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.
Children of the evolution: How the GCC is becoming a millennial-friendly cruise market
Saudi cruise line Aroya Cruises departs Istanbul for first Mediterranean sailing
AROYA Cruises has officially launched its inaugural Eastern Mediterranean season, departing Istanbul’s Galataport Cruise Terminal on June 28th, 2025.
Dubai cruise officials explore potential for year-round cruise season in Arabian Gulf
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 releases 2027/28 Arabian Gulf season early on back of ongoing demand
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.
Carnival Corp monitoring Middle East developments, says CEO Josh Weinstein
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.
AROYA Cruises makes historic maiden call to Istanbul ahead of Mediterranean season
AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown cruise line, made its inaugural call to Galataport Istanbul on June 20th, marking the start of its first Mediterranean season and a major milestone in the […]
MSC Cruises bets on Red Sea crisis resolution with westbound 2026 Dubai repositioning
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 to homeport Costa Smeralda in Dubai for 2026/27 winter cruise season
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 […]
Cruise Saudi and homegrown AROYA Cruises change local perceptions of cruising
With a private island development, 19 destinations in the pipeline, and a homegrown cruise line making waves, Saudi Arabia is placing the Red Sea at the centre of its cruise ambitions—and reshaping […]
Oman targets mega-ship capability as local cruise tourism sector enjoys rapid growth
Port Sultan Qaboos in Oman, the cruise port gateway to Muscat, is set to undergo a redevelopment that will include berth expansions following a record 2024/25 season, with new infrastructure potentially capable […]
How Israel–Iran conflict escalation could impact Middle East cruise industry
Middle East cruise industry navigates shifting dynamics as regional tensions raise questions around 2025/26 deployments.
Overview of Middle East 2025/26 cruise season out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha
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 […]
AROYA Cruises departs on repositioning voyage to Turkey for first-ever fly-cruise season
AROYA Cruises, the first homegrown cruise line in the Arab world, has departed Jeddah on its inaugural repositioning voyage to Istanbul, where its sole vessel Aroya will be based for the summer.
Celestyal Cruises reveals new cabins aboard Celestyal Discovery ahead of debut in UAE
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.
Yacht charters surge in popularity with GCC as Mediterranean cruise season opens
As the Mediterranean yachting season begins, luxury charters are seeing renewed demand from high-net-worth travellers — including a growing clientele from the Gulf as experienced cruise passengers seek more exclusive options. Increasing […]
Dubai tourism strategy drives evolution from port call to cruise destination
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.
Why Red Sea remains relevant for cruise sector despite current security concerns
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, […]
Cruise Arabia Alliance: Can a unified GCC visa unlock year-round regional cruising?
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 marks launch of Mein Schiff Flow ahead of debut Middle East season
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.
Celestyal Cruises launches summer promotion with deals on Arabian Gulf itineraries
Celestyal Cruises has launched special promotions for summer across 87 itineraries, including Arabian Gulf cruises for the upcoming 2025/26 Middle East season.
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