Celebrity Cruises and Silversea to take part in Middle East’s first polar cruise forum

Dubai will host the Middle East’s first dedicated business-to-business forum for polar expedition cruises on September 11th, 2025, bringing together regional travel agents and leading operators in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cruise industry.

Organised by Cruise Master, the region’s first specialist cruise agency, the Polar Expedition Forum is an invite-only event aimed at connecting Middle East agents with international expedition cruise brands. 

The focus will be firmly on Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, which continue to attract growing numbers of travellers worldwide.

Arctic sailings have increased by 37 per cent over the past decade, according to industry reports, and demand from the Middle East is rising in line with global trends. Expedition operators note a growing appetite among regional travellers for adventure-focused, sustainable, and once-in-a-lifetime voyages.

Several leading operators are confirmed to participate, including Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, Expeditions Beyond Adventure, Albatros Expeditions and Swan Hellenic. 

Each line will present its itineraries, ships and selling points, giving agents an opportunity to compare offerings across the segment.

The inclusion of Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, both well-established in the premium and luxury markets, is expected to draw significant attention from agents looking to expand their portfolios with polar options. 

Forum format

The one-day programme will include product showcases, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Panels will feature industry leaders sharing sales strategies tailored for the Middle East market, along with insights into the operational and environmental aspects of expedition cruising.

Travel agents will also have the opportunity to arrange one-to-one meetings with representatives from participating cruise lines for tailored discussions. Networking breaks are built into the day to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among peers.

The forum reflects wider global momentum for expedition cruising, which is increasingly seen as a bridge between luxury travel and adventure tourism. With regional cruise demand continuing to grow, organisers say equipping agents with the knowledge to sell polar itineraries is key to ensuring the Middle East plays a stronger role in this expanding niche.

By hosting the first polar-focused event of its kind in the region, Dubai positions itself not only as a hub for traditional Gulf and Indian Ocean cruises, but also as a gateway for Middle Eastern travellers to embark on voyages to the polar extremes.