I'm back with more info
He is cruising down to Dubai via the Suez Canal, the ship (The Queen Mary - that's big!) calls in to Dubai where him and his wife get off (disembarks is the proper expression I think). They are staying 4 nights in The Arabian Courtyard hotel and (now for the bad bit) fly back to the UK.
I asked for prices and my friend says she saw it advertised in Thomas Cook for £1100 each. They may have upgraded their hotel, she wasn't sure.
So I would give Thomas Cook a bell and see what they can do for your brother. If he plans to do a Round The World ask him if he needs someone to carry his bags? I could be free.