Abu Dhabi Ports, the operator and manager of Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports to introduce airport check-in desks at the cruise terminal.
Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Airports and the selected airline operators will introduce on-ground services, including check-in counters, which passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal can use to complete their airline check-in ahead of their arrival to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The new service will allow passengers to check-in their bags at the cruise terminal rather than carry them to the airport. This makes the departure easier and more pleasant for passengers and also gives them the opportunity to spend their final time in the city free of baggage.
Abu Dhabi Ports had its best ever cruise performance last season and with further growth expected, Abu Dhabi Airports introduced 15 check-in counters at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminals, located in Zayed Port.
The port is believed to be the first in the region to offer airline check-in desks.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said that Abu Dhabi continued to welcome an increasing number of visitors looking for unique and unrivalled experiences.
"After a record-breaking cruise season during 2016/2017, which saw a 48% increase in passengers arriving at our terminals in Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to continue supporting the growth of the maritime tourism sector by providing passengers with services that address all their needs. We are excited about this strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, which represents the government’s commitment to enhancing the Emirate’s appeal as a tourism hub, in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.”
Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, Acting CEO at Abu Dhabi Airport, said it is crucial that we tie the knot with key partners within the transport and tourism industries to create a strong network of entities driving growth and success for this astounding destination of Abu Dhabi.
"We are proud to sign this MOU with Abu Dhabi Ports today, and look forward to increasing the scope of collaboration in the near future.”
Since it’s inauguration in 2015, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal has played a leading role in the development of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. Officials see the integration of airport and cruise terminal as crucial to making the city an attractive proposition for fly-cruise tourists coming to the UAE to join their cruise ship.
Cruise lines operating at Abu Dhabi include Celebrity Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises.