'MV MINERVA' CONDUCTS PASSENGER EXCHANGE IN DUBAI

Luxury British cruise liner 'MV Minerva' conducted a passenger exchange at the Dubai Cruise Terminal on December 9th with 131 passengers boarding the vessel to begin their cruise to India and the Far East.

The vessel received a hospitable send off with senior officials from Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai Ports Authority on standby.

"Cruising is a relatively young, but complex and dynamic industry which is one of the fastest growing segments of the leisure market and we are gearing up for increased cruise business in Dubai," said DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer.

"Dubai with its unique blend of east and west and high profile within the tourism industry, has a relatively strong base, from which to promote its cruise tourism interests," remarked Mr. Seghayer.

The cruise liner had earlier docked in Dubai on December 2nd with 157 passengers on board. The 131 passengers on board the vessel that began their cruise from Dubai included: mainly British nationals as well as passengers from the USA, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Italy and Iceland.

MV Minerva specializes in lecture rich cruises to interesting destinations for those wishing to learn while they cruise. The vessel offers a good selection of public rooms with restrained contemporary décor.

Built in 1996, the vessel can handle up to 474 passengers and provides a space ratio of 26.4 tons per passenger. There are 157-crew - one for every 3 passengers.