Dubai’s new cruise season marked its launch with the arrival of the luxury liner Mein Schiff 2.
The vessel docked at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Mina Rashid, marking the start of yet another exciting period for cruise enthusiasts.
Dubai, which attracts international visitors all year round with its incomparable hospitality and host of world-class attractions, anticipates visits by up to 150 cruise ships this upcoming season, reinforcing its standing as a premier global cruise destination.
Cruise liners at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour
Travellers arriving on cruise liners at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour will get to enjoy an array of diverse experiences and top-notch services, as always.
Mein Schiff 2
The Mein Schiff 2’s arrival on 28 October is the first port call in Dubai this cruise season. Dubai will also host the Resilient Lady Ship operated by Virgin Voyages for the first time, with the vessel set to embark on two routes from the city this season.
Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with the latter for more interconnected and integrated regional cruise services.
Comprising of key ports in the region, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman, the alliance strives to promote the region as a cruise ship destination globally.
Dubai continues to attract major cruise operators, with MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises and Ponant Cruises among others considering it port of home.
Additionally, Dubai will host away port calls by renowned cruise lines such as Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Cordelia Cruises, to name a few.
Cruise shipping industry in Dubai
The cruise shipping industry in Dubai has achieved notable success in recent years, cementing its position as a global leader.
Mina Rashid was recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Port during the World Travel Awards for 2023.
Dubai Harbour had earlier been ranked the World’s Best New Cruise Development during the 1st Annual World Cruise Awards 2021. These accolades further highlight Dubai’s growing popularity as a cruise destination.
Sustainability is a key focus for Dubai as a cruise destination. The city welcomes environmentally conscious cruise liners such as the MSC World Europa, which are powered by LNG, and the Costa Toscana, which boasts new LNG propulsion engines, for increasingly sustainable travel, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
