TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Reaffirming Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, Dubai Tourism alongside its public and private sector partners, welcomed ‘Horizon’ into Dubai, marking the debut of Pullmantur in the region.
TT Bureau
At 208 meters long and weighing 46,811 gross tonnes, ‘Horizon’ is the first Spanish cruise line to be deployed in the region. A traditional ‘Plaques and Keys Exchange’ ceremony was hosted onboard in the presence of the President and CEO of Pullmantur Cruises and the ship’s captain, as well as key industry stakeholders to commemorate the occasion. Reaffirming Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, ‘Horizon’ was one of the five cruise ships to arrive in port recently, bringing in a total of over 25,000 cruise tourists to the emirate in a single day.
With Dubai as its official winter home port, the ship is set to conduct 14 calls throughout the season, with regular itineraries around the Arabian Gulf. During each call, the ship will dock for over 36 hours, offering both its passengers and the crew the opportunity to explore the city and its wide range of attractions and experiences. The recent re-fit and upgrade to the ship’s interior has also ensured that this classic vessel offers world-class facilities including spacious public areas, a theatre lounge and a variety of restaurants.
Jamal Alfalasi, Director, Dubai Cruise Tourism said, “Dubai is fast becoming a favoured destination among global cruise tourists with travellers choosing to begin their experience from the emirate. We are delighted that Pullmantur has launched its inaugural Arabian Gulf itinerary for the 2018-19 season and welcome Horizon to Dubai, its official home port this season. As a popular winter cruise destination, our ongoing partnership supports the promising future of the emirate’s cruise tourism industry, and we will continue to work collaboratively with our public-private sector stakeholders to position the city as the most viable gateway for both regional and international cruise itineraries, and the perfect prepost cruise stay destination.”
Dubai Tourism welcomed the ship’s captain and crew to Dubai alongside dignitaries. During the ceremony, Richard Vogel, President and CEO, Pullmantur, thanked the city for its continued support in making the deployment of Horizon in Dubai during the winter a reality. Dubai’s cruise industry is set for a strong performance throughout 2018-19 season, with an anticipated 725,000 cruise tourists travelling into the emirate. Throughout the season, seven ships from six different cruise lines will operate regular itineraries from Dubai across the Arabian Gulf and India.
