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Abu Dhabi welcomes first time visit of AIDAauraAbu Dhabi welcomes first time visit of AIDAaura

Abu Dhabi Ports Company welcomed AIDAaura on Monday at Zayed Port. It was the vessel’s first visit to Abu Dhabi and the port’s second vessel call of the 2014/15 season which will be the busiest to date.

Mary Bond, Editor in Chief

November 18, 2014

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Abdulkareem Al Masabi, vp ports operations, ADPC received Capt. Nico Berg and his crew and handed over a commemorative plaque to the first-time visitors to mark the special occasion.

AIDA Cruises has committed extra capacity for the current season with AIDAaura joining the returning AIDAdiva, confirming that demand for the region from European cruise markets is growing.

‘We are delighted to welcome another AIDA vessel to Abu Dhabi.  This season sees our cruise business stepping up to the next level, with more than 220,000 passengers and 94 ship calls expected, which is more than ever before. Added to which, the ground clearance for the new Cruise Passenger Terminal is well underway, and construction will start in January, heralding a new step in our development of this exciting industry”, said Al Masabi.

The introduction of the 14-day Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean cruise to the region’s regular seven-day rotational itineraries is a boon to the emirate’s ambition to be recognised as a leading winter sun cruise destination, according to Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

‘The addition of a second AIDA vessel delivering longer cruises with a more diverse itinerary brings a welcome increase in capacity and signifies the maturing of regional cruise demand.

‘With the UAE’s recent introduction of a multi-entry cruise visa, we are hopeful that other cruise operators will see the benefit in expanding their regional itineraries,’ he added.

AIDAaura is one of thirteen cruise ships scheduled to visit Abu Dhabi in the current season, making eight calls to the capital as part of a 14-day cruise, with additional stops in Mumbai, New Mangalore, Mormuga (Goa), Muscat and Dubai.

About the Author

Mary Bond

Editor in Chief

Mary Bond is Group Director, Seatrade Cruise a division within Informa Markets and responsible for the Seatrade portfolio of global cruise events, print and online cruise publishing.

Mary is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News and Seatrade Cruise Review magazine.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

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