Despite the withdrawal of German cruise line AIDA Cruises from the UAE for the upcoming 2025/26 Middle East winter season, other operators with Gulf-only itineraries remain committed to Dubai as a homeport.
Cruising in the GCC is shedding its retiree image, as millennials and Gen Z embrace short, immersive voyages tailored to their lifestyles and travel preferences.
With expanding airlift, strong source market growth, and a robust port network, the Arabian Gulf is well-positioned to become a year-round cruise destination—but not all industry leaders are convinced the region is […]
Celestyal has released details of its 2027/28 season, marking its earliest season launch to date on the back of sustained demand for its Arabian Gulf and wider Mediterranean itineraries.
Cruise lines are continuing to bypass the Red Sea in favour of repositioning via South Africa, with a growing number of Dubai– and Abu Dhabi-bound ships confirmed to sail from Cape Town […]
Carnival Corporation is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, but says the ongoing Israel–Iran tensions have not yet had any material impact on its operations.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia will reposition to Europe from the Arabian Gulf in April 2026 via the Suez Canal, marking the cruise line’s first major transit of the Red […]
Costa Cruises has unveiled its 2026/27 programme, with Costa Smeralda set to return to the Arabian Gulf for the winter season as part of a global deployment featuring eight ships across five […]
Middle East cruise industry navigates shifting dynamics as regional tensions raise questions around 2025/26 deployments.
The 2025/26 Middle East cruise season cements the region’s status as a favoured winter cruise hub, with more than 300 sailings from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha connecting the Arabian Gulf to […]
Celestyal Cruises has released the first images of its upgraded cabin offering onboard Celestyal Discovery, following the ship’s second extensive refit and refurbishment in Athens earlier this year.
Once known primarily as a cruise turnaround port, Dubai is now positioning itself as a destination in its own right—one that aims to turn brief ship calls into lasting visitor engagement.
Amid temporary rerouting and security concerns, cruise executives remain firm in their view that the Red Sea is still the Middle East’s most compelling cruise destination, offering a rare blend of heritage, […]
The Arabian Gulf cruise sector is gaining momentum, but industry leaders say a regional cruise visa could be the missing link to unlocking seamless itineraries, longer deployments, and broader international appeal.
TUI Cruises has celebrated the launch of Mein Schiff Flow, the second vessel in its new InTUItion class, at a ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
MSC Cruises is adapting its regional product in terms of food, entertainment, and language, but a fully halal kitchen remains a challenge.
Crystal has announced the itinerary for its 2028 World Cruise, with Crystal Symphony scheduled to visit Dubai as part of a 150-night voyage covering six continents. Bookings for the full sailing open to the […]
Jacobs Media will launch Connections Cruise Arabia, a dedicated B2B cruise summit for the Arabian Gulf, amid rampant growth in the local cruise industry.
President of Explora Journeys Anna Nash on why the Arabian Gulf is ready for ultra-luxury cruising as the line prepares to homeport in Dubai for 2026/27.
As demand for cruising in the Arabian Gulf continues to rise, MSC Cruises is increasingly leaning into short itineraries as a format that suits the region’s unique travel preferences.
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