Dubai to Welcome 150 Cruise Ships in Coming Months
Dubai is preparing to welcome a record number of cruise ships in the upcoming months, with up to 150 vessels expected to call in at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour. According to the state news agency WAM, this surge in cruise ship visits demonstrates Dubai’s growing popularity as a top cruise destination.
The season kicked off on October 28 with the arrival of the luxurious Mein Schiff 2, which docked at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal in Mina Rashid. This marked the beginning of an exciting period for cruises in Dubai.
One of the notable additions to the cruise ship fleet is the Resilient Lady, joining the Virgin Voyages family alongside the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady. Resilient Lady, which was launched on May 14 from Athens, Greece, features innovative design by renowned architects and designers such as Tom Dixon and Concrete Amsterdam. Moreover, the onboard dining experience is curated by Michelin-starred chefs, promising a culinary journey like no other.
Michelle Bentubo, the Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Voyages, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and Arabian hospitality in Dubai. She highlighted the efficiency of the modern terminal network, which enables smooth turnaround for the cruise ships. This is particularly important as Dubai offers shorter stays for these vessels. Bentubo also expressed optimism for future visits to Dubai, emphasizing the potential for continued growth in the years to come.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer of Shamal Holding and the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, mentioned that Dubai Harbour curates extraordinary experiences that are inspired by the city’s connection to the sea. The development showcases a diverse range of living, retail, and hospitality offerings for visitors to explore. Binhabtoor further highlighted the success of Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal during the past cruise season, with a remarkable increase in the number of passengers and ship calls. He anticipates even bigger vessels operated by renowned companies to visit the terminal in the upcoming 2023/24 season.
The influx of cruise ship visits is a testament to Dubai’s status as a premier tourist destination, and the city remains committed to providing exceptional experiences for its visitors. With its stunning architecture, world-class dining, and unparalleled hospitality, Dubai continues to attract travelers from around the globe. The forthcoming cruise season is expected to further solidify Dubai’s position as a leading cruise destination.
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