United Arab Emirates (UAE) have not been sitting idle while economies worldwide continue to head
south. UAE has been coming up with ideas to establish their destinations as top rate contenders in the
cruising world; thus to boost their own need in helping sustain their economy. They offer an amazing
chance for travellers to view a way of life that is both a mysterious mix of life past and a wide-eyed
future. Their vast history has been successfully entwined with modern conveniences leaving one with
an over-all sense of awe in their ability to transform what we thought was only desert to a much sought
after destination. Everything is planned and built with the collaboration of the world community;
moreover, UAE is also helping other countries to update and develop other ports-of-call. In September,
an UAE company named ‘Gulftrainer’ signed a milestone agreement to co-develop Ust-Luga Port near
St. Petersburg, Russia. These kinds of deals are opening up new and exciting ports-of-call to curious
world travelers who pursue their urges to find new places that were once untouchable. The ports of
UAE welcome travellers to view their homes and sights.
It is fittingly natural that someone would surely make Dubai and Abu Dhabi home ports. The Italians
have become leaders in this category for the UAE region. Coming in at first place is Costa Cruises which
has been inspirational in starting one of the most important new trends in cruising history. They were
the first major (mega) cruise line to make UAE, Dubai, a ‘Home Port’. It was announced on October
19, 2011 at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention in Dubai by President of Costa Cruises Giovanni
Onorato. Costa Cruises is the largest European Cruise line, as well as, they have the largest Italian Travel
group. In 2006, Costa broke ground as the first cruise line to deploy the Costa Deliziosa to the region and
the first ship Christened in Dubai. Their presence is being reinforced with the Costa Favolosa to make
Dubai her home port December 16, 2011.
As of October 29, MSC’s Lirica has become the first company and ship to make Mina Zayed’s new
temporary terminal in Abu Dhabi their ‘Home Port’, the capital of UAE. The Arab nation pulled out all
the stops to welcome the Lirica and her passengers from Genoa, Italy with traditional foods of the area,
Ayala dancers, bona fide music of the region and learning the art of henna and calligraphy.
Participates of the grand ceremony festivities was Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of
the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of ADTA, Pierfrancesco Vago,
Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, and the former Captain of the Italian National Football Team,
Fabio Cannavaro who presented as Guest of Honor.
Both cruise companies, Costa and MSC have a lot to be proud of and the joy of watching as these
destinations gain in passenger’s desires to visit UAE. Combined, these companies will bring in several million dollars that impacts the economy in a positive way, which includes: tourism, airlines,
accommodations, retails, attraction sites, foods, beverages and transportation. The nation is growing in
importance and a force to reckon with.
Go to my ‘Survey –Creating a Unique Itinerary’ to participate in our study in creating a complete ‘bucket-
list’ of preferred ports-of-call.
Joyce Gleeson-Adamidis
Editor
south. UAE has been coming up with ideas to establish their destinations as top rate contenders in the
cruising world; thus to boost their own need in helping sustain their economy. They offer an amazing
chance for travellers to view a way of life that is both a mysterious mix of life past and a wide-eyed
future. Their vast history has been successfully entwined with modern conveniences leaving one with
an over-all sense of awe in their ability to transform what we thought was only desert to a much sought
after destination. Everything is planned and built with the collaboration of the world community;
moreover, UAE is also helping other countries to update and develop other ports-of-call. In September,
an UAE company named ‘Gulftrainer’ signed a milestone agreement to co-develop Ust-Luga Port near
St. Petersburg, Russia. These kinds of deals are opening up new and exciting ports-of-call to curious
world travelers who pursue their urges to find new places that were once untouchable. The ports of
UAE welcome travellers to view their homes and sights.
It is fittingly natural that someone would surely make Dubai and Abu Dhabi home ports. The Italians
have become leaders in this category for the UAE region. Coming in at first place is Costa Cruises which
has been inspirational in starting one of the most important new trends in cruising history. They were
the first major (mega) cruise line to make UAE, Dubai, a ‘Home Port’. It was announced on October
19, 2011 at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention in Dubai by President of Costa Cruises Giovanni
Onorato. Costa Cruises is the largest European Cruise line, as well as, they have the largest Italian Travel
group. In 2006, Costa broke ground as the first cruise line to deploy the Costa Deliziosa to the region and
the first ship Christened in Dubai. Their presence is being reinforced with the Costa Favolosa to make
Dubai her home port December 16, 2011.
As of October 29, MSC’s Lirica has become the first company and ship to make Mina Zayed’s new
temporary terminal in Abu Dhabi their ‘Home Port’, the capital of UAE. The Arab nation pulled out all
the stops to welcome the Lirica and her passengers from Genoa, Italy with traditional foods of the area,
Ayala dancers, bona fide music of the region and learning the art of henna and calligraphy.
Participates of the grand ceremony festivities was Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of
the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of ADTA, Pierfrancesco Vago,
Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, and the former Captain of the Italian National Football Team,
Fabio Cannavaro who presented as Guest of Honor.
Both cruise companies, Costa and MSC have a lot to be proud of and the joy of watching as these
destinations gain in passenger’s desires to visit UAE. Combined, these companies will bring in several million dollars that impacts the economy in a positive way, which includes: tourism, airlines,
accommodations, retails, attraction sites, foods, beverages and transportation. The nation is growing in
importance and a force to reckon with.
Go to my ‘Survey –Creating a Unique Itinerary’ to participate in our study in creating a complete ‘bucket-
list’ of preferred ports-of-call.
Joyce Gleeson-Adamidis
Editor
