Latest news with #SeatradeCruiseGlobal
Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Telegraph
The future of retirement homes could be at sea
No one can accuse German shipbuilders Meyer Werft of a lack of vision. They are, in fact, currently looking far into the future. In 75 years, they tell us, the US will have the same number of over-80s as they do over-65s today. By 2100, then, there could just be a very interesting gap in the market. Instead of a conventional retirement home, octogenarians who still possess a spring in their step might opt instead for the Serenity, a ship designed just for them. 75 years, I hear you say – shall we put the baby's name down now? Fear not, the demographics are, of course, already changing and it may not be such a wait. In fact, if all goes according to plan, the Serenity could be afloat in 10 to 15 years. Meyer Werft presented their concept at the Seatrade Cruise Global trade fair: a ship that is climate neutral (courtesy of fuel cells, batteries, solar energy and a focus on low-speed itineraries) with dimensions of some 804ft (245m) top to tail and 148ft (45m) wide. For most cruise ships, this would indicate between 2,000 and 4,000 passengers (or even more) depending on the number of decks and the level of luxury. Living on a ship – as perpetual cruises like Villa Vie Odyssey have recently shown – is very different from a week-long cruise. You would surely need a bigger space of your own if you're to stave off inevitable cabin fever. Presumably then, the number of passengers, or in this case residents, would be lower. Having said that, the company doesn't see you spending too much time in your cabin. This is not, the shipbuilders say, a floating nursing home but 'a place at sea for dynamic and active people aged 80 and over, for whom travelling is part of life in old age'. And why not? Loneliness is currently regarded as one of the worst epidemics among the elderly, so how about an active, healthy lifestyle with plenty of social interaction and stimuli? You may not want to go scuba diving or water skiing in your 80s but, there again, you might want to do something other than sit in a corner and knit: Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates in a sunny studio, perhaps, or taking in lungfuls of ozone on a daily mile-long walk around the deck; how about a golf simulator, tennis, putting and – most obvious of all – swimming in a heated pool, maybe with a retractable roof so it's suitable for all climates. Deck games (shuffleboard, anyone?) are good for social interaction but I'd imagine, too, there'd be plenty of people wanting to sign up to arts and crafts, book clubs, bridge, quizzes, dancing, maybe a choir. For quieter moments, there could be a generous library and there are few more tranquil, meditative experiences than simply gazing out to sea. Of course, there are practical considerations, too – medical matters, for a start. The average GP in the UK has over 2,000 patients on their books. I would imagine the Serenity is going to offer something rather better than that (imagine having one doctor for every 10 people onboard – what luxury!), and they have also promised to fulfil other 'assisted living' requirements. But they could take the concept of health care on to a much more dynamic level. Their restaurants – they'll have to offer several for the sake of variety – could have menus pegged to individual health concerns (low cholesterol, heart health, diabetes control) but how about longevity diets featuring Mediterranean cuisine or a Japanese restaurant with the best of clean eating? The spa, meanwhile, could offer not just muscle-easing massages but the latest rejuvenation treatments. All this and you haven't even arrived in port. Being on the move all the time means continually discovering new places and there could be excursions to everything from a top Broadway show to a tour of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, from whale watching off the coast of New Zealand to seeing the Northern Lights in the far north of Norway. No lack of stimuli then. With everything still so hypothetical, there's no suggestion yet of what Serenity's itinerary might be – but hopefully she will be avoiding heavy seas (when it gets really rough, I have seen broken bones on board – even among the under-80s). Whatever her itinerary, she will, though, be constantly – if sedately – on the move to bucket list destinations. Could this be the ideal octogenarian lifestyle? Will Serenity's designers have this kind of vision? No one can say for certain – but one thing is sure: given the choice between staying home and watching daytime television, or shopping in the souk in Muscat, eating sushi in Okinawa or watching (and, OK, this one admittedly has odds that are a bit of a stretch) England reclaim the Ashes in Perth – I know which most of us would choose.
Gulf Insider
20-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Wraps up Cruise Season With Over 140,000 Tourists and 15% Growth
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has officially announced the successful conclusion of the 2024–2025 cruise season, welcoming a total of 140,100 tourists from across the globe. This marks a 15% increase in arrivals compared to the previous season, alongside a noticeable rise in the number of visitors opting to stay in Bahrain's hotels and resorts. The season, which ran from November 2024 to April 2025, saw 40 cruise ships docking in Bahrain, significantly boosting economic activity and supporting key sectors such as retail, transportation, and hospitality, according to Ms. Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO of Resources and Projects at BTEA. Ms. Al Saad highlighted the season's success as part of the Authority's broader strategic goals for the tourism sector. She also confirmed that early preparations are already underway for the 2025–2026 season, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and enhancing maritime tourism services. She praised the fruitful coordination between public and private sector partners—including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, APM Terminals Bahrain (operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port), and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Their joint efforts played a vital role in ensuring the smooth facilitation of services and the organization of diverse cultural and tourism programs for cruise visitors. This year's cruise season stood out for its variety of offerings, coinciding with numerous festivals and events held across the six-month period. The vibrant calendar helped provide a well-rounded and engaging experience that received high praise from tourists and cruise operators alike. In a related development, BTEA recently participated in Seatrade Cruise Global, a major industry exhibition held in Miami, USA, as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance—a regional partnership including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. During the exhibition, new agreements were signed in preparation for the 2026–2027 cruise season, including plans to extend cruise ship stopovers in Bahrain to up to three days. This move is expected to further boost Bahrain's position in the regional cruise tourism market and enhance its economic contribution through a more diversified and immersive visitor experience. The BTEA reaffirmed its commitment to developing Bahrain into a premier cruise destination in the region, while continuing to support the Kingdom's broader vision for sustainable economic growth through tourism.
