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Groups of passengers and crew disembarked from a ‌cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak yesterday to be evacuated to their home countries where ​they will isolate according to national protocols ‌to prevent further spread of the disease. Government planes carrying Spanish and French nationals landed in Madrid ‌and Paris yesterday afternoon, where the passengers were ‌transported to hospital, according to the two countries’ governments.One ‌of the five French passengers showed symptoms during the repatriation flight, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X. Planes to Canada, the Netherlands, Turkiye, the UK, Ireland, and the US were due to depart by 2030 local time (1830 GMT) yesterday, with the final flights departing today by 1900 local time.The passengers will be tested upon arrival and then either taken to local hospitals or quarantine facilities or transported home for isolation. The World Health Organisation has recommended a 42-day quarantine for all passengers from the boat from yesterday, its director of epidemic and pandemic management Maria Van Kerkhove said in a briefing. The Spanish passengers will be kept in hospital for the full 42 days, while French passengers ​will be hospitalised for 72 hours then allowed home to self-isolate for a further 45 days, according to the respective governments. “Our recommendation is daily health checks, at home or in a specialised facility. It’s up to countries to develop their policies but our recommendations are ‌very clear,” Van Kerkhove said, highlighting that the incubation period for the ​virus was up to six weeks. The virus, usually spread by rodents but also ​transmittable person-to-person in rare cases of close contact, was first detected by health officials in Johannesburg on May 2 treating a British man who fell ill and was taken into intensive care, 21 days after another passenger had died. The man’s health has since improved, a WHO official said yesterday. The WHO said the first passenger who died on the ship may have been infected before boarding, possibly during travel in Argentina and Chile.Eight people no longer on the ship have fallen ill, according to a WHO tally from Friday, of which six are confirmed to have contracted the virus. Three have died – a Dutch couple and a German national. Four remain hospitalised in South Africa, the Netherlands and Switzerland. On the remote island of Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory, a suspected case is ‌being treated by a team of medical specialists ‌parachuted in by the UK military. Still, health officials urged calm, reminding a public scarred from the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic that this virus was far less contagious and posed little risk to the general population.A woman in Spain who was tested for the virus after sharing a flight with one of the victims tested negative. “This is not Covid and we don’t want to treat it like Covid,” acting US CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya said in an interview with CNN yesterday, adding the 17 US passengers from the ship would be given the choice of isolating at home or at a facility in Nebraska. Spain’s health ministry also downplayed the risk to the broader population. It added that rodents had ​not been detected aboard the ship.The luxury cruise ship left for Spain on Wednesday from the coast of Cape Verde after the WHO and European Union asked the country to manage the evacuation of passengers after the outbreak was detected. Passengers were taken from the ship to shore in small boats and transported to Tenerife airport in military buses, without coming into contact with the public.Thirty crew members will remain on board and sail to the Netherlands today evening where the ship will be disinfected.“Thank God we are all fine... I hope we’ll get through the quarantine process smoothly and be able to see family and friends again,” Turkish birdwatcher Emin Yogurtcuoglu, a passenger on the ship, ‌wrote in a public post ​on Instagram. 

Qatar’s cruise tourism sector has charted a banner 2025-2026 season, with the Old Doha Port cruise terminal welcoming 49 ship calls and ferrying in more than 200,000 passengers and crew — a haul that cements the country’s rising stature as a marquee stop on the global cruise circuit. Announcing the figures on its official X account, Mwani Qatar said the season also drew three cruise ships making their maiden visit to Qatar, a telling marker of the country’s growing prominence on the world cruise map. Visitors arriving at the terminal step into a seamless and well-rounded tourism experience. Strategically anchored in the heart of Doha, the cruise facility lies just minutes from Qatar’s leading attractions, and offers modern amenities, swift entry and exit procedures, and a curated portfolio of excursions that showcase both the country’s rich cultural heritage and its contemporary flair. These gains dovetail with the wider push by Qatar Tourism to deepen partnerships with international cruise lines, underpinning sustainable growth across the sector and advancing the national drive for economic diversification. Cruise tourism also plays a pivotal role in delivering the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by lifting international visitor numbers and enriching the country’s tourism offering. At the heart of this success story is the transformation of Old Doha Port. Recently redeveloped into a fully integrated tourism destination, the port now boasts a state-of-the-art cruise terminal spanning more than 23,000sqm, with 750 meters of berths and a basin built to host two mega cruise ships simultaneously. In parallel, Qatar’s wider ports sector has undergone sweeping modernisation over the past decade, propelled by infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation. A standout among them is Hamad Port — one of the region’s most advanced — which harnesses automation and digital systems, including the ‘Mwani’ platform, to streamline operations and reinforce Qatar’s standing as a premier hub for maritime transport and cruise tourism. 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw new tests of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles launched from a naval destroyer, state media reported Tuesday.The weapons tests occurred on Sunday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, and are the latest in a string of recent missile launches by the nuclear-armed nation.Two strategic cruise missiles each flew for just over two hours, according to KCNA, while the anti-warship missiles flew for 33 minutes.The missiles flew "along the flight orbits set in the sky above the West Sea of Korea and struck the targets with ultra-precision hit accuracy", KCNA said, using its preferred name for the Yellow Sea.The tests were carried out from the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-tonne destroyers in the North's arsenal, both launched last year as Kim seeks to ramp up the country's naval capabilities.A photo released by KCNA showed a missile in its initial flight stage after being launched from the warship, with an orange flame trailing from its tail.KCNA said Kim was also briefed on planning for the weapons systems of two more destroyers under construction, referred to simply as "Nos 3 and 4".Kim reportedly "expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the preparedness of our army's strategic action has been strengthened".He reiterated that bolstering the North's nuclear deterrent was the "most important priority task". 

