Doha, January 26 (QNA) – Doha Port received two cruise ships, MSC World Europa and Le Bougainville, simultaneously carrying 5,269 tourists and a crew of 2,185. They will be joined later by 1,000 tourists from Doha on board “MSC World Europa” as part of a new itinerary to a number of ports in the Arabian Gulf.
The two ships are making their fifth call in the 2022/23 cruise season, which will last until next April. Operated by “MSC Cruises”, the “MSC World Europa” flies the flag of Malta, while “Le Bougainville” flies the flag of France and is operated by the French cruise line “Ponant Cruises”.
The “MSC World Europa” is 333 meters long and can accommodate more than 6,700 passengers, while “Le Bougainville” is 131 meters long and can accommodate up to 294 passengers, including the crew.
Both ships feature innovative and eco-friendly equipment, making them among the most advanced cruise ships in terms of environmental sustainability.
The cruise sector in Qatar has contributed to strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading destination for cruise tourism in the region. The sector supports the national economy growth by increasing tourism spending and providing more employment and business opportunities.
Qatar’s cruise sector has recorded a significant growth since the launch of the 2021-2022 cruise tourism season, after it was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Doha Port received about 8 thousand visitors in December, mostly from Italy and Russia. The total number of visitors in the previous season reached 100,500 passengers. (QNA)