Amid temporary rerouting and security concerns, cruise executives remain firm in their view that the Red Sea is still the Middle East’s most compelling cruise destination, offering a rare blend of heritage, luxury, and untapped potential.

Despite the rerouting of cruise itineraries around Africa due to instability in the Red Sea, industry insiders remain confident in its long-term potential as the region’s most unique and experience-rich cruising destination. 

With its blend of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and emerging infrastructure, the Red Sea is still widely regarded as the crown jewel of Middle East cruising.

During the Cruise Arabia panel at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, executives from Cruise Saudi, MSC Cruises, and Tourism Economics underlined the enduring value of the Red Sea—even as ships temporarily divert to avoid security risks near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. 

Their message was clear: the Red Sea may be temporarily disrupted, but its long-term potential in compelling.

Angelo Capurro, Executive Director at MSC Cruises, was unequivocal in his optimism. “For me, the Red Sea in winter is the best ever,” he said. “You can offer in one week what guests might otherwise only find across several holidays—AlUla, Luxor, Petra—all in a single itinerary.”

That combination of cultural depth and destination diversity is what Cruise Saudi has built its strategy around. 

Mashhoor Baeshen, Executive Director at Cruise Saudi said the company, which owns homegrown Saudi Arabian cruise line AROYA, has identified 19 ports and destinations across the Red Sea that are being activated or developed. 

“We call our ports gateways,” he explained. “Each one is designed to enable access to a unique experience—whether that’s natural beauty, heritage sites, or local community interaction.”

One of Cruise Saudi’s most ambitious developments is a private island resort dedicated to cruise passengers. Launched during the 2024/25 season, the island features beaches, restaurants, a VIP area, and curated excursions—all tailored to the preferences of cruise travellers. The cruise line also announced plans to develop a second island during ATM 2025.

Yet the Red Sea’s promise is not just in infrastructure—it’s in the type of product it supports. Post-COVID travel trends have shown a sharp rise in demand for less crowded, experience-led cruising. “Luxury and expedition cruises have seen the most growth in recent years,” said Capurro. “And the Red Sea is exactly the kind of place these passengers are looking for.”

Cruise Saudi has capitalised on this trend by partnering with boutique lines and developing itineraries that avoid the crowds. “We are committed to low-density tourism,” said Baeshen. “This isn’t about mass-market replication—it’s about creating authentic, high-quality encounters.”

This approach aligns with the evolving preferences of the global cruise demographic. Dave Goodger, Managing Director, EMEA, at Tourism Economics, noted that younger, wealthier travellers are now among the most cruise-keen segments globally. “The demand is increasingly for new destinations and immersive experiences,” he said. “And the Red Sea fits that brief perfectly.”

Nevertheless, the current geopolitical situation remains a significant challenge. Since late 2023, many cruise lines have rerouted repositioning itineraries to avoid the Suez Canal, adding up to two weeks of additional sailing time. 

Capurro estimated the cost of avoiding the Red Sea at more than $50 million for MSC, because the route around Africa does not lend itself easily to passenger operations.

Despite this, MSC is pushing forward with plans for future deployment. “We will be back in the Red Sea in 2026/27 with Explora Journeys,” Capurro confirmed. “We’ll cross from the Mediterranean into the Red Sea, stay for the season, then reposition via Jeddah. It’s that important to us.”

The appeal is not only external. Domestic interest in cruising is growing rapidly within Saudi Arabia, and Cruise Saudi’s new line, AROYA Cruises, is helping to open up the market. “We’ve had guests from over 120 nationalities on board,” said Baeshen. “But the most exciting trend is the number of Saudis cruising for the first time. AROYA is helping redefine what cruise means to them.”

This regional demand is key to long-term success. As Cruise Arabia Alliance partners continue to build inter-Gulf collaboration, Cruise Saudi is simultaneously laying the groundwork for integrated Red Sea–Gulf itineraries. 

“We see the Red Sea and the Gulf as complementary,” Baeshen said. “A guest might do one year in the Gulf and return the next year for the Red Sea. It’s about giving options.”

“We’re always working two to three years ahead. So we continue to design itineraries, make port agreements, and prepare—because when the Red Sea is ready, we will be too.”

Angelo Capurro, Executive Director at MSC Cruises

Dubai, which has long served as the cruise gateway to the Arabian Gulf, is also watching developments in the Red Sea closely. Saud Hareb AlMheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said regional connectivity was the next logical step. “We’re already seeing strong demand for new itineraries,” he said. “And we want to make sure that when the Red Sea reopens, we’re aligned and ready to collaborate.”

In the meantime, stakeholders are focused on long-term strategy. Capurro said MSC was already planning itineraries for 2027 and beyond, even if adjustments are needed along the way. “We’re always working two to three years ahead,” he said. “So we continue to design itineraries, make port agreements, and prepare—because when the Red Sea is ready, we will be too.”

For now, the Red Sea is temporarily constrained, but still central to the future of Middle East cruising. As infrastructure matures, consumer interest grows, and geopolitical tensions (eventually) ease, its potential remains unmatched.