Qatar Tourism has officially kicked off its 2024/2025 cruise season with the arrival of Resorts World One Cruise Ship at the Old Doha Port. This season is anticipated to be the biggest one yet for Qatar, with a total of 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls, and 4 maiden calls. Resorts World One is the first maiden call of the season, and it is expected to make a total of 23 scheduled visits, bringing in approximately 72,000 visitors to the region. Overall, more than 430,000 passengers are expected to visit between November 2024 and April 2025, with a lineup of notable ships such as Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, and more.
The 2024/2025 cruise season is a significant milestone for Qatar’s cruise market, following the success of the previous season which saw 73 cruise ships and over 347,000 visitors. Qatar has been solidifying its status as a premier global cruise destination, with international world-class ships such as MSC Virtuosa, Seabourn Encore, and Azamara Journey having previously docked in Doha. This growth is seen as pivotal in achieving Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030, with expectations of a 30% increase in cruise calls and a 24.5% increase in visitors compared to the previous season. The growing demand for cruise vacations in the region is evident, and with new partnerships and renowned cruise lines visiting Qatar, the country continues to position itself as a leading destination for cruise travelers worldwide.
H E Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, expressed the significance of the cruise sector in achieving Qatar’s tourism goals. The 2024/2025 season is set to welcome a significant increase in cruise calls and visitors, showcasing the growing interest in cruise vacations in the region. Capt. Abdullah Mohammed Al Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, highlighted the record-breaking visitor numbers from the previous season and the excitement for the increased influx of visitors in the current season. Doha Port is fully prepared to welcome guests on 95 scheduled cruises, providing an unforgettable experience for all visitors. The collaboration between Qatar Tourism, stakeholders, and cruise operators is driving growth in Qatar’s marine tourism sector and elevating its global presence in the travel industry, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy 2030.
Overall, the start of the 2024/2025 cruise season in Qatar marks a momentous occasion for the country’s cruise market. With an impressive lineup of cruise ships and a significant increase in expected visitors, Qatar is solidifying its position as a premier global cruise destination. The growth of the cruise sector plays a crucial role in achieving Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030 and reflects the growing demand for cruise vacations in the region. The collaboration between Qatar Tourism, Mwani Qatar, and stakeholders is driving growth in the marine tourism sector and elevating Qatar’s global presence in the travel industry. As more high-profile cruise lines choose Doha as a port of call, Qatar continues to position itself as a leading destination for cruise travelers worldwide.
