Five Cruise Ships Successfully Exit Arabian Gulf, Marking Strong Progress for Regional Operations
Five major cruise ships have safely exited the Arabian Gulf, marking strong progress for regional operations and upcoming summer deployments.
Destinations
The Destinations section explores cruise destinations, ports and itineraries relevant to Middle East travellers and trade professionals, including GCC homeports, Mediterranean routes, Red Sea developments, and emerging global cruise regions. We provide practical insights for travel advisors and cruise planners operating across the region.
Crystal Previews 2028 Voyages Across Fleet
Crystal has revealed summer and autumn 2028 itineraries for Crystal Grace, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with bookings opening on 28 April 2026.
MSC Group Reveals Plans for Sandy Cay, a New Private Island Retreat
MSC Group has introduced Sandy Cay, a new private island retreat beside Ocean Cay in The Bahamas. Opening in 2028, it will offer MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests an intimate and serene island experience.
HX reports record Antarctica season as guest satisfaction rises
HX Expeditions has reported its strongest Antarctica season on record, citing higher guest satisfaction, increased suite bookings, expanded kayaking and camping capacity, and a series of science and education milestones.
MSC Cruises Starts Final Countdown to Inaugural Alaska Deployment
MSC Cruises is counting down to its inaugural Alaska season as MSC Poesia completes her enhancement programme and prepares to arrive in Seattle. The deployment marks a major expansion of the line’s North American presence.
Carnival Corporation and Conservation International Launch Caribbean Mangrove Restoration Partnership
Carnival Corporation has launched a multi-year partnership with Conservation International to restore Caribbean mangrove ecosystems, supporting coastal protection, biodiversity and local livelihoods through conservation, community engagement and sustainable business initiatives.
Royal Caribbean to Debut America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas in 2026
MIAMI – 11 March 2026 — Royal Caribbean will debut America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas in August 2026, marking the first-ever staging of the global entertainment franchise at sea.
Oceania Cruises Unveils ‘The Joy of Traveling Well’, A New Global Brand Campaign
MIAMI – 11 March 2026 — Oceania Cruises has unveiled ‘The Joy of Traveling Well’, a new global brand campaign that redefines modern luxury through intentional, enriching travel experiences.
Celebrity Cruises 2028 Galapagos Expeditions Open on Celebrity Flora
Celebrity Cruises launches bookings for 50+ all-inclusive 7–16 night Galapagos expeditions on Celebrity Flora in 2028. Snorkelling, kayaking, UNESCO wildlife encounters.
Gulf Cruise Sailings Paused: MSC, TUI, Celestyal and AROYA Monitor Regional Situation
Six major cruise ships from MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Celestyal Cruises and AROYA Cruises remain berthed across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha as operators monitor regional tensions in the Arabian Gulf. MSC Euribia, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Discovery and Aroya Manara continue to operate full onboard services while cruise lines work with Gulf port authorities to review itineraries and support guest repatriation.