Abu Dhabi as a cruise destination

Abu Dhabi Ports has partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services (EAS) via Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal to create a seamless cruise passenger journey experience from plane to sea, thereby meeting their expectations.

TT Bureau

With the beginning of the 2018-19 cruise season, the ongoing partnership will witness a full streamlined turnaround for passengers of the Boudicca cruise ship under the Fred Olsen cruise line. Also, Thomas Cook Airlines UK will be the first airline to land in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) as a fully dedicated charter for cruise ship. Disembarking cruise passengers will be checked into airline check-in counters operated by Etihad Ground Services at Abu Dhabi Cruise.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “We are delighted to partner with two of Abu Dhabi’s key aviation entities to focus on innovative ways to excel in our services offering at our cruise facilities, in line with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic plans. Our ongoing partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports and EAS creates a seamless transition from plane to ship meeting passengers’ expectations.”

Bryan Thompson, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “We are pleased with this partnership as it cements the position Abu Dhabi is acquiring regionally and globally as a prominent tourism and transportation hub. All partners have invested in resources and facilities to ensure the delivery of a great product, and from Abu Dhabi Airports’ perspective, we are constantly looking into initiatives that will attract more operators to AUH.”

Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal Manager, Abu Dhabi Ports, added, “Abu Dhabi Ports has invested heavily in developing state-of-the-art cruise infrastructure facilities. Our streamlined check-in services further cement our commitment to deliver distinctive services for cruise passengers.”

Jubran Al Breiki, Head—Hub Operations, Etihad Airport Services (Ground) said, “Etihad Airport Services is delighted to provide its unique Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal check-in and secure baggage transfer solution to Thomas Cook Airlines for their charter flights to Abu Dhabi, operated in conjunction with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Etihad has worked closely with Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Airports during the past three years to ensure that the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal exceeds all expectations for airlines and cruise lines.”