MSC Cruises now sourcing 25%+ of Arabian Gulf bookings from GCC region 

One in four bookings for MSC Cruises in the Gulf region now come from GCC nationals and expatriates, underlining the company’s growing reliance on the Arabian Gulf as both a source market and a winter homeport destination.

The 25% share reflects a broader trend of rising demand across the region, where MSC has recorded double-digit annual growth over the past three years. 

Bookings are increasingly driven by family groups, multi-generational travellers, and premium suite sales, with the MSC Yacht Club – the line’s private “ship within a ship” concept – continuing to sell out ahead of other categories. 

Regional travellers are also booking further in advance than before, often six to nine months ahead, compared to the last-minute patterns that once characterised the market.

To meet this growing demand, MSC has confirmed the deployment of two of its newest vessels to the Gulf in successive seasons. 

MSC Euribia will homeport in Dubai for the winter 2025/26 season, followed by MSC World Europa in 2026/27. Both ships have previously homeported in the region, reflecting MSC’s strategy of assigning some of its largest and most advanced vessels to the Gulf.

The itineraries centre on 7-night cruises with calls at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Sir Bani Yas Island. 

Overnight stays in Dubai enable access to landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Al Fahidi district, while Abu Dhabi offers cultural and leisure attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World. 

Sir Bani Yas Island remains a highlight of MSC’s Gulf programme, with guests able to visit its Arabian Wildlife Park or use the cruise line’s private beach facilities.

MSC Cruises has also emphasised adapting its product to regional preferences. Halal dining, vegetarian and vegan options are available, alongside Arabic-speaking staff, family-focused facilities, and a wide range of children’s and teenagers’ programmes. 

The company is also looking to expand into emerging ports, with Saudi Arabia highlighted as a future growth area, and has indicated plans to align themed sailings with major regional events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Gulf has long been positioned as a “winter sun” alternative to the Caribbean, and MSC’s strengthened deployment confirms its role as a core pillar of the line’s global operations. 

With investment in infrastructure and new tourism partnerships, the region is expected to further consolidate its position as a leading winter cruise destination in the years ahead.