Abu Dhabi launches discount pass exclusively for cruise ship crew members

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the Cruise Crew Pass, an exclusive discount programme designed for crew members working aboard cruise liners calling in the Arabian Gulf.

The pass, developed in collaboration with online platform Alike and costing US$1 to sign-up, offers discounts at retail, dining, and attraction venues throughout Abu Dhabi, encouraging exploration and enjoyment of the emirate’s unique offerings.

Some 147 cruise ship calls are expected in Abu Dhabi during the 2024/25 winter cruise season, with 500 to more than 1,000 crew members working aboard each vessel, many of which call in Abu Dhabi multiple times during the season.

The Cruise Crew Pass offers these crew members multiple opportunities to discover the destination’s diverse offerings throughout the season.

Benefits offered through the pass include exclusive discounts, access to must-see attractions, and bespoke experiences tailored for those who work at sea.  Crew members will receive a unique invitation code, allowing them to access the Abu Dhabi Pass App and enjoy discounts throughout the capital.

“Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a preferred port of call for leading global cruise liners,” said Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi. “We’re thrilled to offer crew members the opportunity to explore and experience Abu Dhabi’s vibrant retail, culinary, and leisure scenes through the Cruise Crew Pass, which provides substantial savings and added value.”

The platform was developed in collaboration with Alike, a leading global social travel marketplace and technology innovator, and will be available at the start of the cruise season.

DCT Abu Dhabi has also been working with 7X, the trade, transport and logistics investment and holding group, to address the unique logistical challenges faced by crew. Through the partnership, 7X will provide cruise crew members on cruise ships homeporting in the region with a dedicated address for receiving online shopping orders throughout the season.

The service, which is soon to be operational, is conveniently located near the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.

Abu Dhabi’s efforts to enhance convenience, and the on-shore experience for crew, comes amid robust growth in the local cruise sector. More than 740,000 cruise passengers visited the city during the 2023/24 season, with more than 82,000 passengers embarking and disembarking from Abu Dhabi.

Initiatives like the Cruise Crew Pass play a vital role in supporting the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, enhancing the experience of visitors and cruise lines and attracting more cruise tourism, in turn supporting the economic impact of the tourism sector.