Cunard Line‘s flagship, and the only remaining ocean liner in the world still in regular trans-Atlantic service, Queen Mary 2, has marked her maiden port call at Dubai’s new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.

Queen Mary 2 called in Dubai on Thursday on the second leg of her 117-night roundtrip World Cruise from New York City. Cunard Line offered Dubai as a turnaround port for a 12-night Dubai to Singapore cruise, or a 38-night grand voyage to Sydney, Australia.

While Queen Mary 2 traditionally cruises from Dubai at least once every year, this was her first time cruising from the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, which officially opened for passenger services in 2022.

Queen Mary 2 alongside at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.

Dubai Harbour is a new seafront district in the heart of new Dubai, featuring a cruise terminal, marina, and retail and dining experiences. Around 300,000 cruise passengers are expected to use the cruise terminal during the current 2022/23 cruise season, with Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Cunard Line, enjoying exclusive access to the harbour.

Dubai Harbour sits just over 30kms from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) and is within easy reach from the city’s world-famous attractions such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Expo 2020 Dubai.

Dubai Harbour is the region’s first purpose built cruise port

“We’re delighted to be making the Queen Mary 2 maiden call during this year’s annual world cruise at Dubai Harbour,” said Angus Struthers, Acting Senior Vice President, Cunard. “Dubai is a special place for Cunard as we briefly join the same seas as our flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, and we are grateful for the Arabian hospitality that always gives us the warmest of welcomes.”

“Dubai Harbour’s highly efficient and modern terminals have helped us ensure seamless passenger turnaround, despite our shorter stay in the city, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years,” he added.

Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is a joint venture between Shamal Holdings and Cunard Corporation. The terminal is the cruise company’s regional hub for the Middle East, and is used by several of its nine cruise line brands annually.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Queen Mary 2 by Cunard, which is the epitome of cruising heritage and excellence,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding.

“We are grateful for our continued collaboration as we continue to welcome iconic international cruise liners to the first ever dedicated cruise port in the region, largest standalone dedicated twin cruise terminal developed in the eastern hemisphere,” he added.

Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton and remains the largest ocean liner ever built. The ship combines classic British heritageCunard’s signature nostalgia, opulence, and style, with sweeping staircases, a grand ballroom, and a wraparound promenade deck.

She is one of the most spacious ships at sea, with 14 decks of lounges and bars, shops, and sports and even a seagoing planetarium. The ship boasts three pools, a Mareel Wellness and Beauty spa, 10 dining options, and one of the largest dance floors at sea.