Abu Dhabi should be your next port of call, that’s according to the World Cruise Awards who named the capital of the UAE as the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2023.
The city beat off competition from the likes of Alaska, Fiji, Jamaica, Mauritius, and the Philippines to take home the coveted crown at a glitzy event held at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai, last Monday.
But it wasn’t the only gong that Abu Dhabi sailed away with, as the emirate was also revealed as the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination, while Zayed Port was awarded the title of the Middle East’s and World’s Best Cruise Terminal.
Having welcomed more than 700,000 visitors to date in 2023, the city introduced the region’s first F1 Cruise concept at last weekend’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix event, which saw guests enjoy all three days at Yas Marina Circuit before disembarking Zayed Port for Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island and Doha.
“The global and regional accolades emphasise Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing memorable and authentic experiences to cruise tourists,” says His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “Emirati hospitality awaits cruise visitors sailing the Arabian Gulf, and Abu Dhabi’s blend of tradition and modernity has made it not only the top choice in the region, but a renowned global option for visitors captivated by Abu Dhabi’s diverse destination offerings.”
