Dubai has been chosen by Crystal Cruises as the location for the company’s flagship liner to make its maiden voyage in the region after an extensive refurbishment.
Crystal Symphony’s month-long dry dock redesign is the most expansive in the ship’s history, the company said in a statement.
It added that the decision to make Dubai the location for the regional debut of the liner’s new look further cements the emirate’s position as the region’s leading cruise destination.
Dubai is now serving more than 20 world-class cruise lines, including Crystal Cruises.
Crystal’s flagship liner Crystal Symphony has emerged from a month’s sojourn at the dry dock at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, returning to the seas with newly designed spaces and amenities. These include new dining concepts as well as the addition of spacious, butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations.
Hamad Bin Mejren, senior vice president, Dubai Tourism, said: “We are delighted that Crystal Symphony will be making the regional debut of its redesign in Dubai. With the city fast developing into a leading cruise hub, Dubai Cruise Tourism’s goal is to position the emirate as a cruise tourism destination of choice.
"The continued investment is paying dividends, as we are seeing a steady increase in visitors opting to commence their international cruise itinerary in Dubai, and for pre, or post-cruise stays, in the city.”
A total of 625,000 cruise tourists visited Dubai during the 2016/2017 season, reflecting an increase of over 15 percent when compared to the 2015/2016 season.
DP World is currently upgrading Port Rashid to accommodate a larger number of cruise vessels. ubai Marine Terminal receives 650,000 cruise passengers annually, while the terminal’s facilities can handle 18,000 passengers per day.
The growth trend is set to continue in the 2017-2018 season, with 155 cruise calls from more than 20 world-renowned cruise lines.
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