Qatar welcomed over 190,000 cruise passengers by mid-season, reinforcing its position as a key GCC cruise hub.
Four new cruise ships, including Costa Smeralda, have debuted in Doha, boosting tourism numbers.
Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030 and infrastructure investments continue to drive its cruise industry’s rapid growth.
Doha, Qatar – Qatar’s cruise tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with over 190,000 passengers arriving by mid-season of the 2024/2025 cruise period. This milestone further strengthens Qatar’s reputation as a premier cruise hub in the GCC region, attracting visitors from across the world.
A Strong Start to the Cruise Season
As of January 20, 2025, Qatar has welcomed 53 cruise ships, bringing a total of 191,944 passengers to its shores. Among them, 20,951 turnaround passengers have chosen Doha as their starting point, highlighting the city’s appeal as a key cruise destination.
Germany leads in visitor numbers, accounting for 30.2% of arrivals, followed by Russia (10.8%) and Italy (9.2%). These top three nationalities contribute significantly to the overall influx of cruise tourists.
New Ships and Expanding Fleet
This season has seen the arrival of four new cruise ships docking in Doha for the first time:
- Resorts World One
- MSC Euribia
- Celestyal Journey
- Costa Smeralda
Additionally, the Norwegian Sky is scheduled to visit on April 12, 2025. Notably, Costa Smeralda, ranked as the 8th largest cruise ship in the world, is set to make 10 calls this season, bringing approximately 82,000 passengers to Qatar.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, emphasized that the success of Qatar’s cruise sector aligns with the country’s National Tourism Strategy 2030.
He stated, “The impressive growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our strategic vision. By the end of the season in April 2025, we expect over 30 more cruise ships, bringing in an estimated 185,000 passengers. These record-breaking numbers reflect Doha’s emergence as a regional turnaround hub.”
World-Class Infrastructure Driving Success
Qatar’s cruise industry benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Grand Cruise Terminal, which blends Arabian architectural heritage with modern facilities. Doha Port’s strategic location also allows visitors to explore nearby attractions like the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, ensuring a rich and immersive experience.
The Future of Qatar’s Cruise Industry
With its growing cruise industry, Qatar is positioning itself as a world-class tourist destination. The country continues to invest in innovative experiences, luxury offerings, and strong partnerships with global cruise operators to sustain its tourism momentum.
As the season progresses, Qatar remains committed to enhancing its status as a key player in the global cruise market, offering visitors unparalleled hospitality and cultural experiences.
