Qatar Airways hosted its ‘Day of the Seafarer’ celebration at the Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport today.
The airline’s marine partners also took part in the celebration, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Qatar’s national carrier marked the day with inflight announcements extending gratitude to all seafarers and provided special souvenirs distributed at the Mariner Lounge which featured exclusive catering for the event.
The airline also offset carbon emissions for all seafarers flying with Qatar Airways on the day. Seafarers were able to benefit from 25% savings at Qatar Duty Free (QDF) on selected items of food and confectionery and other special products.
Qatar Airways chief commercial officer Thierry Antinori described the event as a gesture of "our appreciation and support for the esteemed maritime community and their invaluable contribution to keep global trade in motion.”
QDF senior vice president Thabet Musleh, said: “We recognise and value the impact of the seafarer community and are committed to demonstrating our appreciation by providing exclusive Qatar Duty Free offers at our core duty free shop."
Carnival Cruise Line vice president (Crew and Travel Operations) Richard Brearley, said: “Qatar Airways plays an important role in connecting seafarers with their loved ones, and we are deeply grateful for the sense of comfort and care fostered on this journey."
Royal Caribbean Group associate vice president CAM Operations, David Rouse, said, Qatar Airways shares the commitment to the well-being of seafarers by opening the one-of-a-kind Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha. "The Mariner Lounge offers a safe place to relax and connect with families, making a real difference in the crew's journey, to our ships and private destinations, and returning home safely.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings vice president (Air Services), Kenneth Suarez, said: “Qatar Airways continues to invest in seafarer welfare and is the top airline partner for our valued crew members. They not only have the most direct network and comfortable onboard product but also provide our crew members with a top of the line experience at Hamad International Airport with the one of a kind Mariner Lounge.”