During the soccer World Cup, numerous cruise ships are not allowed to enter the port of Doha. Qatar limits the number of ships during this period and locks many out completely. Special entry regulations also apply in general during the World Cup.

For example, the Aidacosma is affected. This will be denied entry into the port of Doha in the period from November 19 to December 17, 2022. In addition to the German shipping company, numerous other providers are also affected. They have to reschedule their exits and offer their passengers alternatives. The background is also that Qatar only wants to allow people with a valid World Cup ticket to enter the country by sea.

"Due to official requirements announced at very short notice, over which we unfortunately have no influence, Aidacosma cannot call at the port of Doha during the football World Cup in Qatar," reads a letter from the shipping company Aida Cruises. Affected passengers should be offered alternatives.

During the World Cup, Qatar will not be able to accommodate additional guests from cruise ships who do not have a World Cup ticket. A very high volume is expected due to the sporting event. We want to offer these tourists an optimal experience and therefore exclude “crusaders without a World Cup ticket”.