Qatar has become the latest country to try to breathe life into its local cruise market with the launch of a series of cruises to nowhere.
The tiny Middle East nation has teamed up with French luxury expedition cruise line Ponant to run six consecutive departures starting in late March 2021.
The cruises will take place aboard the 184-passenger Le Champlain (built 2018) and passengers will be subjected to strict health and safety protocols.
All travellers will be required to show a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Covid-19 taken no more than 72 hours before boarding.
In addition, all passengers will then be required to undertake a rapid response test at the meeting point prior to boarding the transfers to Doha Port.
On return to Doha, everyone will receive an additional rapid PCR test at the drop-off point.
“Once a negative test result is confirmed, you will be able to continue your journey home, without quarantine or self-isolation,” said Qatar Airways Holidays, which is arranging the cruises.
Qatar Airways chief executive H E Akbar Al Baker said: “I am hugely excited to launch our first luxury cruise for people in Qatar.
Change of scenery
"With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic limiting international travel, our luxury coastal cruise will provide our local customers with a much-needed change of scenery and a memorable travel experience. ”
Prices for the three-night, four-day cruises start at QAR 4,990 ($1,370) per passenger.
Singapore was among the first countries to launch this so called “cruise to nowhere” concept which is open only to residents, makes no stops and sails in waters just off the city state.
However, one of the first cruises was cut short after a passenger was thought to have contracted Covid-19. This later proved a false alarm.
Reports said the initial cruises where well subscribed due to pent-up demand from Singaporeans who have been living under Covid-19 restrictions.
In Canada, the government last week extended its ban on cruiseships from its waters until February 2022 in a blow to the cruise industry’s efforts to restart operations.
This in effect means the 2021 Alaska season is not going to happen. US-based operators had bet heavily on the Alaska season.
