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Manama, Dec. 28 (BNA): The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the arrival of three cruises at Khalifa Bin Salman Port from December 26 to 28, carrying more than 11,000 tourists. KBSP, operated by APM Terminals Bahrain, is set to welcome dozens of cruise ships as part of the 2022-2023 cruise season between November 2022 and May 2023, celebrating 11 years since the launch of the cruise industry services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“MSC World Europa” arrived at KBSP, carrying 6,000 tourists from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK. With 19 ships in its fleet, MSC Cruises has one of the youngest cruise fleets in the world. It was founded by an Italian shipping company in 1970. It has expertise on board as well as a variety of amenities such as Balinese spas, adults-only swimming pools, and 4D cinemas. Its fleet ships can carry between 1,984 and 6,300 passengers at one time.
One crew member is assigned for every three passengers. It provides passengers with live entertainment in the form of evening concerts, parties, competitions and live performances. The newest addition to the fleet, “MSC World Europa”, was launched in November 2021. MSC World Europa is the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ship.
Sailing from Germany, AIDAcosmo arrived at KBSP with a capacity of more than 5,000 passengers of various nationalities. Managed by AIDA Cruises with 1,252 crew members, “AIDAcosma” is one of the largest cruise ships within the AIDA fleet. KBSP also received the American cruise ship “The World”, which was carrying 148 tourists and 285 crew members of various nationalities.
On this occasion, Dr. Nasser Qaedi, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, stated: “We are pleased to welcome a new batch of cruise ships and welcome the thousands of tourists who have chosen Bahrain to be part of their regional cruise itinerary. The cruise industry adds great value to the tourism sector as one of the main pillars tourism strategy, benefiting entertainment, shopping malls, hospitality, hotels and many other industries.”
“We are confident that the cruise industry will boost tourism revenues, which will enhance the Kingdom’s position as a popular tourist destination in the region for more European tourists and other nationalities who are looking to explore Bahrain’s culture and the rich heritage of the Arabian Gulf in ancient history and civilization through cruises, and we wish all cruise passengers The Navy has a happy stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain.” Qaidi added.
AOQ