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.
Fourteen Saudi university students have joined the third AROYA Cruises Ambassador Program cohort for two months of onboard training in cruise hotel operations and management during the cruise line’s current Mediterranean season with Cruise Saudi.
Antarctica21 will introduce Leica binoculars, spotting scopes and selected imaging products aboard Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer and at Explorers House in Punta Arenas from the beginning of its 2026-27 Antarctic season for guests.
AROYA Cruises has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Al Nassr FC for the 2026-27 season, retaining its logo on the club’s official jersey sleeve while planning new fan experiences, campaigns and digital content.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported second-quarter revenue of $2.6 billion and profitability above guidance, while revising its 2026 outlook amid demand pressures and continuing measures intended to support its early-stage turnaround and improve commercial performance.
Virgin Voyages will launch its first Scandinavia and Baltic season in summer 2028, with Valiant Lady operating four Amsterdam voyages and two Western Europe Crossings featuring 15 maiden ports and an Arctic Circle itinerary.
Royal Caribbean Group raised its full-year earnings guidance after second-quarter results exceeded expectations, while reporting a modest, near-term impact on bookings for select itineraries, primarily due to prolonged geopolitical activity during the reporting period.
Princess Cruises is marking 25 years since its first connection to Juneau’s hydroelectric shore-power system, recording 1,725 ship connections, more than 123.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity used and 84,533.60 metric tonnes of emissions avoided.
Marine Mammal Observer Maria Snell has joined MSC Poesia in Alaska through MSC Cruises’ partnership with ORCA, conducting research into whale-vessel interactions while supporting guest education, responsible tourism guidance and future operational training protocols.
Holland America Line will operate four Arctic Journey and Northern Lights departures aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in October and November 2026, featuring extended stays in Tromsø and Alta plus onboard aurora wake-up calls available.
Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend has begun an 80-night Grand Europe Adventure from Stockholm to Athens, combining Baltic, Norwegian, British Isles, Atlantic and Mediterranean destinations with overnight stays and extended calls during the Star Collector voyage.
