Dubai marks start of cruise season as first luxury liner arrives

Dubai has marked the start of its cruise season with the first luxury liner docking at Mina Rashid.

The Mein Schiff 2’s arrival on October 28 is the first port call in the emirate this cruise season.

Dubai, which attracts international visitors all year round, anticipates visits by up to 150 cruise ships over the 2023-2024 season.

Cruise travellers arriving at Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour can once again look forward an array of diverse experiences and top-notch services.

#Dubai marks start of 2023-2024 cruise season with first luxury liner docking at Mina Rashid. Up to 150 port calls by ships from major operators expected over the upcoming season. https://t.co/AIyIgGoExy pic.twitter.com/f7CmhQ6dw3

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 2, 2023

The city ensures a seamless experience for travellers with two major terminals for cruise ships – Mina Rashid, capable of accommodating up to seven ships simultaneously and Dubai Harbour, which is the largest in the eastern hemisphere and one of the most advanced terminals in the region.

"Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal welcomed 300,000 passengers this past cruise season, roughly four times the numbers from our debut season, with a 40 per cent increase in ship calls," said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour.

"Dubai has become a major port of embarkation and a popular call for cruise lines in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, and we expect to record another strong season, with 28% more visitors forecast in comparison to 2022-2023," added Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer, DP World, which owns Mina Rashid.