Gulf. The ship was launched in Dubai and will be based in the region. The ship has 336 staterooms and 56 suites as well as shopping, a hospital, gym, swimming pools, restaurants and cafes. The ship will travel on three, four and seven night cruises starting in Dubai and going to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. A suite with a window costs $1,800 for three nights during low season.