MSC Cruises has said its new ship, and the largest ever built for the line, MSC World Europa, will deliver a new standard of retail excellence onboard.
MSC says Dubai-bound World Europa to offer innovation in cruise retail
Cruise Saudi announces plans to develop cruise terminals in south of country
Cruise Saudi is planning to develop cruise infrastructure at two ports in the south of the country in the coming years, according to statements made during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.
Dubai goes all out to attract cruise lines back to Arabian Gulf after pandemic
Dubai went all-out at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global to encourage cruise lines to return to the Arabian Gulf following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 15 co-exhibitors and stakeholders participating alongside the Department […]
Demand high for FIFA 2022 cruise ship hotels in Doha despite jump in price
Demand for cruise ship cabins in Doha during the FIFA 2022 World Cup remains high, despite climbing prices due to a lack of availability.
Arabian Adventures expands shore excursion offerings in Dubai
Arabian Adventures, the shore excursion and destination management arm of Dubai-based Dnata Travel Group has announced the expansion of its shore excursion offerings in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia sees collaboration as key to growing Red Sea as cruise destination
Saudi Arabia is looking to form alliances with other Red Sea cruise destinations to enhance the region’s appeal for cruise lines, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer Ghassan Khan told delegates at Seatrade […]
Former Cunard liner QE2 to be refurbished again under Accor Hotels
The QE2 floating hotel in Dubai, which previously served as the flagship of the legendary Cunard Line, will be rebranded and upgraded under the M Gallery portfolio of Accor Hotels.
Qatar cruise tourism almost fully recovered ahead of FIFA World Cup
Qatar’s cruise tourism sector is almost fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with cruise ship calls for the 2022/23 season having bounced back thanks to the FIFA World Cup.
AD Ports signs agreement to develop cruise infrastructure in Egypt
The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement for the development of cruise infrastructure.
Costa Atlantica and Mediterranea leave Dubai after two-year COVID lay-up
Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea, which spent almost the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic in warm lay-up in Dubai, have left the region and returned to Europe.
Turkish cruise company plans to launch Umrah pilgrimage itineraries
The Turkish cruise company Ay Cruise is planning to launch new cruise itineraries from Istanbul in Turkey to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, so that passengers can undertake the Umrah pilgrimage by ship.
Costa Cruises to straddle Middle East and Europe with Costa Venezia in Istanbul
Costa Cruises will be focusing on both the Middle East and Europe with its new itineraries aboard Costa Venezia out of Istanbul in Turkey.
Ras Al Khaimah targets luxury and expedition cruise growth
While Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established themselves as the primary cruise ports in the Middle East, with Dubai especially popular as a homeport for Arabian Gulf itineraries, Ras Al Khaimah is […]
MSC 2024 World Cruise to offer Cape Town departure and overnight in Saudi
MSC Cruises will be cruising from Cape Town as part of its 2024 World Cruise aboard MSC Poesia, departing Genoa in January.
Saudi Arabia concludes first ever cruise season with massive domestic demand
Saudi Arabia has concluded its first full cruise season during the winter months between November and April, 2022, with 66% of passengers sourced locally. The six-month cruise season out Saudi Arabia closed […]
Seabourn Encore to cruise double itineraries from Dubai in 2024
Seabourn has revealed its 2023/24 cruise itineraries, with 24 voyages across Arabia and India, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand aboard Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Odyssey.
Start-up cruise line Blue World Ocean Voyages looks to launch in Middle East
Blue World Ocean Voyages, which bills itself as the first cruise line dedicated to health and wellness, has announced it plans to launch from the Middle East in mid-2023.
MSC Virtuosa makes maiden call in Saudi Arabia, second MSC ship to do so
MSC Virtuosa has become the second MSC Cruises vessel to make a maiden port call in Saudi Arabia, with a 17-hour visit to Jeddah on her way back to Europe from Dubai.
Images of new Emerald Azzurra released ahead of Qatar cruise season
Emerald Cruises has released the first images of its brand new luxury superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, ahead of her maiden cruise season homeporting in Qatar next year.
UAE reports strongest tourism recovery as 2021/22 cruise season wraps
On Saturday, AIDAbella departed Dubai for Palma De Mallorca, marking the departure of the last seasonal homeporting cruise ship in the Arabian Gulf and the close of the 2021/22 cruise season.
