Dubai Tourism authorities gave a grand welcome to Ovation of the Seas, the third Quantum-class ship of Royal Caribbean International, when it dropped anchor at the Dubai Cruise Terminal 3 during its Global Odyssey cruise.

The brand-new billion-dollar vessel was met with much enthusiasm on Thursday (26 May), as onlookers marvelled at the magnificent vessel on its maiden voyage, said statement from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).

The arrival of Ovation of the Seas is another testament to Dubai’s growing popularity as a cruise destination over the past few years, with the various major cruise lines operating in Dubai resulting in 455,616 cruise tourists arriving in the city over the 2014/2015 season, said Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, the director of Dubai Cruise Tourism.

“We are delighted to welcome Ovation of the Seas and its dedicated crew and guests to our fascinating city, and are honoured to be its first port of call in the region with an overnight stay and major passenger turnaround, stated Al Falasi at a special ceremony held on board the ship.

The third ship of its kind, Ovation of the Seas stopped at Dubai Cruise Terminal 3 on its way from Barcelona to Singapore.

Ovation of the Seas follows Royal Caribbean International’s launch of sister ships Quantum of the Seas in 2014, which called in Dubai in May 2015, and Anthem of the Seas last year.

A selection of dignitaries from Dubai Immigration, Dubai Customs, DP World, PCFC Security joined him to welcome the cruise along with representatives from the ship’s agency M/S Wilhelmsen Ship Services and ground handlers M/S. Arabian Adventures who presented the ship’s captain, Flemming Nielsen, with an honorary plaque.

Also in attendance at the event were Dr Abdulaziz Aloshban, the managing director of Royal Caribbean Arabia, and Abby Penlington, the marketing & communications manager, International Representatives – EMEA.

“Our business relations with Royal Caribbean date back to 2009, when the line commenced its first Gulf cruise itinerary with Dubai as its home port, and the commitment is becoming stronger and more mutually beneficial year after year. We are pleased that Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas will home port in Dubai for the 2016/17. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Royal Caribbean and further developing Dubai’s reputation as a cruise destination," noted Al Falasi.

“We remain on track to hit our target of 500,000 cruise tourists in the 2015/16 season, and thanks to the numerous cruise lines that home port and call in Dubai, we look forward to welcoming even more cruise tourists to our ports over the next few years.”

Mohamed Saeed, the general manager of Royal Caribbean Arabia, said: "Already a hub for world travellers arriving via air, Dubai is now firming its position as a hub for travellers by sea as well, thanks to the incredible 4,000-guests capacity of Ovation of the Seas – and we could not be more excited to welcome the ship’s guests here."

"As the midway point of the ship’s Barcelona-to-Singapore sailing, Dubai is an important destination that is both rich in culture and well equipped to cater to Royal Caribbean’s diverse guests. Like its sisters, Ovation of the Seas features a number of first-at-sea innovations, including North Star, a jewel-shaped glass capsule suspended 300 feet above sea level, and skydiving-simulator RipCord by iFly," stated Saaed.

"Additionally, the vessel is home to SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, which includes attractions ranging from bumper cars, roller skating and video games, to a circus school complete with flying trapeze classes," he added.

Ovation of the Seas was launched in mid-April 2016 and is en route from Europe to the Asia Pacific region via Dubai and Singapore, before finally arriving in Beijing (Tianjin) for its inaugural China season.

The ship is already touted to be one of the best cruise ships of 2016, featuring a theatre with Broadway-style productions, a cavernous room with 270-degree views and more than a dozen restaurants, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver.-TradeArabia News Service