Norwegian Dawn makes regional debut in Qatar’s Doha Port

Friday, December 22, 2023

As part of the 2023/24 cruise season that commenced in late October in Qatar, the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship made its arrival at Doha Port, accompanied by a special ceremony organized by Qatar Tourism. The welcome festivities included a traditional Ardah performance, henna applications, the provision of dhow souvenirs, Arabic calligraphy art, sadu weaving, and the crafting of fishing nets for passengers disembarking.

Capable of accommodating up to 2,340 passengers with an operational crew of 1,032 members, the cruise ship is set to anchor for a two-night stay. During this time, passengers will have the opportunity to explore nearby attractions in Doha, such as the Mina District, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar, and more.

Commenting on the momentous arrival, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized, “The Norwegian Dawn’s regional debut is a significant achievement for Qatar’s burgeoning cruise tourism sector, showcasing Qatar’s international allure as a premier cruise destination. Qatar Tourism is actively seeking new collaborations and agreements with leading cruise lines, inviting international passengers to experience Qatar’s rich events calendar, world-class museums, attractions, and cultural hubs.”

Captain Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, expressed delight, stating, “We warmly welcome the maiden voyage of the Norwegian Cruise Line to Qatar and the Gulf region. This milestone reflects the increasing interest of cruise operators in docking at Doha’s Old Port and departing to other cruise terminals in the region. Qatar has rapidly gained prominence in the cruise tourism industry, emerging as a globally sought-after destination. Its captivating attractions and strategic geographical location have positioned Qatar favorably among cruise operators and passengers alike. At Mwani Qatar, in alignment with the Ministry of Transport’s strategic plan, we continue to collaborate with stakeholders and cruise partners to establish Qatar as the preeminent travel destination in the region.”

Anticipated to host 79 cruises and welcome 350,000 passengers, Qatar Tourism’s 2023/24 cruise season is poised to surpass the previous season’s figures of 54 cruises and 253,191 visitors in 2022/23. Passengers will be greeted at the new Cruise Terminal, featuring an aquarium and conveniently situated in proximity to key tourist attractions.

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