The iconic architecture in the Middle Eastern paradise of Dubai caused the destination to score highly with the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab highlighted as its most interesting shoreline features; this, combined with its tropical desert climate and crystal clear seas, pushed it into the top spot.

The list is not without controversy and some may be surprised to see the UK’s Blackpool coming a close second to the holiday hotspot of Dubai, but Blackpool scored highly for its clean and clear Blue Flag beaches and interesting features such as the famous Blackpool Tower, with only the British weather keeping Blackpool from the number one slot. While Blackpool came second on the list of the world’s top ten shorelines, Inchydoney, County Cork, a Blue Flag status beach with beautiful sea views, was close to the mark scoring in the top five. 

Swann said “I’ve used Dr Holmes’ report and the science behind the equation to identify the top ten shorelines in the world and having travelled to Dubai in March this year, I can certainly vouch for its sensational shoreline. Brits should be proud to see Blackpool come second to such an iconic destination!”

Dr Holmes said: “While this formula may not account for every eventuality, the top ten hopefully helps holidaymakers identify the shorelines which are, scientifically, most impactful.  All countries have good and bad shorelines; however some are stunning in their unpretentious beauty combined with iconic features.  Shorelines such as Dubai in UAE score well across all elements of the formula, whilst others such as Inchydoney in Ireland offer wonderful experiences with the added benefit of attracting smaller crowds. Cruise ships can offer one of the best ways to enjoy these shorelines as the height gives a superior view point and shows off many of the elements which make up the formula to their best advantage.” 

Stuart Leven, Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director of UK & Ireland said: “Our customers are increasingly putting the destination at the heart of their cruise holiday and the views of shorelines are a big factor when it comes to deciding which cruise to book.”

Leven continued: “I’m happy to say we do offer holidays that take in a number of those destinations listed within Laila’s top ten, including Vision of the Seas based in Dubai this winter, but I’m not sure whether we have any plans to introduce a new route via Blackpool just yet, lovely as it is!” 

A spokesperson from DP World Cruise Terminal in Dubai said: “We were delighted to hear that Dubai’s stunning shoreline been listed as the world’s number one seascape. The view of the city as you come in by sea is unique and it’s wonderful that this has been recognised.”

–ENDS– 

Notes to editors

Dr Holmes’ Report took into account the following elements to formulate the equation:

The Perfect Shoreline factors are: 

·         Clear Horizon (CH): The clearer the view on an average day to a far distant horizon defines a perfect shoreline. This should produce the sense of a massive sky view that is impossible in daily city life.

·         Sand Quality (SQ): Consensus of opinion prefers white or near white very fine sand that is deep and soft to the touch. Of course everyone would rather the sand beneath their feet were very clean and dry 

·         Cleanliness (C): This is an increasingly important factor and applies to all aspects of the shoreline, requiring an absence of human debris and other forms of pollution. (This is a negative factor in the formula and is reverse scored.)

·         Sea colour (SC): This factor is often the first mentioned in tourist literature. Most prefer light blue–green seas reflecting blue skies. There are variations but few will tolerate muddy or opaque waters. 

·         Interest Features (IF): Once the impact of the natural shoreline abates, it is good to have some discrete point of interest to break the predictable scene slightly but not obscuring the sea, sand and horizon. This may be a natural feature such as a distant mountain or a piece of stunning architecture even a lighthouse.

·         Air Quality (AQ): Although we tend to focus on visual aspects of the shoreline, our sense of smell predates vision greatly and probably provides the foundation of our experience of the shore. Thus, we seek the distinctive unpolluted aroma of sea air. (This is a negative factor in the formula and is reverse scored.) 

·         Weather (W): Stark desert heat may not be truly pleasant for time at the shore. However, warm sunny conditions with an occasional fluffy cloud and a light breeze is probably ideal. (This is a negative factor in the formula and is reverse scored.)

About Royal Caribbean International: 

At Royal Caribbean International, our aim is to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. We are the pioneers of many firsts at sea, offering a playground of incredible experiences on 25 of the world’s most innovative and spectacular ships, visiting over 250 destinations around the world.

We are revolutionising the cruise industry to make every holiday one to remember. Whether that’s wowing guests with our robotic bartenders, thrilling them with a ten storey slide or mesmerising them with breath–taking destinations, we want to open their eyes to a new way to travel. 

Even better, Northern Irish consumers and travel agents think we’re doing great things too… in 2016, Royal Caribbean has been awarded “Best Specialist Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Line”, in addition to the NI Travel Marketing Initiative Award in the Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards.

Stay up–to–date by following @MyRoyalUK on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. 

For additional information or to make reservations, guests can visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or call 0844 493 3033 (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge), or call their travel agent. Travel professionals can visit Cruisingpower.co.uk.