Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially opened the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the company said in its press release.
Zayed Port’s new permanent terminal, a major landmark for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf, will serve as a major facilitator in boosting the cruise tourism sector which in turn will reflect on the Emirate’s economy. The state-of-the-art terminal will attract international cruise liners to home port at Abu Dhabi, making it their first destination stop within the region and allow passengers to enjoy a longer stay in the Emirate.
Zayed Port shall witness a fivefold increase in the number of passengers and ships during the 2015/2016 season in comparison to the first cruise season of 2006-2007. Growth projections for the cruise tourism sector in the Emirate anticipate more than 300,000 passengers by the 2019-2020 season.
MSC Cruises, the Switzerland-based global cruise line – number one in Europe, South America and South Africa - is the first cruise line to choose Abu Dhabi and the new terminal as its home port for the 2015/16 season. MSC Musica that berthed at the terminal on the inaugural day will call various ports of the region in the UAE and Oman during this season. MSC Cruises and Etihad Airways recently announced ‘Fly & Cruise’ packages for guests from Europe, who will fly with Etihad Airways and partner airlines to enjoy the cruise in the region on the vessels homeporting in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal with the support from Abu Dhabi Ports’ strategic partners will ensure the ease of the cruise passengers’ overall journey into and out of the Emirate. Through the terminal’s tourist information services, retail facilities, provision of city tours, passport border control counters and smooth and timely customs processes tourists will have an enjoyable experience.