Published on November 14, 2025
Qatar’s Doha Port is poised to break new records with its 2025-2026 cruise season, scheduled to welcome 73 cruise ship calls. This exciting announcement signals a major leap forward in the Gulf region’s maritime tourism. As the Arabian Gulf gains recognition as a must-visit cruise destination, Doha will take centre stage, featuring prominent international cruise operators like AROYA Cruises from Saudi Arabia and MSC Cruises. With 40 partial turnaround calls, 15 full turnarounds, and an unprecedented number of maiden visits, including the AROYA fleet’s debut, this is set to be a landmark year for Doha. With modernised infrastructure and an enhanced passenger experience, the port’s growing role in the regional cruise sector is clear. The cruise season runs from November 2025 to May 2026, ensuring that tourists and visitors alike can look forward to a luxurious and seamless travel experience.

Doha Port’s Ambitious Plans to Lead in Cruise Tourism

The Doha Port, operated by Mwani Qatar, is setting new standards with the arrival of 73 ships this upcoming season, underscoring Qatar’s vision to enhance its standing as a key player in regional tourism. From November 2025 through to May 2026, the port will witness a high volume of global cruise traffic, cementing Qatar’s position as an emerging powerhouse for the Arabian Gulf cruise market. What makes this year unique is the introduction of AROYA Cruises, a Saudi Arabian operator, which is marking its maiden voyage to Doha, further fostering cross-border tourism collaboration within the Gulf.

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This strategic move is expected to provide visitors from around the globe with easier access to Qatar’s burgeoning tourism offerings, alongside key regional highlights like the UAE and Oman.

Unprecedented Number of Maiden and Full Turnaround Visits

This season marks a significant first for AROYA Cruises, with its 5- and 7-night itineraries departing from both Dubai and Dammam, making multiple calls at Doha. The AROYA maiden visits represent a turning point, as Saudi-based operators are venturing into Qatar’s waters, opening up new tourism avenues within the Gulf. Such innovative partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Qatar are crucial for enhancing the region’s cruise appeal, ultimately boosting visitor numbers across multiple destinations.

With 15 full turnarounds – meaning ships will completely depart and return to Doha Port – the port’s facilities and infrastructure are being upgraded to ensure smooth operations, welcoming tourists with top-tier services.

Enhancing Passenger Experience with World-Class Facilities

Doha Port is not only about an increase in the number of ships but also about improving the overall passenger experience. This season, travellers can look forward to new enhanced amenities, including streamlined disembarkation procedures that will reduce waiting times. The upgraded port facilities will also include more shore excursions, offering tourists a broader selection of activities, from cultural tours to shopping and leisure experiences.

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This expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for luxury cruising, ensuring that Doha becomes a preferred home-port for international travellers exploring the Arabian Gulf. For anyone planning to visit the region, the upgrade of Doha Port will certainly elevate their journey, offering not just convenience but an unforgettable start to their cruise adventure.

A Growing Role for MSC Cruises and Celestyal Journey

MSC Cruises, known for its global itineraries, is also contributing to Doha’s success story with its flagship ship, MSC Euribia. This vessel will feature 3-, 4-, and 7-night voyages across the Gulf, calling at Doha, Dubai, and Bahrain. This added service will increase the frequency of Gulf voyages, offering tourists new options for enjoying the region’s diverse offerings, from sandy beaches and cultural heritage to contemporary attractions.
In addition, Celestyal Cruises will make Doha its home port, offering a series of 7-night voyages aboard the Celestyal Journey. This Greek cruise line will provide guests with unique access to not only Qatar but also the UAE and Oman, enhancing the Middle East cruise route.

Tips for Travelers Exploring Doha and the Arabian Gulf

For tourists planning to embark on a cruise from Doha, there are a few helpful tips to make your journey even more enjoyable:

• Plan shore excursions in advance: With the new shore excursion options, it’s best to book in advance to secure the most popular tours, from cultural visits to desert safaris.
• Be prepared for the weather: The Gulf region can get quite hot, especially between February and April, so pack lightweight clothing and sunscreen.
• Explore Qatar: Doha is a dynamic city that blends modern luxury with traditional culture. Don’t miss out on visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, or taking a walk along the Doha Corniche.
• Consider the local cuisine: Qatar offers a fantastic array of traditional dishes like machboos and harees, which should definitely be on your food list while ashore.

A Major Win for Regional Tourism

The surge in cruise calls to Doha not only benefits Qatar’s economy but also enhances the Gulf’s tourism profile globally. As more operators choose Doha as a primary port of call, the region stands poised to attract an even larger share of the cruise industry, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years. With luxury cruising now more accessible in the region, Qatar is becoming synonymous with premium travel experiences in the Middle East.

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Tags: Arabian Gulf cruise, Doha Port

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