Ras Al Khaimah sets sights on attracting more cruise ships

Emirate will be represented at the world's largest cruise fair in Miami, with ultimate aim of drawing in 50 luxury liners a season

Luxury cruise ship 'Seabourn Ovation' arrives at Ras Al Khaimah's port in 2019. The emirate's tourism authority has plans to attract dozens more vessels each year. All photos: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Luxury cruise ship 'Seabourn Ovation' arrives at Ras Al Khaimah's port in 2019.

Luxury cruise ship 'Seabourn Ovation' arrives at Ras Al Khaimah's port in 2019.

Luxury cruise ship 'Seabourn Ovation' arrives at Ras Al Khaimah's port in 2019.

Ras Al Khaimah on Tuesday launched a major push to bring more cruise ships to the emirate.

The emirate's tourism chiefs want to attract at least 50 ships a season to bolster its target of three million visitors a year by 2030, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority said.

Cruise experts Zaiton Consultancy have been hired to support the efforts and it will represent the emirate at a major global cruise gathering – the Seatrade Cruise Global – that runs in Miami, Florida until April 28.

With an initial strategy based around smaller passenger ships before moving our focus to mainstream cruise liners, we will bring our global expertise to market Ras Al Khaimah’s truly unique offering

Zaiton Consultancy

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority and RAK Ports have already transformed the old ferry terminal and designed visitor itineraries.

The terminal, which welcomed its first vessel in 2019 after the revamp, can accommodate a number of cruise ships of up to 214 metres in length docking simultaneously.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism with an annual passenger growth rate of 5.4 per cent from 2009 to 2019, say some industry sources, with services returning to pre-pandemic levels after the disruption caused by Covid-19.

It is envisaged that RAK will attempt to attract smaller cruise vessels first before progressing to larger ships.

“We are ready to receive the world’s most elite cruise ships and showcase our beautiful nature emirate to this growing segment of travellers," said the RAKTDA's Iyad Rasbey.

“We’ve seen first-hand the significance of cruises to the destination’s overall tourism ecosystem. We also recognise that water transportation is becoming increasingly important in terms of connectivity and will support our aviation strategy in bringing tourists directly to Ras Al Khaimah."

Zaiton said it was an honour to work with RAK to attract more cruise passengers to the emirate.

“With an initial strategy based around smaller passenger ships before moving our focus to mainstream cruise liners, we will bring our global expertise to market Ras Al Khaimah’s truly unique offering and one-of-a-kind experiences to cruise passengers around the world,” said executive director Jasem Zaiton.

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its adventure tourism as well as being home to the UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais.

Efforts across the UAE to attract more cruise ships have been advancing despite the interruption brought by coronavirus.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already established on the cruise circuit. Abu Dhabi in February opened a new jetty at its Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach in the western region of Al Dhafra. Previously, ships anchored offshore and passengers were taken ashore in a smaller boat.

Another new cruise terminal opened at the vast Dubai Harbour development with the first vessels operating from there last year. The emirate in October said it hoped for 500,000 visitors this winter.

Inside the $800 million 'MSC Virtuosa': Dubai’s largest cruise ship

The promenade of the MSC Virtuosa. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The largest ship in MSC's fleet is more than 65 metres tall

A Formula One simulator in the ship's amusement zone

The back deck of the MSC Virtuosa as it docked in Dubai for its official naming ceremony

The ship has luxury shops, restaurants and bars on board

The view towards the Galleria Virtuosa, the longest LED dome at sea

A deluxe balcony cabin on the MSC Virtuosa

The dome changes colour and displays to create various atmospheres and ambience for passengers

Le Grand theatre on the MSC Virtuosa hosts nightly Broadway-style performances, free for travellers to book

Passengers on the MSC Virtuosa embark in Dubai before the ship's journey to Abu Dhabi and Doha

Savannah Aquapark is one of the largest waterparks at sea

Running and walking tracks on the upper deck

The Attic nightclub on the vessel

One of the five swimming pools on the ship

The Virtuosa bar

The children's club has a basketball and football indoor court

Gym-goers will be rewarded with ocean views

View from the balcony of a cabin on the MSC Virtuosa, overlooking Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal 3 in Port Rashid, Dubai

The sparkling Swarovski-crystal staircase on the MSC Virtuosa

Passengers enjoy the aqua park as the ship is docked in Dubai

Children can enjoy their own places to play with separate supervised facilities for babies, children and teenagers

The $800 million MSC Virtuosa cruise ship was officially named in Dubai by Sheikh Mansoor and Hollywood actress Sophia Loren

The view from the pool on the MSC Virtuosa

Adults and children can enjoy the amusement zone

The Tropical Pool has a retractable glass roof allowing it to be open air or enclosed

Lifeboats on the MSC Virtuosa