Doha cruise season tops 200,000 visitors despite regional disruption

Old Doha Port welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in 2025/26, despite the season ending early amid disruption linked to regional tensions.

The cruise terminal at Old Doha Port concluded its 2025/26 season with 49 cruise ship calls and more than 200,000 visitors, including passengers and crew, according to figures released by Mwani Qatar.

The season, which had originally been scheduled to continue into May 2026, ended earlier than planned following the disruption to regional cruise operations linked to the US-Iran conflict.

Several vessels suspended itineraries or departed the Arabian Gulf ahead of schedule, contributing to an earlier close to the season across multiple ports in the region.

Despite this, the overall performance of the Doha cruise season reflects continued demand for Gulf itineraries and the ability of ports to maintain operations through a period of uncertainty. The arrival of three cruise ships making their first calls to Qatar during the season further indicates ongoing engagement from international operators.

The 2025/26 season forms part of a broader pattern of growth for Doha as a cruise destination, supported by the redevelopment of Old Doha Port into a dedicated cruise and leisure hub. The facility has been positioned as a primary gateway for international visitors arriving by sea, with infrastructure designed to accommodate both turnaround and transit calls.

The steady flow of visitors during the season contributed to activity across the local tourism economy, including hospitality, retail, and cultural attractions.

Cruise passengers arriving in Doha typically access destinations such as Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and the National Museum of Qatar, supporting a wider ecosystem of tourism services.

The early conclusion of the season reflects the wider operational environment faced by cruise lines in recent months, with deployments adjusted in response to conditions affecting key maritime corridors.

The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways have been central to these developments, with vessels either delaying departures or repositioning to alternative regions once transit became viable.

While the disruption has affected scheduling in the short term, forward deployment plans suggest that the Arabian Gulf remains part of longer-term cruise strategies.

Doha, alongside ports in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, continues to be included in future itineraries, indicating that the region’s role within global cruise networks is being maintained.

The performance of the 2025/26 season, despite its shortened duration, highlights the resilience of cruise operations in the Gulf, where ports have continued to support vessels and passengers under changing conditions.

For Doha, the season reinforces its position as an emerging hub within the regional cruise landscape, with infrastructure and connectivity supporting its role in future deployments.