MSC Euribia arrives in Dubai to commence first-ever Arabian Gulf cruise season

MSC Euribia has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to commence her first ever winter season in the Middle East, sailing roundtrip from Dubai, but also offering Abu Dhabi and Doha as embarkation ports.

MSC Euribia will sail seven-night roundtrip itineraries visiting destinations in Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sir Bani Yas Island, as well as Doha in Qatar and Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain.

MSC Euribia will sail these itineraries from November, 2024 to March, 2025, when she will return to Northern Europe with no guests onboard, sailing via South Africa, just as she did on her way out to the Middle East.

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia deadheaded to the Middle East in early November due to security concerns in the Red Sea, which forced the cancellation of her repositioning voyages through the Suez Canal. 

Due to the last minute nature of the itinerary change, and the lack of suitable infrastructure for the ship along much of the African coast, it was decided that she’d made the trip without passengers.

The ship made a technical visit to MSC’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, South Africa, becoming the largest cruise ship ever to visit South Africa, just days after Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas established the record with her technical call in Cape Town.

MSC Euribia Lobby

Built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, MSC Euribia entered service for MSC Cruises in June 2023 and is one of the newest and most advanced cruise ships ever to homeport in the region.

The vessel is the fifth in a series of ships that started with the MSC Meraviglia in 2017. At 177,100 gross tons, the ship can carry more than 4,800 guests and offers 10 restaurants, 19 cafes and bars, three pool areas, a waterpark, gym, spa and sports complex, as well as a full-size theatre, casino, games arcade, bowling alley and more.

Upon completing its 2025 summer season in Europe, MSC Euribia is scheduled to return to the Middle East in 2025/26, sailing roundtrip from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha again, between early November 2025 and early April 2026.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

Recent Posts

Pacific World opens Cape Town’s 2026/27 cruise season with 1,397 passengers

Pacific World has become the first cruise ship of Cape Town’s 2026/27 season, arriving with…

1 week ago

Qatar targets new cruise opportunities after talks with international operators

Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port held talks with five cruise operators at Seatrade Cruise…

1 week ago

MSC Cruises sends Musica for 45-day refit to add Yacht Club and new restaurants

MSC Musica has entered the Palumbo Malta Shipyard for a 45-day refurbishment that will add…

2 weeks ago

Travelmarvel returns to Egypt as Sirius begins maiden Nile season

Travelmarvel has returned to Egypt with the maiden voyage of its new Nile river ship,…

2 weeks ago

Durban family seeks answers after crew member dies aboard MSC Euribia

The family of a South African crew member who died aboard MSC Euribia is seeking…

2 weeks ago

Holland America unveils new Beach Club and dining venue at Half Moon Cay

Holland America Line has completed a series of upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, including…

2 weeks ago