German cruise line TUI Cruises is strengthening its commitment to the Middle East cruise market despite ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea, deploying two vessels to the Gulf region for the coming winter season. 

One ship will operate out of Dubai, while the second will feature turnaround operations in both Dubai and Doha, Qatar, signalling a significant step forward for the region’s ambitions as a cruise hub.

Maria Tauschke, Head of Shore Operations at TUI Cruises, confirmed that the newbuild Mein Schiff Flow will debut in the Middle East in November 2026 for its inaugural winter season. 

With capacity for around 4,000 passengers, the ship represents the largest vessel the company has ever stationed in the region. 

“We are sending the biggest vessel because we are confident in the region’s developments,” she said during the Middle East Cruise Outlook session at Seatrade Europe 2026.

Tauschke emphasised that reliable weather, strong airlift, and the region’s rapid growth made it an attractive destination, noting that passenger numbers carried by TUI Cruises in the Middle East will nearly double compared to a decade ago. 

“Next year, we’re bringing 90,000 passengers to the region,” she said, praising the Gulf’s ability to provide new experiences for repeat visitors.

The panel also explored how geopolitical challenges have reshaped cruise routing. With Red Sea transits disrupted, operators are increasingly sending ships around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. 

Tauschke noted that this opened opportunities for TUI Cruises to implement calls in South Africa and Namibia, describing the extended routing as an “opportunity” for regional diversification.

 “At the moment, there are genuine concerns,” added Grant Holmes, Global Vice President, Cruise & Superyacht Sector at Inchcape Shipping Services. “But the ironic thing is, if you go to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, or Saudi Arabia, you’re going to be considerably safer than what you will be in Europe or the US.” 

He noted that four cruise lines had recently withdrawn from the region, but praised TUI Cruises’ stance: “What’s interesting is that the cruise lines that did pull out, their sales were really high.”

Tauschke acknowledged the perception challenges but expressed confidence in the Gulf deployment. “We are very confident that we and our partners in the ports… will be able to pull it off and to send our guests to experience the ever-summer experience, and all that the region has to offer,” she said, adding that 95% of passengers come from German-speaking markets, where confidence in the region remains strong.