A Mesmerizing Cruise Terminal That Stands as a Spectacular Destination
The awe-inspiring Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha is a breathtaking masterpiece in the heart of the city Connecting seamlessly to the mainland via a scenic two-mile causeway, this architectural gem adorns Doha Bay, captivating all who lay eyes upon it A must-visit attraction that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation
Usually regarded as mere transitional points for passengers traveling to more picturesque locations, cruise ports are not typically recognized as standalone destinations.
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However, it is in Qatar, a common stop along Arabian Sea routes, where one can find a compelling reason to pause and marvel.
In November 2022, Doha unveiled its impressive Grand Cruise Terminal, which proudly hosted the MSC Europa. This remarkable vessel, operated by MSC Cruises, boasts the title of the largest ship ever to grace the seas with a remarkable capacity to accommodate 6,774 passengers.
The terminal, worth half a billion dollars, quickly became a unique tourist spot, attracting local residents who flocked to see it. Situated at the end of a two-mile causeway that stretches into the semicircular Doha Bay and easily visible from the 4.5-mile long waterfront promenade known as the Corniche, it added an appealing touch to the city's skyline.
Its strategic location away from the city center benefits both residents, who are not overwhelmed by the presence of large ships, and passengers, who enjoy a breathtaking view of Doha's blend of traditional and modern architecture surrounding the bay. Additionally, they can easily and quickly walk into town, enjoying a picturesque experience.
Before the terminal opened, cruise ships used to dock at Hamad Port, located some 25 miles south of Doha. While the port could accommodate relatively large cargo vessels, there were limitations on the size of cruise ships that could access it. In fact, the MSC Splendida, which carried 3,900 passengers, was the largest ship to have ever docked at Hamad in 2017. However, with the introduction of the new port, not only is it more convenient for passengers, but it also has the capability to handle the largest megaships.
Old meets new
Qatar's new cruise terminal opened in 2022.
The new terminal is located at the far end of the pathway that links the Corniche to the cruise port. It is a sand-colored, two-story building that is tucked away behind Doha's Mina District. Created by architects from Hassell Studio, the façade showcases 1,154 arches, paying tribute to the architectural style of traditional Arabian buildings.
Ashley Munday, Hassells principal and head of design, describes the project as a civic endeavor that must fulfill multiple intricate demands while also serving as a welcoming gateway to a budding destination. The aim is to create a space that is not only functional, but also visually appealing, providing enough room to accommodate two ships, each with a capacity of 6,000 passengers.
"This approach plays a crucial role in crafting a place that becomes an adored and cherished part of the city, seamlessly woven into the cultural tapestry of Doha, rather than being merely an isolated architectural statement."
Into the blue
The terminal's design is inspired by traditional Arabic architecture.
Qatar Tourism
The building is divided into two terminals, connected by a large aquarium. Passengers walk through the tanks to reach passport control, where they are greeted by a vibrant display of marine life from the region. Leisa Chell, PR & communications manager for MSC Cruises (Australia), describes the aquarium as mesmerizing and says it adds a tranquil ambiance to the terminal with water on both sides of the escalators.
Arriving in March, senior editor Aaron Saunders of Cruise Critic found the visa process to be remarkably efficient. With visas granted before each ship docks and passport details confirmed in advance, the process is both seamless and quick. Saunders was pleasantly surprised by the well-organized and easily accessible check-in facility, noting the exceptional efficiency of the staff. If there was any drawback, it was that the process was so swift that Saunders barely had time to appreciate the facility's pleasant ambiance.
The mysterious symbols found carved in Qatars desert
Straight to the city
The terminal can accommodate two cruise ships each with a capacity of 6,000 passengers.
The new cruise terminal in Doha sets itself apart from other destinations by being seamlessly integrated into the city, adding to the existing attractions in the city center. Adjacent to the terminal is the vibrant Mina District, with its charming pastel-colored cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, resembling the charm of Greece. Visitors can even explore a bustling fish market and enjoy a delicious meal at the attached restaurant, featuring the freshest catch of the day.
The nearby Box Park is a marina that features reused shipping containers decorated with street art and street food vendors. Another 20-minute walk towards the city center will lead you to the Flag Plaza, where you can admire flags from around the world fluttering in the breeze. This marks the entrance to the Corniche, and from here, you can easily reach the best attractions that Doha has to offer on foot. Saunders, an experienced cruiser who has visited every continent, praises this area for its overwhelmingly positive atmosphere compared to ports in other countries.
"In contrast to many cruise terminals in North America, which are often located in unattractive industrial harbors or restricted areas, Doha's terminal stands out as it is positioned in one of the city's most scenic spots," he expresses.
"The captivating surroundings make it a delightful place to visit, regardless of whether you have any plans to embark on a cruise."
The huge monoliths standing in Qatars desert
Looking ahead
Qatar is hoping cruise tourism will help it double visitor numbers over the next decade.
Qatar has leveraged the global attention garnered from the FIFA World Cup 2022 to accelerate its tourism aspirations. With the aim of welcoming over six million visitors annually by 2030, Qatar's national tourism strategy has gained momentum. Recent statistics up to August 2023 indicate a promising figure of 2.66 million visitors this year. To achieve the ambitious goal of more than doubling this number within the next six years, cruising plays a significant role.
The data from Qatar Tourism Authority reveals that during the 2022/23 cruise season in the Middle East (which spans from October to April), the country experienced a significant surge in tourism. Specifically, there were 54 port calls made and a total of 253,191 cruise visitors. This represents a remarkable 152% increase compared to the previous season, which had 100,500 visitors and only 34 port calls.
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2023/24 season, Qatar is expected to continue attracting cruise ships. Cruise specialist Craig Upshall from Qatar Tourism's marketing division mentioned that approximately 120 cruise ships, including those from MSC, Costa, and Silversea lines, are anticipated to dock in Doha.
he says that cruise tourism is a crucial component in Qatar's national tourism strategy, aiming to become the region's fastest-growing tourism destination by 2030.
The industry is undergoing consistent growth, driven by strategic partnerships with both public and private organizations. Qatar Tourism's goal is to position the country as a central hub for transit calls, establishing Doha as a top cruise destination in the Gulf Region. Despite being a relatively new tourist spot, Qatar has already made an impact on visitors like Leisa Chell, who experienced the region for the first time during a Middle East cruise and was impressed by its serene atmosphere, which sets it apart from larger GCC countries.
Doha offers the best of both worlds with its English-speaking population and abundance of conveniences. Despite this, it has managed to preserve its traditional souk, providing visitors with an authentic marketplace experience. One popular attraction is the falcon hospital. The new cruise terminal in Doha encapsulates the essence of the city and Qatar as a whole. It seamlessly combines modern efficiency and convenience with a rich sense of tradition and culture. This unique blend appeals to cruise passengers who seek a taste of the mythical Arabian Nights but with a contemporary twist.
