The Norwegian Dawn marks its first appearance in the region as it debuts at Doha Port in Qatar.

In the ongoing 2023/24 cruise season, which kicked off in late October in Qatar, the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship arrived at Doha Port, marked by a special ceremony orchestrated by Qatar Tourism. The welcoming festivities encompassed a traditional Ardah performance, henna applications, distribution of dhow souvenirs, Arabic calligraphy art, sadu weaving, and the crafting of fishing nets for disembarking passengers.

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With a capacity to host up to 2,340 passengers and an operational crew of 1,032 members, the cruise ship is scheduled for a two-night stay. During this period, passengers will have the opportunity to explore nearby attractions in Doha, including the Mina District, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar, and more.

The Norwegian Dawn

Highlighting the significance of the Norwegian Dawn’s arrival, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized, “The regional debut of the Norwegian Dawn is a noteworthy achievement for Qatar’s growing cruise tourism sector, underscoring Qatar’s international appeal as a premier cruise destination. Qatar Tourism actively seeks new collaborations and agreements with leading cruise lines, inviting international passengers to immerse themselves in 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.”

The 2023/24 cruise season by Qatar Tourism is expected to host 79 cruises and welcome 350,000 passengers, surpassing the previous season’s figures of 54 cruises and 253,191 visitors in 2022/23. Passengers will be welcomed at the new Cruise Terminal, featuring an aquarium and conveniently located near key tourist attractions.