Category Archives: Cruises

The Abu Dhabi cruise terminal recently announced that it witnessed an increase of 16% in passenger numbers and 20% jump in vessel calls. The cruise terminal welcomed 231,660 tourists during 2015-16 cruise season compared to 35,366 passengers 10 years ago at Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi Ports which manages the terminal said in a statement, as reported by Gulf News. “This impressive double-digit growth in the face of economic headwinds is a remarkable achievement and further strengthens Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal’s role in boosting the country’s tourism industry,” said captain Mohammad Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports. “We are working closely with our strategic partners to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a major global destination and attract international cruise liners to not only call at Abu Dhabi as part of their itinerary but also to choose the emirate as their starting point for regional cruises by making it their homeport,” he added. According to Abu Dhabi Ports, 113 cruise ships called at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal during the 2015-16 season, marking a 20% growth over the 94 ships that docked at Zayed Port during the 2014-15 season. Tourists from Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom made up 80 per cent of cruise visitors to Abu Dhabi during the cruise season.

The inaugural visit to Dubai of Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s third Quantum-class ship, was met with much enthusiasm, as onlookers marvelled at the magnificent vessel on its maiden voyage. The third ship of its kind, Ovation of the Seas stopped at Dubai Cruise Terminal 3 on its way from Barcelona to Singapore. The occasion was marked by Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, Director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, Dubai Tourism, along with a selection of dignitaries from Dubai Immigration, Dubai Customs, DP World, PCFC Security and representatives from the ship’s agency M/S Wilhelmsen Ship Services and ground handlers M/S. Arabian Adventures who presented the ship’s captain, Flemming Nielsen, with an honorary plaque at a special ceremony held on board the ship. Also in attendance at the event were Dr. Abdulaziz Aloshban, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean Arabia, and Abby Penlington, Marketing & Communications Manager, International Representatives – EMEA.