Dubai is poised to witness a significant surge in cruise passengers arriving at its two ports during the upcoming season. Over the next few months, up to 150 cruise ships are expected to dock at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour. The season kicked off this Thursday with the arrival of the luxury vessel Mein Schiff 2, which berthed at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal in Mina Rashid.
Furthermore, for the first time, the emirate will welcome the Resilient Lady Ship, operated by Virgin Voyages, which will embark on two routes from the city this season.
Leading cruise companies such as MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Ponant Cruises will operate from Dubai. Additionally, lines like Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Cordelia Cruises will also offer routes through the emirate.
Abdulla Bin habtoor, Portfolio Management Director of Shamal Holding, owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, noted to Emirates Herald that the 2022/23 season saw an “encouraging boost for growth and development in the cruise sector.” “The Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal welcomed 300,000 passengers last cruise season, roughly four times more than our inaugural season, with a 40% increase in the number of ships making port.”
“For 2023/24, we’re excited about the number of larger ships operated by renowned companies that will arrive at the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The twin terminals, situated on a stretch of dock spanning over 910 meters, are designed to process over 3,250 passengers per hour.”
Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer of DP World and owner of Mina Rashid, stated that they anticipate a substantial increase for the 2023-2024 season. “Dubai has become a significant embarkation port and a popular stopover for cruise lines in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, and we anticipate another strong season, with 28% more visitors projected compared to 2022-2023.”
Mina Rashid has the capacity to handle seven mega-cruise ships or 25,000 passengers at once. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest covered cruise terminal, is capable of accommodating 14,000 passengers daily.
Published by Emirates Herald, a news and information agency.