Dubai Cruise Tourism expects 300,000 tourists

Dubai, Nov 4 (IANS/WAM) Dubai Cruise Tourism (DCT), an entity of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), expects more than 20 leading global cruise lines to bring in as many as 300,000 tourists to this metropolis in the 2013-14 season.

From tours of the Arabian Gulf taking in the region's most majestic cities to longer voyages to the Far East, India and the Mediterranean, cruises from Dubai will continue to offer a diverse selection of destinations for holiday-makers seeking adventure and relaxation over the coming season.

By selecting Dubai as a home port, tourists will be able to take advantage of its spectacular attractions, from world-renowned skyscrapers and shopping malls to beaches and leisure venues, at both the beginning and end of their expedition.

"The 2012-13 cruise season reached new heights. We are proud to announce 93 confirmed ship calls this season, and we are also delighted to welcome seven maiden ship calls, a reflection of Dubai's burgeoning appeal as a cruise hub," Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general DTCM was quoted Monday as saying.

Among the upcoming cruises with Dubai as its home port are cruise ships Costa Fortuna and Costa NeoRiviera travelling to two of Oman's major cities, Muscat and Khasab, as well as Abu Dhabi.

Others include the Aida Diva, which visits Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and the MSC Lirica - stopping at Abu Dhabi, Khor Fakkan, Muscat and Khasab.

--IANS/WAM

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