ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) Zayed Port has welcomed the first cruise ship of the 2014/2015 season which will see a total of nearly 100 arrivals as the emirate’s cruise tourism sector continues to grow.
The MS Rotterdam which called on Saturday is the first of 93 ships and 220,000 passengers to visit Abu Dhabi during the coming season.
This first arrival demonstrates a growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a regional cruise destination, according to Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
He said: “The start of a new cruise season is always a highly anticipated event, especially for what is set to be our busiest to date, and one marked by the return of a luxury vessel from one of the world’s most respected cruise lines.
“Our efforts are firmly set on growing interest in, and awareness of, Abu Dhabi’s expanding and diverse range of opportunities. Our priority is to convince the local travel industry and hospitality providers of the merits of this expanding sector, and having recently completed asuccessful multi-city regional travel trade roadshow with our Cruise Arabia partners, welcome this interest from our local travel industry partners,” he added.
Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam is a medium sized cruise ship, able to accommodate 1,400 passengers and 600 crew.
During Seatrade Med 2014 in Barcelona, Spain, ADPC and TCA Abu Dhabi unveiled the concept design for Abu Dhabi’s permanent cruise passenger terminal which is expected to open in 2016.
In addition, a new multi-entry visa introduced earlier this year costing $55 (AED200) is expected to make tourist travel between the UAE and neighbouring countries significantly easier, removing a significant barrier for the industry’s development.
The 2014/2015 cruise season will be the busiest yet, with 93 ship calls scheduled and 220,000 passengers expected. This is an increase of 24 percent and 16 percent respectively.
This success is projected to grow, with more than 300,000 passengers expected on 130 scheduled ship visits by 2019/2020.
