Latest news with #MeinSchiff4
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Cape Town's record cruise season wraps: Who's docking in 2025-26?
Cape Town's longest-ever cruise season has officially docked. Over the course of eight months, 83 cruise ships pulled into port, with 11 of them visiting for the very first time. With its dedicated cruise terminal at the V&A Waterfront, world-class infrastructure, and ever-expanding itinerary of global routes, Cape Town is cementing itself as a must-do cruise stop - not just for international luxury liners, but also for homegrown themed experiences, all set to return aboard the MSC Opera in 2026. Highlights of the 2024/25 Cruise Season: 83 ship calls to Cape Town, with 11 maiden voyages R1.32 billion contributed to the regional economy Over 2,000 jobs supported 16% increase in passenger and crew arrivals year-on-year Inaugural visit from Cunard's Queen Anne on 10 April — joining cruise royalty in Cape Town after last year's double call from Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria 'As we work towards the province's goal of doubling tourism by 2035, these figures underscore Cape Town and the Western Cape's growing stature as a leading cruise destination on the African continent,' said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro. 'Each new ship that chooses Cape Town brings with it the opportunity to create long-term partnerships,' added David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront. 'Our world-class infrastructure, coupled with Cape Town's natural beauty and diverse experiences, makes us a compelling stop on any global cruise itinerary.' As the 2024/25 season came to a close with the departure of the Crown Princess on 29 June, the city is already charting a bold course for 2025/26. Expect bigger ships, themed voyages, more maiden calls, and continued investment in what's fast becoming one of the continent's most exciting tourism sectors. 'We have worked hard to promote Cape Town as a cruise gateway to Africa. This season's success demonstrates what is possible when government and industry collaborate. Every ship arrival is an economic opportunity – not just for the City, but for communities across the metro,' added Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, Alderman James Vos. What's Next? Now, all eyes are on the 2025-26 season, kicking off in October 2025. Tourists can look forward to visits from Mein Schiff 4, AIDAprima, Costa Toscana, Queen Mary 2, Seven Seas Mariner and more - along with returning local favourites like MSC Opera's Love Jazz Cruise.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Doha Port achieves 'remarkable' growth in 2024: Mwani Qatar
In the current season, which began in October 2024 and ended in April 2025, Doha Port welcomed 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls and five maiden calls, bringing over 430,000 visitors to Qatar, Mwani Qatar said in its annual report Doha Port, which is Qatar's gateway to marine tourism, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the country's cruise tourism with it achieving remarkable annual growth of 27% in visitors and 33% in ships arrival during the previous season, which ended in April 2024, according to Mwani Qatar. In the current season, which began in October 2024 and ended in April 2025, Doha Port welcomed 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls and five maiden calls, bringing over 430,000 visitors to Qatar, Mwani Qatar said in its annual report. The reporting period for Doha Port spans from January to December, but the cruise season runs from September to April. The 2024 season witnessed the arrival of notable ships such as Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, Norwegian Sky, and Celestyal Journey, further solidifying Qatar's growing status as a premier global cruise destination. The year saw 23 cruise calls from Florida-headquartered Carnival, 18 from MSC, 15 from Germany-based TUI, eight from Resorts World Cruises, six from Ponant Luxury Cruise, five from Celestyal Cruises, two from Norwegian Cruise Line and one from Plantours. The Doha Port witnessed the arrival of as many as 74,441 passengers and 21,278 crew in January 2024; 70,826 and 19,453 in February; 47,873 and 13,376 in March; 4,051 and 967 in April; 22,660 and 10,733 in November and 73,966 and 25,190 in December. In 2024, a total of 293,817 visitors had arrived in the port. The port received as many as 19 cruise ships in January, 14 in February, 11 in March, 1 in April, 9 in November and 25 in December. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Santhosh V. Perumal
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Doha Port wraps up 2024/2025 cruise season with record numbers
DOHA: Mwani Qatar has officially wrapped up the 2024/2025 cruise season at Doha Port, Qatar's Main Gateway to Marine Tourism, marking a milestone year filled with record-breaking achievements. The port welcomed 396,265 visitors across 87 cruise calls, reflecting a 5 percent increase in passenger numbers and a 19 percent rise in ship visits compared to last season, underscoring the steady growth and rising demand for cruise tourism to Doha. The season concluded with the maiden call of Norwegian Sky, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, to Doha Port's cruise terminal. The season saw a diverse array of international cruise lines anchoring at the port, along with a surge in luxury vessels designating Doha as a primary port of call in the Arabian Gulf. This highlights the trust of global cruise operators in the port's state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless services. Among the notable cruise ships welcomed during the season were Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, and Celestyal Journey. The season was further marked by the inaugural visits of five cruise liners to Qatar, highlighting the continued expansion of global cruise itineraries and the rising appeal of Doha as a sought-after tourist destination. In partnership with Qatar Tourism and other key stakeholders, Mwani Qatar ensured an exceptional arrival experience for passengers. This included streamlined transport services, modern reception areas, fast and efficient procedures, and multilingual information points all contributing to an elevated visitor experience. Mwani Qatar attributed the season's success to strong coordination among all involved parties, which helped maintain smooth operations and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, a testament to the port's operational excellence and full readiness. The company extended heartfelt thanks to its partners and teams for their contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to developing the marine tourism sector and attracting more visitors, in line with Qatar's growing reputation as a world-class travel destination. It's worth noting that Doha Port's cruise terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar, is among the most modern in the region. Ideally located just minutes from key attractions like the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, and Msheireb Downtown Doha, the terminal offers cruise passengers the chance to explore Qatar's cultural landmarks even during short stays, significantly enhancing the city's value as a top-tier travel destination. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Doha Port wraps up cruise season, sets new milestones
Doha, Qatar: Mwani Qatar has officially wrapped up the 2024-2025 cruise season at Doha Port, Qatar's main gateway to Marine Tourism, marking a milestone year filled with record-breaking achievements. The port welcomed 396,265 visitors across 87 cruise calls, reflecting a 5 percent increase in passenger numbers and a 19 percent rise in ship visits compared to last season, underscoring the steady growth and rising demand for cruise tourism to Doha. The season concluded with the maiden call of Norwegian Sky, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, to Doha Port's cruise terminal. The season saw a diverse array of international cruise liners anchoring at the port, along with a surge in luxury vessels designating Doha as a primary port of call in the Arabian Gulf. This highlights the trust of global cruise operators in the port's state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless services. Among the notable cruise ships welcomed during the season were Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, and Celestyal Journey. The season was further marked by the inaugural visits of five cruise liners to Qatar, highlighting the continued expansion of global cruise itineraries and the rising appeal of Doha as a sought-after tourist destination. In partnership with Qatar Tourism and other key stakeholders, Mwani Qatar ensured an exceptional arrival experience for passengers. This included streamlined transport services, modern reception areas, fast and efficient procedures, and multilingual information points all contributing to an elevated visitor experience. Mwani Qatar attributed the season's success to strong coordination among all involved parties, which helped maintain smooth operations and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, a testament to the port's operational excellence and full readiness. The company extended heartfelt thanks to its partners and teams for their contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to developing the marine tourism sector and attracting more visitors in line with Qatar's growing reputation as a world-class travel destination. Doha Port's cruise terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar, is among the most modern in the region. Ideally located just minutes from key attractions like the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, and Msheireb Downtown Doha, the terminal offers cruise passengers the chance to explore Qatar's cultural landmarks even during short stays, significantly enhancing the city's value as a top-tier travel destination. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( The Peninsula Newspaper
