Qatar sees surge in cruise tourism numbers for 2024/25 Middle East cruise season

More than 190,000 cruise tourists have visited Qatar during the ongoing 2024/25 Middle East cruise season, according to figures released by Qatar Tourism, reflecting the country’s position as a growing hub for cruise tourism in the GCC region.

By January 20th, 2025 (the middle of the season) Qatar had welcomed more than 53 cruise ship calls, bringing 191,944 cruise passengers to Qatar’s shores, as well as 20,951 turnaround passengers who have used Doha as a starting point for their cruise journeys.

To date, visitors from Germany lead arrival figures with (30.2%), followed by Russia at (10.8%) and Italy at (9.2%). The top 10 nationalities collectively account for 69.2% of the total number of passengers.

The cruise tourism growth in Qatar was driven by a resurgent cruise sector in the Middle East, with four cruise ships, Resorts World One, MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Costa Smeralda, homeporting in Dubai and visiting Qatar for the first time. 

Costa Smeralda alone, the 8th largest class of cruise ship in the world, is scheduled to make 10 calls this season, bringing an estimated total of 82,000 passengers. Additionally, Norwegian Sky is expected to call on April12th, 2025. 

“The impressive growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our strategic vision as part of the National Tourism Strategy 2030,” said Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector, at Qatar Tourism. “Looking ahead, more than 30 cruise ships are expected by the end of the season in April 2025, bringing approximately 185,000 cruise tourists.”

“This demonstrates the rising demand for Qatar’s exceptional cruise offerings combined with strong partnerships with global cruise operators. These record-breaking numbers reflect Doha’s growing prominence as a regional turnaround hub,” he added. “As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and enrich the visitor experience, our commitment to positioning Qatar as a premier cruise destination remains steadfast.”

The cruise industry has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s national tourism strategy, experiencing remarkable growth in recent years. Doha Port’s strategic location in the heart of the city allows visitors to maximise their short stays, with iconic landmarks such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif positioned nearby. 

This experience is further elevated by the Grand Cruise Terminal, which combines classic Arabian architecture with state-of-the-art facilities. The terminal stands as a symbol of Qatar’s commitment to providing world-class experiences for cruise visitors.

As Qatar continues to expand its tourism offerings, the cruise industry remains a key driver of the nation’s vision to position itself as a world-class destination.