Port Doha Sees a Remarkable Surge with 378,677 Cruise Ship Passengers in the 2023-2024 Season

The Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port has established itself as a significant maritime hub, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the country’s tourism sector. Forbes has recognized it as one of the world’s most visually appealing cruise terminals, showcasing traditional Arab architecture while preserving Doha’s rich maritime history.

In the 2023-2024 season, the terminal welcomed a record 378,677 passengers and hosted 73 cruise ships, marking a noteworthy 38% increase in visitor numbers and a 33% rise in ship arrivals from the previous year. This growth asserts Doha’s emerging role in the global cruise industry.

The terminal accommodates rising cruise travel demands, with a capacity to process up to 12,000 passengers daily and berth two mega-ships at once. A standout feature is an innovative escalator system that takes travelers through a large aquarium, providing a unique and captivating experience as they make their way to passport control.

The aquarium houses a main tank standing nine meters tall, containing over six million liters of water, and spans an area of 2,805 square meters. Two 17-meter tunnels allow guests to admire marine life up close, with the largest viewing panel measuring 17 by 5.7 meters.

Vertical transportation systems, designed and installed by TK Elevator (TKE), include 10 passenger lifts, eight escalators, and four moving walkways. The escalators, manufactured in China, feature units that travel through the aquarium tunnel, offering passengers an immersive view as they navigate through the terminal.

The installation of these escalators presented unique challenges, as they were integrated into the aquarium only after its completion and subsequent leak tests. This innovative approach highlights the terminal’s commitment to combining functionality with an exceptional passenger experience.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on sustainability and cultural heritage, the Grand Cruise Terminal is solidifying Doha’s status as an attractive destination in global cruise tourism.

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