Qatar Tourism has announced an impressive milestone for the first half of the 2024/2025 cruise season, with over 53 cruise ships bringing 191,944 passengers to the country’s shores. Among them, 20,951 turnaround passengers embarked on their cruise journeys directly from Doha, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a regional cruise hub.
This significant mid-season achievement (as of January 20) underscores Qatar’s rising prominence in the global cruise industry and its strategic position as a key player in the GCC’s tourism sector.
According to Qatar Tourism, Germany led passenger arrivals with 30.2%, followed by Russia (10.8%) and Italy (9.2%), with the top ten nationalities collectively accounting for 69.2% of total passengers.
The 2024/2025 season has also been marked by several first-time cruise ship arrivals, including Resorts World One, MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Costa Smeralda. The Norwegian Sky is also set to make its maiden call on April 12, 2025. Notably, the Costa Smeralda, the 8th largest cruise ship in the world, is scheduled to make 10 visits, bringing an estimated 82,000 passengers to Doha.
Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
The continued growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our long-term vision under the National Tourism Strategy 2030. With more than 30 additional cruise calls expected by the end of the season in April 2025 bringing approximately 185,000 more visitors Qatar is solidifying its status as a top cruise destination. Our strategic partnerships with global cruise operators, combined with world-class infrastructure and seamless visitor experiences, are key drivers in this success.
Qatar’s cruise sector has seen exponential growth in recent years, making it an essential pillar of the national tourism strategy. With Doha Port strategically located in the heart of the city, visitors can maximize their time exploring the capital’s attractions, further enhancing Qatar’s appeal as a premier cruise destination.
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