The last cruise ship of the 2013/2014 season has sailed from Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. The MV Europa 2 left the port accompanied by an ADPC Marine Services tugboat which put on an impressive water display for the ship’s passengers to mark the occasion.

The 2013/2014 cruise season, which runs from November to April, has been the busiest yet, with a record 10 maiden calls (first time visits) and 189,709 passengers visiting Abu Dhabi on 14 ships, which made 75 calls into Zayed Port.

In comparison, during 2006/ 2007 – the UAE capital’s first recognised cruise season - Zayed Port hosted just 29 cruise ships and 35,366 passengers, demonstrating just how much interest from cruise lines and passengers has increased over the last eight years.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) work closely together to develop the emirate’s cruise industry, both in terms of promoting services and working with cruise lines to understand their requirements and meet their needs.

This season has seen many developments, including the opening of an upgraded temporary cruise terminal building and increased facilities for visiting cruise passengers.   

The largest ship of the season was the Costa Fortuna which can carry 3,747 passengers and crew and which made its maiden call to Zayed Port on December 18. - TradeArabia News Service