AMERICAN CRUISE LINER DOCKS AT DUBAI CRUISE TERMINAL

American cruise liner 'Silver Shadow' called on the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's (DTCM) Cruise Terminal yesterday (October 26th) with mainly American and European passengers on board.

There was a passenger exchange in Dubai with a few passengers disembarking, 100 embarking and 150 in transit.

"Dubai has strengthened its position as a major cruise destination in the region since the opening of the cruise terminal earlier this year and Silver Shadow's arrival confirms that Dubai is regarded as safe by the American and European visitors," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem in a press release.

"This cruise call marks the beginning of the winter cruise program in Dubai with 11 more scheduled cruise calls by major liners before the end of the year," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

He noted that these cruise calls emphasize that things in the cruise business are generally good. "Recent reports released by most cruise lines confirm that ships are continuing to get high 90% occupancy," remarked Mr. bin Sulayem.

The development of the cruise line business in the emirate was initiated by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the DTCM.

The DTCM's 3,300 sq.m. cruise terminal, is the only dedicated cruise facility in the Arabian Gulf, and has been designed to attract more cruise lines to winter in the region. The terminal provides streamlined passenger facilities for the growing number of passenger ships using Dubai as a turnaround port. The terminal is operated by the DTCM.

Silver Shadow is part of the Silverseas lineup catering to only a few pampered guests in true splendor with one of the highest passenger space ratios of any ship at sea.

Silver Shadow is distinguished by its impeccable service and all-inclusive fares featuring round-trip airfare, pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all food and beverages, all port charges, all transfers and porterage and a special shore side event.