Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, known as a luxury nature based destination, will be available as the region’s first island stopover for cruise vessels in the fourth quarter of 2015, said a top official of Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC).

Noura Al Dhaheri, ADPC’s cruise terminal manager responsible for developing the industry at Zayed Port, was speaking at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in Muscat, Oman.

She told the delegates about several significant new developments for the cruise industry in Abu Dhabi, all of which have contributed to Royal Caribbean’s decision to base one of its Celebrity Cruise vessels – Celebrity Constellation - in Zayed Port, as a home port from 2016/2017 season.

Al Dhaheri updated the delegates on the progress of Abu Dhabi’s new Cruise Terminal project.  Work began clearing the site several months ago and actual construction of the new building will commence in January, with the new terminal being operational by the fourth quarter of 2015, she said.

The new building and facilities will have space for three cruise vessels at a time and be able to handle more than 2,500 passengers simultaneously.

ADPC also state that Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Cruises will be using Abu Dhabi as a home port during 2016/2017 season.

“The cruise business in Abu Dhabi has grown five-fold over the last six years.  We have welcomed more than 600 ships, since the business began – that’s more than 900,000 passengers from over 90 different countries,” Al Dhaheri said.

“The fact that Celebrity Cruises has chosen to ‘home port’ a ship in Zayed Port, which is a first for the Gulf Region, just demonstrates how attractive Abu Dhabi has become as global holiday destination and confirms ADPC’s commitment to developing this important industry in the Emirate,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service