Abu Dhabi firm to launch women-only cruises

Abu Dhabi cruise tour company Belevari Marine is set to become the first in the region to offer fully certified ladies-only cruises following the appointment of two female captains.

Captain Amanda Hyden, of the USA, and Captain Cathy Alvarado, who is German, have more than 100 sailing hours each and both hold Royal Yacht Association Powerboat 2 Licences.

They are leading the cruises onboard Belevari Marine’s flagship 74-foot catamaran – the largest of its kind in Abu Dhabi, official news agency WAM reported.

The move comes in response to what is seen as a growing demand for cruise products that cater to the female-only market and is expected to generate strong uptake from Arabian Gulf customers.

“Sea cruises with an all-ladies’ crew and female captain allows guests to experience the natural beauty of the Arabian Gulf in a comfortable, safe environment, where they can have fun whilst also retaining their modesty and cultural values,” said Captain Hyden.

Captain Alvarado said: “Schedules and timings for ladies cruises are kept confidential and will only be arranged by the two female captains.”

Abu Dhabi Tourism Culture Authority recently unveiled a dedicated on-line watersports resource in eight languages in response to the emirate’s burgeoning watersports sector.

It comes as the UAE capital is set to host third 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race stopover from mid-December 2014 until January 3, 2015.