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M V Aidablu Docks In Dubai With 1660 Cruise Tourists On Board |
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NewsreleaseDate:
2004-10-31
Dubai’s hugely-promising cruise tourism got a major boost yesterday with the docking of one of the largest cruise ships, M V AIDAblu, at its state-of-the-art cruise terminal with a full capacity of 1,660 passengers for a three-day stay in the emirate as part of the itinerary.
Guests were accorded a traditional Arabian-style welcome in the presence of senior government officials, including Mr. Awadh Al Seghayer, Acting Manager, Dubai Cruise Terminal, after they disembarked from the 14-deck, 246-metre cruise ship.
The passengers hail from 16 different nationalities, including Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the US.
Rais Hassan Saadi (RHS) Group is the port handling agent for Aida Cruises, while SNTTA is the ground handler. There will be a passenger exchange program in Dubai.
Dr. Friedhold Hoppert, Captain of the cruise ship, praised Dubai’s excellent cruise terminal facilities and the tourist attractions.
Mr. Werner Englisch, Club Director of AIDAblu, said a number of recreational and fitness programmes were being organized onboard for the guests. A kids’ club is also in place given the large number of children onboard.
During his meeting with Mr. Al Seghayer, Mr. Michael Ungerer, Senior Vice President Operations, Aida Cruises, expressed strong confidence in the way Dubai was being developed and its cruise hub potential.
Part of the Carnival Corporation, Aida Cruises are the market leaders in Germany, both in terms of revenues and passengers. The public listed company operates four cruises ships with a total capacity of 5,600 lower berths. Two new ships with a total lower berth capacity of 2030 will join the fleet in the year 2007 and 2009, he added.
He said there has been a strong and growing interest in Dubai in the German market. “Germans are keenly interested in the Arab world and Dubai enjoys greater interest given its spectacular development, tourist attractions, shopping options and safety levels,” he said.
The company, he said, will consider using Dubai as a ‘hub’ after studying the guests’ experiences and demands.
A number of advantages, including convenient air connections and hospitality services provide excellent opportunity to market Dubai as an ideal winter destination for the Europeans, he added.
Mr. Al Seghayer said this was one of the largest ships to be docked at the Dubai Cruise Terminal since its opening in March 2001.
Mr. George Varghese, Commercial Manager, RHS Group, said the arrival of M V AIDAblu was the fruit of the efforts made to market Dubai as an ideal cruise hub and its excellent year-round weather and facilities.
“We are confident that we are creating confidence in Dubai among the global cruise industry. I am sure more ships will make their way to the emirate in the coming time,” he added.
Operated by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the ship-shaped building is located on a 335-metre quay offering the capacity to berth two ships simultaneously, while the terminal itself is around 3300 square metres in size.
From a mere eight calls by cruise liners a decade ago, the landmark facility played host to 12,771 cruise tourists between 2001 and 2003. The projected arrivals for the year 2004 are 8,000 passengers.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Ajay Rajguru, DTCM Media Consultant,
T: +97150 6242305
Email: arajguru@yahoo.com
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