Reporting on cruise itineraries and deployment activity across the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and surrounding regional waters, with insight into homeport growth and regional cruise infrastructure.
AIDA Cruises has cancelled AIDAperla’s planned winter 2027-28 Middle East season, affecting voyages from December 2027 to April 2028, with the ship set to operate a revised European programme instead.
Five major cruise ships have safely exited the Arabian Gulf, marking strong progress for regional operations and upcoming summer deployments.
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.
AIDA Cruises has officially announced its return to the Middle East for the winter 2027/28 season, marking a significant comeback for the German line in the Arabian Gulf after a two-year hiatus.
DUBAI, UAE — MSC Cruises has confirmed the deployment of three additional vessels to the Arabian Gulf for the 2025-26
MSC Euribia opens bookings for Arabian Gulf cruises from Dubai, highlighting the city’s evolving status as a cruise hub.
Doha Port is rapidly cementing its reputation as a pivotal cruise destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the
Explora Journeys expands luxury itineraries in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf for the 2027/28 season, boosting the brand’s Middle East presence.
The Importance of Localised Cruise Experiences to Win Middle East Market Loyalty The growing sophistication of the Middle East cruise
Luxury Product Differentiation and Market Positioning in the Arabian Gulf The Arabian Gulf cruise market is rapidly maturing, with growing
