Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and get up close to majestic whale sharks with a new expedition cruise from Discover Qatar.
Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways, has launched its first expedition cruise series, which will offer guests to the Emirate an awe-inspiring experience while travelling in luxury and comfort around Qatar’s coastline.
The cruises, which are designed for seasoned and adventurous travellers, provide a unique opportunity to observe the largest gathering of the world’s largest living fish – the whale shark – in the Al Shaheen marine zone.
Whale sharks often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, are estimated to have existed for 60 million years. They can live up to 100 years and grow up to 12 metres in length – about the size of a large school bus. Between the summer months of April and September, during their annual migration to the region, whale sharks are found feeding in groups of hundreds in the Al Shaheen marine zone within the Arabian Gulf, which lies 80 kilometres off the northern coast of Qatar.
The new Discover Qatar expedition cruise will give passengers access to the restricted marine zone, a diverse ecosystem of immense natural beauty, to witness the majesty of the whale shark gathering, as well as the chance to explore the region’s unique coastline. While observing whale sharks, snorkelling in coral reefs, exploring mangroves and gliding through the turquoise waters of Khor Al Adaid channel, guests will be led by a team of expert guides, marine biologists, naturalists and ornithologists, who will help identify local wildlife, offer a cultural perspective on the destination and ensure a memorable expedition experience.
Discover Qatar, in collaboration with expedition cruise line Ponant, offers customers an eight-night, nine-day expedition cruise package on board the luxurious expedition ship Le Champlain on a full-board basis. Guests will enjoy five-star services, elegant accommodation, sight-seeing discoveries and exploration adventures while the highly trained crew will ensure safe travel in comfort and style. Customers will also have the opportunity to extend their travel to a ten-night, eleven-day package, including a three nights stay in Doha, to explore the city’s cultural heritage and traditions, including the colourful commerce and culinary offering of Souq Waqif’s vibrant alleyways.
The Le Champlain is one of Ponant’s new explorer-class cruise ships and boasts innovative features, stylish design and cutting-edge technology. The vessel features 92 luxurious staterooms and suites equipped with high-end amenities, a 24-hour butler service, two restaurants and a luxury-level spa. Customers will also enjoy an infinity pool and a multi-sensory futuristic underwater lounge with large observation windows below the waterline. A hydraulic platform will ease disembarking and embarking when guests participate in expeditions.
Cruise season will start in March 2021 and will run seven consecutive weekly departures.
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