Golden Horizon, the largest square-rigged cruise ship in the world with five masts, will dock at the Old Doha Port four days prior to the tournament’s start on November 20, acting as a floating hotel for Croatian football fans as Qatar prepares to host over one million visitors during the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.
According to Mario Lozancic, president of the Croatia Business Council, the ship, which flies the Croatian flag and was constructed by the Brodosplit shipyard in Split, is scheduled to leave Croatia for the World Cup on October 21 and arrive in Doha on November 16 where it will remain for the duration of the competition (CBC).
Despite being lavishly adorned, the ship nonetheless exudes the allure and feel of a classic sailing vessel. The ship features five decks, a library, numerous spacious lounges, a spa and fitness center, a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a beauty salon.
“This project is not commercial, but solely for the purpose of promoting Croatia in Qatar during the World Cup and strengthening our bilateral ties. It is the best way to bring the two countries closer together in terms of tourism, culture, business and sport,” said Mario Lozancic.
The Guinness World Record award ceremony would take place on November 18 in front of the Qatari and Croatian business sectors as well as leaders from both nations, Lozancic revealed, assuming the sailing speed record is broken as anticipated.
When asked how much it would cost to board the ship, Lozancic replied that it would depend on the group’s package, but that regular rooms on the ship would cost about $1,000 per day, which would include a return flight and match tickets, which is affordable compared to other places to stay during the event. Information on different cabin types and reservation options may be found on the website www.goldenhorizon.qa.
The CBC president stated that there would be 140 cabins available in various categories, and that there will be about 300 lucky persons who will be allowed to board. Croatians are anticipated to make up the majority of the attendees. “During that period, we will offer several events such as musical and cultural activities for our guests. On board, they would also have dishes prepared by a renowned Croatian master chef, he added.
According to the CBC president, 400 Croatians dwell and work in Qatar across a variety of industries, and around to 3,000 are anticipated to attend the World Cup to support the 2018 finalist.
Along with Belgium, Canada, and Morocco, Croatia is in Group F.
Speaking about Qatar 2022, the Croatian, who has lived in the country for the past 16 years, said that no one could have captured these moments back then.
He said, “Nobody would have predicted that a World Cup could be held in a single city, but it is happening, and I am honoured to be a part of it. I consider Qatar to be my home and I am proud that they are hosting the sporting event for in the Middle East and Gulf for first time.”
Lozancic added that everyone knows major sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup should come to this part of the world.
“Qatar has demonstrated strength in their preparations with state-of-the-art stadiums; it’s amazing what they’ve accomplished at that level,” he said. “It is especially impressive and historic due to the size of Doha, with the furthest stadiums being located only 50 kilometres apart.”
During the FIFA World Cup, Inchcape Shipping Services will serve as logistics agents in Old Port Doha for Golden Horizon and other luxury cruise ships and mega yachts.