UAE: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Welcomes First Ocean Liner of 2023-2024 Season
‘Crystal Symphony’, a 12-deck Crystal Cruises ship that can accommodate 606 guests, became the first to dock at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port, marking the official start of what promises to be a busy season for AD Ports Group in 2023-2024.
As many as 126 cruise ships will make a call in Abu Dhabi, starting November 1, promising significant growth for Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. Additionally, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, which welcomed the first ship on October 31, is set to host 63 calls.
Nine maiden voyages, signalling ships making their inaugural visit to Abu Dhabi, are on the cards.
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business, AD Ports Group, commented: “We are excited to announce the official start of cruise season here in Abu Dhabi with the arrival of Crystal Symphony.
“Last season, Zayed Port emerged as the busiest cruise port in the region; a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier tourist destination, and the exceptional infrastructure that effortlessly accommodates the region’s largest vessels. We remain dedicated to partnering with cruise lines to elevate Abu Dhabi’s global cruise destination standing.”
Launched in December 2015, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal is expecting to receive over 7,000 visitors during Formula 1 Abu Dhabi, providing them with world-class hospitality.
In 2022- 2023, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal recorded over 600,000 visitors arriving in the capital, with more than 82,000 passengers starting their journey from Abu Dhabi. The first quarter of 2023 was particularly strong with 363,494 visitors and 120 calls recorded compared to Q1 of 2022, which saw 89,953 visitors and 60 calls. Passenger volumes for Q1 2023 surpassed the number of visitors accommodated for the full year of 2022 by more than 37 percent.
Abu Dhabi Cruise business, part of the Ports Cluster, has expanded its operations to the Red Sea with the successful inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, in January 2023.
