Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar have hosted a closing ceremony marking the end of the 2024/2025 cruise season at Old Doha Port.
Qatar concludes 2024/25 cruise season with 360,000 visitors, 19% growth in port calls
Cruise Egypt Forum to debut in Cairo as Middle East cruise sector accelerates
The inaugural Cruise Egypt Forum will take place in Cairo on June 1st and 2nd, 2025, as the country looks to leverage robust growth in the regional cruise sector and drive a new […]
CruiseXplore appointed exclusive Middle East representative for Hurtigruten
CruiseXplore has been named the exclusive Middle East representative for Norway-based expedition cruise line Hurtigruten, marking a significant development for the regional cruise sector.
Hotel Review: Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, Türkiye
Just a short flight from the Gulf, Maxx Royal Bodrum offers a refined Aegean escape where luxury, privacy and wellness come together in a setting designed for discerning Middle Eastern travellers.
Why MSC Cruises isn’t offering fully halal-certified cuisine—yet
MSC Cruises is adapting its regional product in terms of food, entertainment, and language, but a fully halal kitchen remains a challenge.
Crystal Cruises to host exclusive Dubai shore excursions on 2028 World Cruise
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 […]
Connections Cruise Arabia summit launched amid robust growth in local cruise sector
Jacobs Media will launch Connections Cruise Arabia, a dedicated B2B cruise summit for the Arabian Gulf, amid rampant growth in the local cruise industry.
Explora Journeys charts new course in Middle East amid luxury cruise evolution
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.
MSC Cruises doubles down on shorter Dubai itineraries in Arabian Gulf
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.
From stopover to stronghold: The Arabian Gulf emerges as a cruise powerhouse
Cruise tourism in the Middle East is undergoing a quiet transformation. Once treated as a seasonal stopover for repositioning voyages, the Arabian Gulf is now steadily becoming a destination in its own […]
Disney Abu Dhabi announcement further elevates UAE position as global cruise destination
The Walt Disney Company has announced a major international expansion with the development of a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, the developer behind Yas Island Abu […]
Former Celestyal Crystal sails for uncertain new chapter in Middle East
The former Celestyal Crystal is sailing towards Oman following nearly two years laid up in the Eastern Mediterranean, with her future uncertain. The vessel, recently renamed Sun Bright, was removed from the Celestyal Cruises fleet […]
Short cruise itineraries are opening up the Middle East as a cruise source market
Short cruises are becoming the region’s most effective tool for attracting new-to-cruise customers. With weekend itineraries tailored to GCC travellers’ lifestyles, operators are building a new source market in the Middle East.
Explora Journeys’ decision to deploy to Arabian Gulf for first time driven by demand
MSC Cruises is set to elevate the luxury cruise offering in the Middle East with the deployment of its high-end brand, Explora Journeys, to the Gulf and Red Sea for the 2026/27 […]
Cruise lines: African repositioning via Cape Town not a viable Suez Canal alternative
As instability persists in the Red Sea, cruise lines are absorbing losses by avoiding the Suez Canal and sailing without passengers via South Africa—raising questions about the long-term viability of rerouting and […]
MSC World Europa Dubai deployment driven by surging demand and strong source market
MSC Cruises will redeploy its flagship MSC World Europa, its largest ship and the class leader of the World Class vessels, to the Arabian Gulf for the 2026/27 winter season after Dubai delivered the […]
Regent launches Sale Into Summer offer with cruises from Cape Town and Doha
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched its Sale Into Summer offer, with up to 50% savings applicable across 85 sailings, including two from Cape Town, South Africa and two from Doha, Qatar.
Ras Al Khaimah emerging as promising cruise destination says expert Jasem Zaiton
Celestyal Cruises’ three-year commitment to Ras Al Khaimah is positioning the northernmost emirate as a rising star in the Arabian Gulf’s cruise tourism sector, according to Jasem Zaiton, a regional cruise expert […]
Arabian Gulf most exciting cruise growth opportunity globally says Celestyal
Celestyal Cruises has described the Arabian Gulf as one of the most exciting emerging cruise markets in the world, following a successful inaugural winter season that exceeded expectations and prompted the deployment […]
MSC Cruises extends Emirates partnership ahead of expanded 2025/26 season
MSC Cruises and Emirates have extended their long-term strategic partnership to enhance the fly-cruise experience for passengers, supporting Dubai’s position as a global cruise hub.
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