Qatar Tourism has kicked off its 2024-2025 cruise season with the arrival of the Resorts World One cruise ship. This season is gearing up to become Qatar’s biggest yet, with 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls, and four maiden calls. Resorts World One marks the first maiden call of the season. The ship will make 23 visits this season with a total of approximately 72,000 visitors.
“The growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is pivotal to achieving our National Tourism Strategy 2030. The 2024-2025 season is expected to see a 30 percent increase in cruise calls and a 24.5 percent increase in visitors compared to the previous season, reflecting the growing demand for cruise vacations in the region,” stated Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism.
Season to see over 430,000 passengers
Qatar Tourism expects this year’s cruise season to see over 430,000 passengers between November 2024 and April 2025. This season will welcome notable ships including Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, Norwegian Sky, and Celestyal Journey, further solidifying Qatar’s growing status as a premier global cruise destination.
“With new partnerships and an increasing number of high-profile cruise lines visiting our shores, Qatar continues to position itself as a leading destination for cruise travelers worldwide,” added Al Kharji.
Record-breaking 2023-2024 cruise season
Building on the success of the 2023-2024 cruise season, which saw 73 cruise ships and over 347,000 visitors, the new season also represents a significant milestone in Qatar’s cruise market. International world-class ships including MSC Virtuosa, Seabourn Encore, AIDAprima, Artania, Mein Schiff 2, Azamara Journey, MS Riviera, MS Hamburg, and Norwegian Dawn have all previously docked in Doha.
“Following last season’s record-breaking visitor numbers, we are thrilled to welcome an even greater influx of visitors from across the globe, solidifying Qatar’s position as a leading cruise destination,” added Capt. Abdullah Mohammed Al Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar.
Read | September 2024 passenger demand soars with 7.1 percent growth in RPKs: IATA
Doha Ports’ strategic location
Al Khanji added that Doha Port is ready to ensure an unforgettable experience for guests on the 95 cruises arriving in Qatar this season. “The remarkable increase in visitor numbers and cruise arrivals highlights the growing interest from cruise operators in choosing Doha Port, reflecting Qatar’s standing as a key cruise destination in the region,” he added.
The Doha Ports cruise terminal has a very strategic location, allowing cruise passengers to make the most of their time in the city. The terminal’s location is just minutes away from key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif.
Looking ahead, Qatar Tourism also plans to strengthen its collaborations with more international cruise lines. This step is vital for driving further growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to economic diversification efforts.
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