The inaugural visit to Dubai of Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s third Quantum-class ship, was met with much enthusiasm, as onlookers marvelled at the magnificent vessel on its maiden voyage. The third ship of its kind, Ovation of the Seas stopped at Dubai Cruise Terminal 3 on its way from Barcelona to Singapore.
The occasion was marked by Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, Dubai Tourism, along with a selection of dignitaries from Dubai Immigration, Dubai Customs, DP World, PCFC Security and representatives from the ship’s agency M/S Wilhelmsen Ship Services and ground handlers M/S Arabian Adventures who presented the ship’s captain, Flemming Nielsen, with an honorary plaque at a special ceremony held on board the ship. Also in attendance at the event were Dr Abdulaziz Aloshban, managing director of Royal Caribbean Arabia, and Abby Penlington, marketing and communications manager, International Representatives – EMEA.
Ovation of the Seas follows Royal Caribbean International’s launch of sister ships Quantum of the Seas in 2014, which called in Dubai in May 2015, and Anthem of the Seas last year. The arrival of Ovation of the Seas is another testament to Dubai’s growing popularity as a cruise destination over the past few years, with the various major cruise lines operating in Dubai resulting in 455,616 cruise tourists arriving in the city over the 2014/2015 season.
Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, Dubai Tourism, said: 'We remain on track to hit our target of 500,000 cruise tourists in the 2015/16 season, and thanks to the numerous cruise lines that home port and call in Dubai, we look forward to welcoming even more cruise tourists to our ports over the next few years.'
On behalf of Royal Caribbean International, Mohamed Saeed, general manager Royal Caribbean Arabia, said: 'Like its sisters, Ovation of the Seas features a number of first-at-sea innovations, including North Star, a jewel-shaped glass capsule suspended 300 feet above sea level, and skydiving-simulator RipCord by iFly. Additionally, the vessel is home to SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, which includes attractions ranging from bumper cars, roller skating and video games, to a circus school complete with flying trapeze classes.'
The ship is already touted to be one of the best cruise ships of 2016, featuring a theatre with Broadway-style productions, a cavernous room with 270-degree views and more than a dozen restaurants, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver.