Qatar Tourism announced a remarkable mid-season milestone for the 2024/2025 cruise season, reinforcing Qatar’s growing prominence as a cruise tourism hub in the GCC region.
By January 20, 2025, Qatar welcomed 53 cruise ships, bringing 191,944 cruise passengers to its shores, including 20,951 turnaround passengers who embarked on their journeys from Doha.
Germany led the arrivals with 30.2%, followed by Russia (10.8%) and Italy (9.2%). Collectively, the top 10 nationalities accounted for 69.2% of total visitors.
This season was further enhanced by the arrival of four cruise ships visiting Doha for the first time—Resorts World One, MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Costa Smeralda. Additionally, Norwegian Sky is expected to arrive on April 12, 2025. Among these, Costa Smeralda, the world’s 8th largest cruise ship, is set to make 10 calls, bringing an estimated 82,000 passengers.
Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stated:
“The impressive growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our strategic vision under the National Tourism Strategy 2030. More than 30 cruise ships are expected by the season’s end in April 2025, bringing approximately 185,000 additional passengers. This surge highlights the increasing demand for Qatar’s exceptional cruise offerings and the success of strong partnerships with global cruise operators. As we continue to invest in world-class infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience, our commitment to establishing Qatar as a premier cruise destination remains unwavering.”
The cruise industry has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s tourism strategy, witnessing exceptional growth in recent years. Doha Port’s strategic location in the heart of the city allows visitors to maximize their short stays, with key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif just minutes away. This experience is further enhanced by the Grand Cruise Terminal, which blends classic Arabian architecture with cutting-edge facilities, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to providing unparalleled cruise experiences.
As Qatar continues to expand its tourism landscape, the cruise sector remains a vital driver in its vision to position itself as a world-class destination.
