MSC Cruises showcases Yacht Club ahead of competitive 2025/26 Middle East season

MSC Cruises is spotlighting its luxury Yacht Club product as it prepares for a busy 2025/26 Middle East season, with MSC Euribia homeporting in Dubai from November 8th 2025 through April 1st 2026. 

The winter deployment places the line’s flagship at the centre of what is shaping up to be one of the region’s most competitive cruise seasons, with multiple international and regional brands vying for market share.

Roundtrip from Dubai, Euribia will sail a series of Arabian Gulf itineraries calling at Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Muscat, and Sir Bani Yas Island. Guests will also be able to choose shorter 3- and 4-night mini cruises alongside the line’s traditional 7-night voyages, an approach designed to broaden the appeal of cruising in the region. 

By offering shorter breaks, MSC aims to attract new-to-cruise travellers from Arabian Gulf source markets while still serving its established European markets.

A central feature of Euribia’s Gulf season is the MSC Yacht Club, the company’s signature “ship-within-a-ship” concept. Providing an all-inclusive luxury experience, the Yacht Club includes spacious suites, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and a private lounge and restaurant. 

Guests also enjoy access to an exclusive sun deck, pool, grill restaurant, and bar, while remaining within easy reach of the ship’s wider dining, entertainment, and family-friendly facilities.

“The MSC Yacht Club is one of our most highly regarded products, loved by guests for its outstanding level of service, elegant spaces and exclusive facilities, so we are proud to be bringing this to the Gulf,” said Angelo Capurro, Executive Director of MSC Cruises. 

His comments underline the importance of the luxury segment to MSC’s Gulf strategy, with the Yacht Club designed to appeal to premium travellers seeking exclusivity, while still benefiting from the scale of a large ship.

Beyond the Yacht Club, MSC Euribia will showcase MSC’s family-oriented offering. The 2017-built vessel features five pools, the Ocean Cay AquaPark with three water slides, and a revolutionary kids’ zone with 700 square metres of interior space. 

Dining options span ten restaurants, including French-inspired Le Grill and the Kaito Sushi & Robatayaki venue, while 21 bars and lounges ensure broad appeal for guests of all ages. Evening entertainment includes large-scale productions at the Delphi Theatre, offering a seven-day programme of shows.

MSC Euribia also carries a strong sustainability profile as the second ship in MSC’s fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). With Gulf states increasingly positioning themselves as hubs for clean energy and sustainable tourism, the ship’s technology complements regional priorities while delivering lower-emission cruising.

Sailings for the 2025/26 Middle East season are now open for booking, with MSC highlighting flexibility in itinerary choice and the elevated luxury of the Yacht Club as key differentiators. With competition in the Arabian Gulf heating up from established players and new entrants alike, MSC’s strategy reflects both ends of the market, catering to first-time regional travellers through shorter voyages, while offering high-end exclusivity for repeat guests through its flagship luxury concept.