Best Qatar Cruises: Navigating the Waters of the Arabian Gulf

Are you thinking of venturing into the Qatari waters? You’ve probably gazed over the Arabian Gulf and thought, “I have got to experience that.” Well, consider this your nudge towards the sea.

This guide is your roadmap to the best cruise options in Qatar, from traditional dhow boats to those super fancy five-star experiences, and even adventures the whole family will love. Smooth sailing ahead, Insha'Allah!

Explora I offers luxury cruising from Doha to regional gems like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Dammam. It onboards a small number of passengers and includes oceanfront suites with private terraces and six distinct gourmet dining experiences.

The ship has prayer spaces, halal menu options, and a spa. The vibe? Quiet elegance with total flexibility on how you want to spend your voyage. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply looking to unwind in style, Explora I delivers unmatched service.

The voyage starts at the Doha Grand Cruise Terminal in West Bay, and you can reserve your spot directly on the Explora website or via luxury travel agents like Abercrombie & Kent or Qatar Airways Holidays.

Pricing: From QAR 18,200 per person for a 7-night voyage

National Cruise is great for anyone looking for an authentic taste of Qatari maritime heritage. This traditional dhow tour sets sail from the Doha Corniche and offers a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with gorgeous views of the West Bay skyline.

You can enjoy Arabic tea and soft music, or upgrade to a grilled dinner or seafood if you are hungry. It’s an easygoing yet memorable way to see Doha by sea.

Book the cruise directly at the National Cruise site or through platforms like Tripadvisor. The boat departs from Doha Corniche, near Box Park and Sheraton Park.

Pricing: From QAR 70 per person for 1.5 hours (from QAR 455 for dinner)

Looking for a romantic way to spend an evening? This sunset cruise sets the scene just right. It’s ideal for those who want to spend quality time with their partner. The trip starts at 5 PM from March to September and at 4 PM from October to February. 

You can enjoy Arabic coffee or tea while watching the skyline glow gold. You’ll even get a peaceful moment to listen to the call to prayer as the sun dips below the horizon. 

The meeting point for this cruise is at the National Cruise Office (Green Container) located in the Box Park, Old Doha Port Area, and booking is through the Discover Qatar website.

Pricing: From QAR 150 per person for 2 hours

MSC Virtuosa offers a week-long cruise from Doha with stops in places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island. It’s a great mix of city sights, beach days, and cultural spots.

On board, you’ll find prayer rooms, halal food, family zones, a spa, and lots of live entertainment. And if you're in the mood to splurge, the Yacht Club gives you a more private, all-inclusive experience. The Yacht Club is designed as a “ship within a ship”. Those who opt for this kind of voyage will enjoy private areas, a 24/7 butler and concierge service, premium amenities, and a restaurant just for them. 

The cruise departs from the Doha Grand Cruise Terminal in West Bay. To book, visit the MSC Cruises website and look for "Cruises from Doha." You can also book through local partners like Qatar Airways Holidays or MSC’s regional travel agents.

Pricing: From QAR 1,790 per person for 7 nights (and about twice as much for the Yacht Club experience)

Want to design your own sea adventure? Private charters let you do just that. You can pick the group you want to travel with, chart your course, and decide how long you wish to spend on the waters. It’s the perfect way of celebrating a milestone, just the way you like it.

You get halal catering, prayer spaces on board, and female staff upon request. It’s luxury with Qatari values in mind.

The cruise starts from Porto Arabia in Pearl-Qatar, and booking is through Qatar Boat, Yacht & Fishing Charters or Gallivant Yachts.

Pricing: From QAR 1,500 per hour

Short on time? The Qanat Quartier Canal Cruise is a quick, scenic experience along the Pearl-Qatar. This cruise offers a peaceful ride on small electric boats through pastel-colored buildings and charming bridges, reminiscent of Venice.

The cruise lasts about 20–30 minutes, so it’s great for visitors, families with young kids, or anyone looking for a relaxing break without leaving town. Boats are shaded and run at a slow, quiet pace for maximum comfort.

The cruise meeting point is at Qanat Quartier, Pearl-Qatar (main canal walkway near the bridge), and the official operator is Ronautica Middle East. You can book the cruise directly on the website or on-site, at the Ronautica kiosk in Qanat Quartier, near the main bridge.

Pricing: From QAR 45 per person

The Banana Island excursion isn’t a cruise per se, but it’s a great way to spend some time on the boat with your family and take a break on an island filled with activities. Operated by the Banana Island Resort Doha, the ferry ride whisks you away to a tropical-style retreat just 30 minutes from the city. 

On the island, your family can enjoy a bowling alley, surf pool, beachfront dining, cinema, and dedicated family prayer rooms. This is the perfect cruise for Eid holidays, school breaks, or weekend getaways. The facilities are halal and family-oriented, with pleasant staff who know how to make the experience fun for kids. 

You can book this experience directly via the Banana Island Resort website or call +974 4040 5050. The meeting point is the Banana Island Welcome Centre, at the Al Shyoukh Terminal.

Pricing: From QAR 100 per adult for a round-trip ferry ticket (does not include day pass access to island amenities, which is QAR 395 on weekdays and QAR 495 on weekends for adults and QAR 150 for children from 2 to 12 years old)

If your idea of cruising is a short and social trip, Al Safliya is the best choice for you. It's just a brief boat ride to the quiet stretch of Al Safliya island, an ideal spot for barbecues, games, and gathering with family and friends.

You can rent a dhow or small boat, bring your own food, or book a package that includes snacks and prayer break arrangements. The cruise departs from either the Corniche or Pearl-Qatar Marina. Booking is through local dhow operators and marine tour providers, such as 365 Adventures (customizable dhow packages to Al Safliya with optional catering) and National Cruise (private dhow rentals for day trips to the island). Ask whether amenities like water, barbecue grills, or prayer mats are included.

Pricing: From QAR 850 per boat (up to 15 people)

Before you book your next voyage, think about the best timing for your cruise. The sweet spot for Qatar runs from November to April. That’s when the heat eases off and the waters are calm.  Avoid the summer months (June–August), as temperatures soar and many cruise operators pause their Gulf itineraries.

You should also book in advance. Local cruise services are busiest around Eid, National Day, and school breaks. So, make sure to book at least a week in advance during those times. And, for popular cruises like MSC and Explora, try to lock in your spot 3–6 months ahead.

Moreover, it’s always wise to get your own internet. Connection at sea is often expensive and slow. A more affordable option is to purchase an eSIM or Qatari SIM card for use during port stops

Always honor a modest dress code. On the cruise, you are free to wear casual attire. However, you should dress in modest outfits when visiting religious sites and Qatari cities. Cover your shoulders and knees with loose-fitting clothing, opt for maxi dresses, linen pants, and tunic tops.

Also, don’t forget to bring the local currency for small purchases off the ship, such as snacks, souvenirs, or tips. Some cruise lines, like MSC and Explora I, also offer ship credit packages that work as prepaid onboard spending accounts for specialty dining, excursions, and spa services.