Dubai Kicks Off 2023-2024 Cruise Season with First Luxury Liner at Mina Rashid

Dubai launched its 2023-2024 cruise season on October 28, 2023, with Mein Schiff 2 arriving at Mina Rashid, marking the beginning of an exciting period for cruise enthusiasts.

A globally renowned destination for international visitors, Dubai is celebrated for its unparalleled hospitality and a plethora of world-class attractions. Anticipating up to 150 cruise ships for the forthcoming season, Dubai reaffirms its status as a premier global cruise hotspot. Travelers arriving at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour on cruise liners are poised to relish a diverse range of experiences and top-tier services.

Mein Schiff 2's arrival on the 28th of October symbolizes the season's inauguration in Dubai. The city will also debut the Resilient Lady Ship by Virgin Voyages this season, with the vessel embarking on two routes from the city.

Dubai has played a pivotal role in the Cruise Arabia alliance, actively collaborating with other key ports in the region, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman. This alliance aims to promote the region as a global cruise ship destination.

Dubai continues to attract major cruise operators, with MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Ponant Cruises, among others, considering it a homeport. Furthermore, 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 just a few.

Dubai's cruise industry has achieved remarkable success, solidifying its global leadership position. Mina Rashid was honored as the Middle East's Leading Cruise Port during the 2023 World Travel Awards. Dubai Harbour was previously acclaimed as the World's Best New Cruise Development at the 2021 Annual World Cruise Awards. These accolades underscore Dubai's increasing popularity as a cruise destination. Sustainability is a paramount focus for Dubai, as it welcomes eco-conscious cruise liners like the MSC World Europa and the Costa Toscana, showcasing the city's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, expressed:

“The growth of our cruise industry is a testament to the continuous support and collaboration of our valued stakeholders and partners, resulting in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in the city and capitalising on its diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure, superior air and sea connectivity, and its prime location between East and West. We anticipate another successful season with the arrival of Mein Schiff 2, marking a significant step in our efforts to promote Dubai as the cruise hub of the region.”

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer of Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, remarked:

“The 2022/23 season confirmed the encouraging momentum for growth and development in the cruise sector, proving that Dubai’s maritime industry is well placed to support a new era of tourism for the city. Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal welcomed 300,000 passengers this past cruise season, roughly four times the numbers from our debut season, with a 40% increase in ship calls. For 2023/24, we are encouraged by the number of bigger vessels operated by renowned companies coming to Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal and, as the region’s largest cruise terminal, and we are looking forward to actively contributing to the region’s fast growing and dynamic maritime offering and providing an extraordinary experience for all our passengers.”

Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer of DP World, added:

“We look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world to our state-of-the-art cruise terminals for the 2023-2024 season. Our investment in terminal facilities at Mina Rashid underlines our commitment to supporting the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Dubai and providing an exceptional experience to passengers from the moment they dock at our shores. Dubai has become a major port of embarkation and a popular call for cruise lines in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, and we expect to record another strong season, with 28% more visitors forecasted in comparison to 2022-2023.”

Dubai's allure as a cruise destination extends beyond its stunning ports. The city boasts world-class terminal facilities, connected by DXB (Dubai International Airport) and two cruise terminals. It continues to invest in cruise terminal infrastructure, ensuring a hassle-free entry process and providing seamless visa facilities for cruise ship passengers. Luxury vessels from eight renowned cruise lines dock in Dubai, bringing diverse groups of travelers from around the world.

Dubai maintains two major terminals for cruise ships: Mina Rashid, capable of accommodating up to seven cruise ships simultaneously, and Dubai Harbour, the largest in the eastern hemisphere, capable of accommodating even the largest cruise ships.

Mina Rashid, a globally acclaimed cruise destination, offers a seamless and opulent travel experience and has been recognized as the Middle East's Leading Cruise Port on multiple occasions.

Dubai Harbour, inaugurated in 2021, is a state-of-the-art cruise terminal located at the intersection of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island. It provides comprehensive berthing facilities alongside a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure options. Luxury yacht marinas and world-class maritime transportation facilities enhance the experience for cruise tourists upon disembarking in Dubai.

Source: wam.ae