16 Thursday, December 26, 2019 The Last Word welcomes first American mega cruise ship Jewel of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, will be making five calls during the 2019-20 cruise season

A crest-exchange ceremony was held at the port between Qatari officials, including Akbar al Baker, secretary-general of QNTC and GCEO of Airways, and the ship’s captain Anders Bjornar Ingebrigtsen, upholding a maritime tradition that celebrates maiden voyages to a new port.

Tribune News Network Officials including Akbar of our first American mega key stakeholders represent- of 3,292 visitors. Doha Port’s temporary ter- time to explore the destina- Doha al Baker, secretary-general cruise ship marks the begin- ing Qatar’s tourism and avia- The ship offers a new level minal, is set to be the biggest tion’s travel, hospitality and of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar ning of a new chapter in Qa- tion industries, immigration, of luxury and entertainment yet for Qatar, due to bring a retail promotions during THE Jewel of the Seas, a Airways among others, were tar’s cruise tourism and po- customs and the Ports Au- with 12 passenger decks, a total of 248,123 passengers the winter season, as well as mega ship operated by US- present to welcome the ship. sitions Qatar as an attractive thority, who have all worked poolside movie screen, rock- aboard 74 ships, showing a a host of exciting events to based cruise liner Royal Car- A crest-exchange ceremony tourist destination for visi- together to create a seamless climbing wall, running track, growth of 121 percent and 66 choose from such as the on- ibbean International, made took place between Qatari of- tors from around the globe. visitor experience.” mini-golf course, spa and fit- percent respectively, over the going FIFA Club World Cup its maiden call to Doha Port ficials and the ship’s captain The extraordinary growth Jewel of the Seas first set ness centre, shopping, restau- previous season. 2019, the upcoming Shop on Wednesday. The Radiance Anders Bjornar Ingebrigtsen, in Qatar’s cruise sector, as sail in the spring of 2004 rants and live Broadway-style Among the 74 confirmed Qatar festival in January, Class cruise ship is scheduled upholding a maritime tradi- evidenced by the number of as Royal Caribbean’s fourth entertainment shows. calls this season, there are 16 Doha Jewellery & Watches to make a total of five calls tion that celebrates maiden cruise ships and passengers Radiance Class ship and The 2019-20 cruise sea- turnaround calls and 9 over- Exhibition in February and to Doha Port throughout the voyages to a new port. to Doha Port, is the result of comes in at 90,090 gross son that kicked off on Oc- night stays in Doha Port. This Qatar International Food 2019-20 cruise season. Baker said, “The arrival close collaboration between tonnes with a total capacity tober 22 with the launch of will give cruise visitors ample Festival in March.

STUDENTS TAKE PART IN TREE PLANTATION DRIVE Big demand for ornamental plants, flowers at Mahaseel Tribune News Network Doha

THE section of nurseries at Mahaseel Festival, currently under way at the Cultural Village Foundation ‘Katara’, is witnessing a big demand for flowers and ornamental plants, said a Katara press re- lease on Wednesday. Visitors are attracted to the wide range of locally produced flowers, especially roses, and ornamental plants displayed Some 30 students of Al Aziziya Youth Center participated in a plantation event organised by the Public works Authority (Ashghal) at the ‘Roads at the festival for home gar- surrounding Al Rayyan Stadium Development Project’ site. This came as part of the authority’s ongoing ‘Qatar Beautification and Our Kids dening purposes. Planting Trees Campaign’, which aims at planting a million trees. (TNN) The festival offers home gardening enthusiasts an op- portunity to acquire seedlings of various seasonal flowers, fruits as well as vegetables and get valuable suggestions on cultivation method, watering and other farming issues until harvest. Meanwhile, various activi- ties continue to attract visitors to the festival. The dedicated space for productive families is another segment of the festival which evokes interest among visitors. It offers various tradi- tional local dishes and sweets. runs daily from 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday until The Mahaseel Festival until December 28, and every March 31, 2020.

DoubleTree by Hilton all set to open doors to visitors today

Tribune News Network “I’m delighted to spear- DOHA head an important hotel opening in this ever-growing DoubleTree by Hilton bustling city. DoubleTree by Doha – – a bright Hilton Doha – Al Sadd is a sand-coloured 139 guest- modern hotel in the heart of room stone building with old Doha, making it the ideal inviting floor to ceiling and location for business and lei- a contemporary design - sure travellers,” said Daniel will open its doors to travel- van Wyk, general manager, lers today. DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Guests can expect an oa- Al Sadd. “The team and I look sis of calm the moment they forward to pleasing guests check-in to DoubleTree by with our boundless energy, Hilton’s latest property, with smiles, deep understanding a colour palette of the palest of the city and its cosmopoli- creams and muted grey which tan occupants. We pride our- come to life with vibrant green selves on caring about the and orange accents – taking little things that make a big cues from the ever-changing difference.” deserts that surround mod- DoubleTree by Hilton ern Doha. Doha – Al Sadd is part of Hil- Al Sadd is one of the old- ton Honours, the award-win- est and most diverse neigh- ning guest-loyalty programme bourhoods in Doha, boasting for Hilton’s 17 distinct hotel various shopping malls and brands. Members who book eateries. Doha is a vibrant city directly have access to instant full of diversity and has pro- benefits, including a flexible gressed from humble begin- payment slider that allows nings to one of the wealthiest members to choose nearly any countries in the world. combination of points and The hotel provides excel- money to book a stay, an ex- lent access to explore the city restaurants and bars, includ- informal, as well as featuring cal journey through the streets ranean and Middle East with sented to each guest as they clusive member discount, free and is in close proximity to ing Indo-Chin Restaurant, an a private dining area which is of far-flung lands with a mar- some of the most exciting cui- check-in. standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton – Doha’s tradi- open-kitchen that specialises ideal for business meetings or ket-style menu offered in a re- sines from each region. To offset any calories, Honours mobile app. tional market. in a wide variety of Asian cui- celebrations. laxed atmosphere, and OPEN DoubleTree by Hilton is hotel guests can use the out- DoubleTree by Hilton DoubleTree by Hilton sine including Indian, Thai, Other prominent restau- restaurant, an all-day dining known for its delicious, warm door swimming pool and Doha – Al Sadd is located at Doha – Al Sadd is home to Chinese and Filipino. The rants are StrEAT Culture Ur- experience that transports chocolate chip cookies that gymnasium for a workout or Mohammed Bin Al Qasim an impressive collection of restaurant is fun, friendly and ban Sports Bar, a gastronomi- guests through the Mediter- are baked fresh daily and pre- group class. Street, Doha.