Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCL) has announced the deployment of Celebrity Constellation at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal on a homeport basis from November 2016.
The move follows extensive negotiations between Celebrity Cruises, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
“This is a landmark decision for our cruise tourism ambitions reflecting a new horizon for Abu Dhabi’s sector development,” said Jasem Al Darmaki, Acting Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi. “It is a clear statement that a joined-up partnership approach to infrastructure and product development delivers rewards.”
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, currently under construction at Mina (Port) Zayed, is already proving to be a catalyst to the destination’s cruise sector, according to Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, ADPC.
“Celebrity Cruise’s decision to base a vessel in Zayed Port demonstrates that the new Cruise Terminal and the Abu Dhabi Cruise Development Committee’s work, really is delivering results. The cruise industry is already delivering significant benefits for businesses in the city and across the Emirate. The Committee will continue to work together to meet the requirements of the cruise lines and to differentiate the city from the other cruise locations, so that the cruise operators can increase the vessel calls and develop new exciting itineraries around this region’, said Capt. Al Shamisi.
