Qatar is set to embark on its busiest cruise winter yet, with Doha Port lined up to receive 73 cruise ship arrivals between November 2025 and May 2026. This marks a major milestone for the Gulf nation, reflecting not only surging international interest in regional itineraries but also Qatar’s sustained investment in port infrastructure and destination marketing.
According to Mwani Qatar, the port operator, the season will feature 40 partial turnarounds, 15 full turnarounds, and three maiden ship visits. Notably, Saudi-based AROYA Cruises will debut at Doha on voyages departing from Dubai and Dammam, weaving Qatar into multi-country Arabian Gulf itineraries for the first time. Celestyal Cruises, too, will base its Celestyal Journey in Doha for a series of “Desert Days” themed sailings, with plans to hold a 107-sailing Arabian Gulf programme over the next three years. Traditional heavyweights MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises are also returning; MSC’s flagship Euribia will operate roundtrips to Doha from Dubai, with TUI adding 30 week-long deployments that put the Qatari capital firmly on the regional cruise map.
Partnerships with luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas—who will offer two exclusive 2026 departures from Doha—further cement the city’s status as an up-and-coming homeport for global players. A new cruise terminal, located steps from local icons including the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, is enabling faster processing, enhanced guest amenities, and a broad selection of shore excursions from heritage markets to world-class galleries.
Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Qatar Tourism’s Chief of Tourism Development, explains, “Qatar’s cruise strategy is about delivering seamless, authentic experiences. This season’s record volume confirms we’re fast becoming a preferred stop for both regional and worldwide guests.” In line with the country’s long-term visitor ambitions, the season’s success is bolstered by Qatar joining the Gulf’s “Cruise Arabia Alliance” alongside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman—a united front positioning the GCC as a world-class winter cruise destination.
With international operators expanding deployments and local tourism agencies ramping up onshore offerings, this winter positions Qatar to claim a leading role in Middle East cruising. The high-profile slate of calls is set to drive economic benefit, increase visitor numbers, and showcase the best of Qatari culture.