Qatar’s cruise season, which at present is witnessing a spectacular growth, has ensured a steady multiplier effect to the country’s economy, thanks to Doha Port expansion and modernisation and the appurtenant arrival of large flotillas and more passengers."The cruise economy creates a larger economic impact," an analyst, who works with a leading investment firm, told Gulf Times.Finding that the expansion of the cruise sector has been facilitated by the modernisation of cruise terminals to accommodate larger vessels while enhancing the overall visitor experience; he said these investments have enhanced the local economy, especially in areas like transportation and retail, creating new job opportunities and supporting ancillary businesses."The growth of the cruise industry is the result of a comprehensive strategic vision led by Qatar Tourism, in close collaboration with our partners at Mwani Qatar and our stakeholders. We remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience that embodies Qatar’s authentic hospitality and upholds the highest internationalstandards,” according to Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, Chief of TourismDevelopment at Qatar Tourism.The sector directly contributes to the GDP (gross domestic product) through tourist spending on goods and services as tours, transportation and retail purchases.Additionally, it benefits from port fees, docking charges, and services purchased by cruise lines. The sector also has an indirect economic impact by creating demand for suppliers and ancillary services, thus boosting local businesses and further stimulating GDP growth."The sector’s contribution to GDP will increase in the coming years, supportingQatar’s economic diversification goals," the analyst said.The country's 2025/26 cruise season, which started off this November on a strongnote, will feature 73 scheduled cruise calls, including four maiden calls to Doha Port.The previous season witnessed with more than 396,000 visitors, reflecting a 5% year-on-year growth.Although it has a history of less than a decade, Qatar’s cruise sector has grown tremendously and now contributes influentially to the national exchequer, according to experts in the field."There has been increasing preference for Qatar as a destination for both regular cruise calls and cruises with turnaround calls," an industry insider said.Doha Port regularly hosts top international cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Emerald Cruises, and TUI Cruises with live-ship tracking showing frequent vessel movements, reflecting the port’s growing importance as a regional hub.Considering the pace of non-hydrocarbon sector, the analyst said cruise tourism can be a significant economic contributor to Qatar but long-term success hinges on policies that promote sustainability, and equitable sharing of the benefits of tourism among local communities.Qatar’s cruise sector, which was established in 2016, has helped position Qatar as a popular destination for maritime tourism in the region. The growth of the industry supports Qatar’s economy through increased tourist spending, employment and business opportunities.Cruise ships make money through two channels: Ticket sales and onboard purchases (beverages, spa treatments, art auctions, and shore excursions), which passengers pay for with pre-loaded cruise cards and chip-equipped wristbands.On average, tickets account for more than 60% of total revenue and onboard purchases make up the remaining; even as the other school of thought is onboard purchases account for the lion’s share of the profit despite tickets representing a majority.During the 2024/25 season, there were 15,000 embarkation and disembarkation and as many as 30,000 guests enjoyed a shorex experience with Discover Qatar, which is the destination management company of Qatar Airways.Promoting Qatar’s cruise industry since 2015, Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season.To support the tremendous growth of the industry, a new passenger terminal, opened in 2022. It offers passengers the same level of service and facilities as Hamad International Airport, including seamless immigration and customs, foreign exchange services, taxi and bus stands, Duty Free shops, a café, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff, as well as city tours and other tourist information services.Collaborative efforts by Qatar Tourism and local authorities includingImmigration, Customs and Mwani Qatar, have made the disembarkation process quick and hassle-free for passengers arriving at Doha Port, enabling them to start enjoying the destination’s tourism offerings without wasting any time.The 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlights a vibrant and responsibly-growing global cruise sector.Cruise ship travel has emerged as a new growth area across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is playing a pivotal role in the transformation and diversification of regional economies, according to Knight Frank.Industry leaders highlight short cruises are becoming a foundational strategy for regional growth.In 2025, the global cruise industry is forecast to welcome 37.7mn ocean-going passengers and reach 310 ocean-going vessels.The report also includes the latest trends, the significant global economic impact of cruising and the sustainability advancements that are leading the industry to a sustainable future. 

