Cruise Season Begins in Dubai: 5500 Passengers Arrived

Dubai's new cruise hub welcomed its first passengers for the 2022-2023 season.

Dubai Harbour is the city's first dedicated boating facility. It welcomed more than 5,500 people to the city on Thursday.

The AIDAcosma, a pioneering liquid gas or LNG-powered ship, set sail from Germany for its maiden voyage. Dubai was the first stop on its new Orient itineraries that also include Abu Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain.

The ship, which weighs 183,900 tonnes, has more than 2,600 staterooms as well as 20 passenger decks. It is also the largest of the German operator's fleet. There are 17 restaurants, 23 lounges, a children’s pool, water slides, and an outdoor sports area onboard.

Dubai Harbour will host 46 ships this cruise season, including the AIDAcosma.

This purpose-built terminal also serves as the home port of two sustainably powered ships, the AIDAcosma and the soon-to-arrive Costa Toscana. Both have LNG propulsion engines.

It is part of the facility’s efforts to pave the road for more sustainable sailings. LNG, a clean-burning, nonelectric marine fuel, can reduce a ship's carbon emissions by as much as 30%.

“We are excited to return to Dubai Harbour — this time round with the maiden call of our youngest fleet member AIDAcosma,” mentioned Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales at AIDA Cruises.

“Through AIDAcosma, we are continuing on our path to green cruising and are elated to be collaborating with Dubai Harbour to do so. We are sure our guests will have a great time, as they set sail on a tour of the Orient this winter 2022/2023, specifically at Dubai Harbour with its line-up of entertaining events and activities, alongside the magnificent Dubai skyline.”

Dubai Harbour is located just 30 km from Dubai International Airport. You can also reach the world-famous attractions of Dubai, including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and The Dubai Mall.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer of Shamal Holding said: "Today is a very special day for us. This is not only the first time we have an LNG-powered cruise ship making its way to the city, but also a new cruise season that we look forward to with renewed excitement and anticipation".

Binhabtoor announced that the cruise season at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal will be extended into the summer months of 2023. Ships are scheduled to sail into July.

“As we get ready to see full fleets get back in service, we believe there is great scope for extraordinary growth in the region. This includes more destinations, enhanced experiences and new types of cruise travellers,” he added.

Dubai Harbour's cruise terminals offer a variety of services and amenities for passengers and crew. These include ample seating, currency exchange outlets and ATMs, cafés, coffee shops, duty-free and retail outlets, designated parking, and taxi stands. All facilities are wheelchair-accessible and Wi-Fi is complimentary.

 

Source: thenationalnews.com