For the first time, Doha Port is set to receive two cruise ships simultaneously as the MSC Fantasia and Crystal Esprit arrive together today, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) announced yesterday.
With over 3,000 passengers to disembark and transport out of the Port, the berthing of these two cruise vessels is set to showcase Qatar’s preparedness to manage the smooth movement of large groups of cruise tourists, shortly after Qatar welcomed its first ever mega cruise ship.
Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at QTA, said, “This is one of many firsts that the cruise industry in Qatar is witnessing this season, thanks to it being the largest one to date and the first in which Qatar will receive as many as 50,000 cruise visitors. The rapid growth of this sub-sector is testament to the fruitful partnerships that exist between QTA, our government partners and the local private sector, alongside the cruise lines. These partnerships have paved the way for cruise visitors to enjoy a warm welcome and a smooth visitor experience. Today marks yet another step taken along the road to ensuring that Qatar becomes a key port of call on all cruise itineraries that cover this region.”
The MSC Fantasia first docked in Qatar on December 7, bringing over 3,000 passengers and over 1,300 crew members, and is scheduled to make a further four calls to Doha throughout the remainder of the 2016/2017 cruise season. The 100m long Crystal Esprit, a 62-passenger luxury yacht, also made its maiden call to Qatar earlier this month.
