Dubai’s Cruise Terminal Investment Paying Off
Dubai’s investment in its state of the art cruise terminal is bearing fruit, with since its opening in 2001 port calls having risen from 17 to 40 confirmed for 2007 and a projected 96 in 2008.
At this rate of growth, Dubai [pictured] is set to pass Sydney which recorded 91 port calls in the 2005/06 year, with this figure increasing still further with the decision by Costa Cruises to add a second Dubai-based ship
The first cruise line to operate from Dubai, Costa will offer 23 sailings from the United Arab Emirates port between December this year and April 2008, 14 cruises on the 1700-passenger Costa Romantica and 9 aboard the 1770-passenger Costa Europa.
Both ships will offer seven-night itineraries featuring the fabled cities of Bahrain, Muscat in Oman, the UAE ports of Abu Dhabi and Fujairah and two nights in Dubai, allowing passengers to explore this modern, rapidly growing oasis in the desert.
In the ancient city of Muscat, passengers will be able to visit pristine beaches, lush gardens and narrow street markets as well as the spectacular Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, nestled amongst the rocky hills.
[Pictured: Time for a spa with Costa]
Billed as the ‘Jewel of Arabia’ and backed by the rugged Hajar Mountains, the charming city of Fujayrah offers the chance to swim at white, palm-fringed beaches beside the Indian Ocean. Waking next day to Abu Dhabi, passengers will be able to wander along wide tree-lined boulevards to see soaring skyscrapers and lush green parks and fountains.
The fascinating souk of Bahrain – an exotic mix of colours, sounds and aromas – is next on the horizon, with traditional spices and exotic textiles, gold and jewellery tempting passengers on every corner.
The seven night programs are being sold as fly/cruise packages by major Australian specialists – Creative Cruising, Cruise Spirit, Creative Holidays, Talpacific, and Fiesta Holiday
Lincoln Bache who handles cruising at Emirates reports that the 7 night itineraries will also be seen as an attractive stopover option, adding, “Australians flying to Europe who typically make a 2 or 3 day stopover in Dubai, may well decide to extend their stay, as they become aware of the Costa program”.
Report by Philip Thorniley, TravelMole Cruise Correspondent
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