MAJESTIC OPENING FOR CRUISE TERMINAL

QE2 in Dubai for gala launch

The Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid was officially opened by His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai's Depratment of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, this week with another very special guest.

Cunard’s QE2, the world’s most recognised cruise ship, arrived in Port Rashid yesterday for a two-day call, becoming the launch visitor at the cruise terminal in the Gulf port.

In addition, three other ships were berthed at Port Rashid during the gala opening, making it the busiest day yet on Dubai’s cruise calendar – with the Delphin, Europa and Columbus all making maiden calls at Dubai and bringing in around 4,000 passengers.

The only dedicated passenger complex in the region, the Dubai Cruise Terminal has been developed to serve the growing frequency of cruise ship calls in the Arabian Gulf, where numbers have risen from just seven in 1997 to an estimated 50 this year.

The ship-shaped building is sited on a 335-metre quay offering the capacity to berth two ships simultaneously – while the terminal itself is around 3,300 sq. metres in size.

Conveniently located at Port Rashid, 15 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Cruise Terminal offers a wide range of facilities such as personal and baggage security screening, covered baggage handling area, tour bus and taxi parking stands, post office and money exchange, business centre with Internet access and conference room.

Other passenger amenities include an information centre, VIP lounge, café, rest rooms with disabled access, duty-free shopping, Arabic palm garden and heritage and cultural exhibits.

DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem said: "The only cruise terminal worldwide to be operated by a government tourism department, the Dubai Cruise Terminal will offer the very highest standards for passenger comfort and convenience."

"We are confident that every passenger using this stunning terminal will gain a favourable first impression of Dubai – and leave the city with positive memories of their experiences."

In addition, immediately after the opening, DTCM will be applying for Lloyd’s ISO 9002 certification – again, another first for a cruise terminal – to complement the IMS certification earned by Port Rashid itself, which is the only port between Europe and Asia with this security rating.

Even before the official launch, the Dubai Cruise Terminal has been winning accolades from visitors and industry representatives.

Hans Rood, Cunard’s Regional Vice President, Sales & Marketing, commented: "This is one of the finest terminals the QE2 has visited, and we are confident our passengers will share our positive first impressions."

Director general of the Port of Genoa, Fabio Capocaccia, commended the terminal design as something completely unique: "It is different from Miami style or European style, but specially designed for transits and passenger exchange – and will help in developing the level of cruise traffic that the Arabian Gulf deserves."