Dubai: The city's cruise terminal is gearing up to welcome as many as 50 cruise ships during the cruise tourism's winter season running from this month to next April.
The passenger vessels, some of which are making their debut in the Middle East, are scheduled to bring a total of 64,993 passengers and crew, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said.
"Dubai is becoming a popular cruise destination. The arrival of a record number of cruise ships over a six month period speaks volumes about the status that Dubai enjoys on the world cruise tourism map," DTCM director-general Khalid Bin Sulayem said in a statement.
DTCM and Dubai Cruise Terminal officials are coordinating with the other government organisations like the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) and Dubai Customs to handle the winter season rush.
They are also holding discussions with the suppliers, cruise tour operators and ground handling agencies on issues related to cruise tourism.
Luxury cruise ships, including the Queen Mary 2, Costa Classica, AIDAcara and Black Watch will be making their debut in the Middle East this season, utilising the region's only dedicated cruise terminal.
European cruise operator Fred Olsen has placed Dubai on its cruise itinerary and its Black Watch will make a port call in February.
The ship-shaped terminal, opened in 2001, measures 3,300 square metres and is able to accommodate two ships simultaneously on a 335-metre quay. In 2005, Dubai handled cruise ships carrying nearly 13,000 passengers.
Dubai expects 20,000 cruise passengers in 2006 and 30,000 in 2007. The bulk of the passengers come from the UK, Germany and the US.
In a survey, 80 per cent of cruise passengers in Dubai said they would extend their visit to the emirate during their next visit and 95 per cent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai, according to DTCM.
To promote the city as a cruise tourism destination, the DTCM-DCT is participating in the Seatrade Med Cruise and Ferry Convention event from October 18 to 20.
This will be the fourth consecutive year of participation for Dubai at this biannual show.