Qatar Sunday kicked off the 2025/26 cruise season at the Old Doha Port, welcoming MSC Euribia, operated by MSC Cruises, carrying 5,000 passengers and a crew of 1,676 members. One of the newest and largest vessels in the MSC fleet, MSC Euribia spans 331m in length and 43m in width, accommodating up to 6,327 guests and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner, more sustainable voyages, Mwani Qatar said in its social medial handle X. Throughout the season, which runs until May 2026, the ship will make 22 scheduled calls at The Terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar — reaffirming Qatar's growing prominence as a premier destination on the global cruise tourism map. Last week, a coordination meeting was held as part of the preparations for 2025/26 cruise season, bringing together stakeholders, agents, and tour operators to discuss operational plans and coordination efforts to ensure a successful season and an exceptional visitor experience. Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season. To support the tremendous growth of the industry, Mwani Qatar plays a key role in the redevelopment of the port and its facilities. Doha port provides a wide range of passenger facilities, including seamless immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours as well as Qatar Duty Free, cafe, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff. It also features various tourist information services offered by Qatar Tourism. Relevant Mwani Qatar marine services within the port are offered to the vessels calling at Doha Port, ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure. Mwani Qatar works closely with Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior to develop the cruise industry which has seen a remarkable increase in the passenger arrivals over the years. Qatar's 2024/25 cruise season had welcomed more than 396,000 visitors aboard 87 cruise ships, marking a 5% jump in visitors and a 19% rise in vessel calls against the previous season. Doha Port’s cruise terminal is strategically located minutes away from key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, optimising the visitor experience by allowing cruise passengers to make the most of their time in the city. Qatar Tourism plans to strengthen its collaborations with more international cruise lines, which is vital for driving further growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification efforts. "Doha has become a prominent cruise destination with varied tourism experiences offered to visitors. From its debut in October 2023 to its grand finale in April 2024, this cruise season has exceeded all expectations breaking the records of visitors and cruise ships from previous seasons. The Grand Cruise Terminal symbolising Qatar's commitment to excellence” Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism had said. Qatar is gaining popularity as a world-class cruise destination in the region as it showcased exceptional tourism capabilities, especially after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this regard, efforts are currently underway to attract more cruise lines and travelers in the upcoming seasons.

A Chinese research vessel docked in the Cook Islands Saturday as it probed the Pacific nation's deep-sea mining potential, a fledgling industry of mounting interest to both Beijing and Washington. The Da Yang Hao docked in the palm-shaded port of Avatiu on a "scientific research cruise" through the tropical archipelago, the Cook Islands' Seabed Minerals Authority said. Huge areas of seabed around the Cook Islands are carpeted in polymetallic nodules, lumpy rocks studded with rare earths and critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese. The Cook Islands -- which lays claim to one of the world's biggest deposits of polymetallic nodules -- signed a contentious deep-sea mining cooperation deal with China earlier this year. "This cruise is about learning by doing," said Seabed Minerals Authority spokesman Edward Herman. "Our team is actively participating in all activities to build our knowledge and capacity in marine research." This included mapping the seabed with sonar arrays and dredging up sediment samples, said the authority. Fringed by sparkling lagoons, South Pacific nation the Cook Islands has opened its vast ocean territory for deep-sea mining exploration. **media[378966]** With existing supplies of critical minerals heavily exposed to trade disputes, both the United States and China have this year ramped up interest in the highly contentious industry. Critical minerals, such as cobalt and nickel, are in hot demand for electric vehicles, rechargeable batteries and advanced military technology. The United States secured its own agreement to pursue deep-sea mining research with the Cook Islands in August. Deep-sea exploration AFP photos showed the near-100 metre (330 feet) Da Yang Hao vessel cutting through the Cook Islands' sleepy main harbour before docking on Saturday morning. The ship was emblazoned with the logo of China's Ocean Mineral Resources Research Association, which is tasked with the exploration of seabed minerals. Chinese research vessels have been accused of carrying out surveillance and other military activities under the auspices of scientific work. Pacific island nation Palau, a staunch US ally in the region, in 2021 alleged that the Da Yang Hao had entered its exclusive economic zone without proper permissions. The Da Yang Hao arrives in the Cook Islands less than one month after a deep-sea research voyage backed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While exploration for deep-sea mining is far advanced, no company or nation has started production on a commercial scale. Critics fear deep-sea mining will smother marine life with waste and the noise of heavy machinery will disrupt oceanic migrations. International regulators are still trying to thrash out environmental rules governing the industry.