Airlines and AviationOcean CruisingUnited Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi’s new cruise terminal inaugurated

By Mark Elliott On Dec 15, 2015

TD Guest Writer

Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly

(L-R): Sultan Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s acting executive director tourism, Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president corporate and international affairs, Khaled Almehairbi, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president government and aeropolitical affairs, Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ chief executive officer, Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports chief executive officer and Noura Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi Ports Cruise terminal manager

Etihad Airways recently celebrated the official opening of Abu Dhabi’s new cruise terminal by flying in more than 650 guests for the inaugural voyage.

In conjunction with MSC Cruises, the airline created a special fly-cruise package for travellers from around the world to experience the Arabian Gulf. Hala Abu Dhabi is also providing eight unique tours to MSC Cruises guests that can be pre-purchased online or bought on board the ship. The Abu Dhabi shore excursions and tour experiences will all delivered by qualified guides.

Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways, said: “The new cruise terminal represents our shared vision alongside local partners to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class transport hub. Cruising is a fast growing sector of the travel industry and we look forward to helping develop this segment further with expansion of our services.”

Many ground services will also be handled by Etihad Airways and Hala Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has placed 15 check-in counters at the cruise terminal, allowing passengers to proceed directly to immigration and customs.

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