Daily Tribune
19-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Wraps Up Cruise Season with Over 140,000 Tourists and 15% Growth
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has officially announced the successful conclusion of the 2024–2025 cruise season, welcoming a total of 140,100 tourists from across the globe. This marks a 15% increase in arrivals compared to the previous season, alongside a noticeable rise in the number of visitors opting to stay in Bahrain's hotels and resorts. The season, which ran from November 2024 to April 2025, saw 40 cruise ships docking in Bahrain, significantly boosting economic activity and supporting key sectors such as retail, transportation, and hospitality, according to Ms. Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO of Resources and Projects at BTEA. Ms. Al Saad highlighted the season's success as part of the Authority's broader strategic goals for the tourism sector. She also confirmed that early preparations are already underway for the 2025–2026 season, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and enhancing maritime tourism services. She praised the fruitful coordination between public and private sector partners—including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, APM Terminals Bahrain (operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port), and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Their joint efforts played a vital role in ensuring the smooth facilitation of services and the organization of diverse cultural and tourism programs for cruise visitors. This year's cruise season stood out for its variety of offerings, coinciding with numerous festivals and events held across the six-month period. The vibrant calendar helped provide a well-rounded and engaging experience that received high praise from tourists and cruise operators alike. In a related development, BTEA recently participated in Seatrade Cruise Global, a major industry exhibition held in Miami, USA, as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance —a regional partnership including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. During the exhibition, new agreements were signed in preparation for the 2026–2027 cruise season, including plans to extend cruise ship stopovers in Bahrain to up to three days. This move is expected to further boost Bahrain's position in the regional cruise tourism market and enhance its economic contribution through a more diversified and immersive visitor experience. The BTEA reaffirmed its commitment to developing Bahrain into a premier cruise destination in the region, while continuing to support the Kingdom's broader vision for sustainable economic growth through tourism.
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DCT Abu Dhabi showcases cruise offering at SeaTrade Cruise Global
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) participated in SeaTrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, which took place from April 7–10. Representing the emirate as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, DCT Abu Dhabi joined key global stakeholders at the world's largest annual cruise industry event. Abu Dhabi's presence at the event reflects its commitment to building partnerships within the sector and showcasing the diverse experiences available to travellers, ranging from luxury resorts and pristine beaches to historical sites and global events. The emirate continues to be developed as a leading cruise destination, attracting international cruise lines and visitors. In 2024, Abu Dhabi welcomed over 693,000 cruise visitors through 158 port calls, an indication of its popularity with travellers and signalling further opportunities for growth and investment in the emirate's cruise sector. Haitham Ali Khamis, Section Head – Aviation, Cruise and Global Partnerships at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'Abu Dhabi's emergence as a leading regional cruise destination is the result of our continued collaboration with partners and our commitment to delivering tailored experiences that resonate with international travellers. With nearly 700,000 cruise visitors last year, our momentum is stronger than ever. Through our participation in SeaTrade Cruise Global, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to forge new partnerships, highlight the emirate's growing cruise offerings, and create more opportunities for visitors from around the world to experience everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.' Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports said: "We are thrilled to participate in Seatrade Cruise Global, a premier event that brings together the global cruise industry. We believe this exhibition presents a valuable opportunity for us to showcase Abu Dhabi's unique offerings and strengthen our position as a regional force in the cruise industry, offering world-class facilities, and unparalleled access to the region's most breathtaking attractions, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. We have evolved to become the preferred port of call for many leading cruise lines, and strengthening our industry partnerships will play a pivotal role in driving growth and ensure long lasting business relationships.' A number of new services have also been launched to improve the cruise journey for both visitors and crew members. These include the region's first-ever Cruise Crew Pass and Crew Parcel Pick-Up Service, designed to enhance crew experience with exclusive discounts and convenience. Additionally, a dedicated digital Cruise Guide has been introduced to help cruise passengers easily explore what Abu Dhabi has to offer. The Abu Dhabi Pass, available to all cruise visitors, offers discounts across top attractions, dining venues, and retail outlets, encouraging longer stays and a deeper engagement with the city's rich culture and hospitality. DCT Abu Dhabi is also focused on improving the visitor journey from the moment passengers dock. Enhancements at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal include the opening of a new Visitor Information Centre at Zayed Port, which offers guidance, booking assistance, and insights into the emirate's diverse attractions. Visitors can also explore the nearby Zayed Port Heritage Village, offering a glimpse into the UAE's history and traditions. DCT Abu Dhabi's presence at SeaTrade Cruise Global aligns with its broader strategy to engage with global stakeholders and establish strategic collaborations. Recent initiatives include a partnership with Celestyal Cruises, that will see the Celestyal Discovery Homeport from Abu Dhabi for the 2025/2026 season and onwards. This gives visitors a unique opportunity of having the option of staying for a couple of nights before or after their cruise, as well as joint marketing projects (JMPs) with cruise agents in the UK and Russia. Furthermore, enhancement to the emirate's cruise offering such as the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, guest-centric services, and the dedicated cruise beach stopover at Sir Bani Yas Island all contribute to the emirate's Tourism Strategy 2030. This long-term vision focuses on enhancing infrastructure, elevating hospitality standards, and developing cultural attractions, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a premier global destination. -TradeArabia News Service
