Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services continues to streamline cruise passenger experience

• Thomas Cook Airlines UK will be the first dedicated cruise ship charter airline to land at Abu Dhabi International Airport; streamlining check-in services at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal for disembarking Boudicca cruise passengers marking the initiation of cruise operations
• Ongoing Strategic partnership creating a seamless cruise passenger journey experience from plane to sea

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 31 October 2018: Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of the Emirate’s commercial and community ports as well as Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD), has partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services (EAS) Via Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal to create a seamless cruise passenger journey experience from plane to sea.

With the start of the 2018/2019 cruise season, the ongoing partnership will witness a full streamlined turnaround for passengers of the Boudicca cruise ship under the Fred Olsen cruise line. Thomas Cook Airlines UK will be the first airline to land in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) as a fully dedicated charter for cruise ship. Disembarking cruise passengers will be checked into airline check-in counters operated by Etihad Ground Services at Abu Dhabi Cruise

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “We are delighted to partner with two of Abu Dhabi’s key aviation entities to focus on innovative ways to excel in our services offering at our cruise facilities, in line with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic plans. Our ongoing partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports and EAS creates a seamless transition from plane to ship meeting passenger’s expectations and enhancing their experience at our facilities.”

Bryan Thompson, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “We are very pleased with the activation of this partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports and Etihad Aviation Services, as its cements the position Abu Dhabi is acquiring regionally and globally as a prominent tourism and transportation hub. All partners have invested in resources and facilities to ensure the delivery of a great product, and from Abu Dhabi Airports’ perspective, we are constantly looking into initiatives that will attract more operators to AUH. This includes enhancing operational efficiency and facility offers; hence we look forward to expanding such collaborations with our partners.”

Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal Manager at Abu Dhabi Ports, added: “Abu Dhabi Ports has invested heavily in developing state-of-the-art cruise infrastructure facilities. Our streamlined check-in services further cement our commitment to deliver distinctive services for cruise passengers in our facilities.”

Jubran Al Breiki, Head of Hub Operations for Etihad Airport Services (Ground) said: “Etihad Airport Services is delighted to provide our unique Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal check-in and secure baggage transfer solution to Thomas Cook Airlines for their charter flights to Abu Dhabi, operated in conjunction with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.  Etihad has worked closely with Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Airports during the past three years to ensure that the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal exceeds all expectations for airlines and cruise lines, presenting Abu Dhabi as the premier cruise ship destination in the region.”

Abu Dhabi Ports Cruise is working towards becoming the leading cruise facilities with over 329,000 cruise passengers during 2017. This year is proving to be even more successful, with additional homeporting ships and increases in passenger volume.

Abu Dhabi Port’s cruise destinations are Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, which was launched during last year’s season as the Emirate’s first dedicated cruise beach stopover. Abu Dhabi Ports Cruise expects a significant increase in footfall calling at the Sir Bani Yas Beach facility in addition to increasing cruise trips to Fujairah Ports.