Qatar Airways celebrated the ‘Day of the Seafarer’ on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, with a special event at the Mariner Lounge in Hamad International Airport. The airline showcased its unwavering support for the global maritime community, bringing together key marine partners such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
As the national carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways expressed its appreciation for seafarers through inflight announcements and distributed special souvenirs at the Mariner Lounge. The lounge also offered exclusive catering for the event, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
To further honor seafarers, Qatar Airways offset the carbon emissions for all seafarers flying with them on this special day. Additionally, seafarers enjoyed a 25% discount on selected food, confectionery, and other special items at Qatar Duty Free, making the day even more special for these maritime professionals.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, stated, “We are delighted to welcome our marine partners, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, to this year’s Day of the Seafarer celebration. Today’s event is a gesture of our appreciation and support for the esteemed maritime community and their invaluable contribution to keep global trade in motion.”
Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President, Mr. Thabet Musleh, added, “Qatar Duty Free is truly proud to join forces with Qatar Airways Group to support the maritime industry and celebrate this significant occasion. 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 of Crew and Travel Operations, Richard Brearley, said, “The dedicated work of seafarers keeps the world moving forward, and we are proud to commemorate this special recognition of this vital work alongside our partners who demonstrate appreciation for seafarers today and every day. 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, shared, “We recognise and celebrate our crew every day; however, the Day of the Seafarer is a particularly special day for Royal Caribbean Group. We, along with the global community, celebrate our 80k+ talented seafarers around the world whose work has a profound impact in the lives of many.” He continued, “this is why it’s important to have a reliable airline partner like Qatar Airways. They share our commitment to the well-being of seafarers by opening their 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 Ltd. Vice President Air Services, Kenneth Suarez, expressed, “We are grateful to Qatar Airways for celebrating Day of the Seafarer annually and including their partners this year to help celebrate! 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. Whether the crew are traveling to our ships or returning home, we know that Qatar Airways will take care of them every step of the way.”
The success of the event underscores Qatar Airways’ steadfast dedication to acknowledging and supporting the invaluable contributions of seafarers across the globe.
