The Cruise Lines section covers information on major global cruise lines, strategic updates, fleet movements, commercial developments, and regional deployments from cruise operators active in the Middle East market.
StarDream Cruises received the Special Contributor to Asia Cruise Industry Award at the 2026 Asia Cruise Forum Jeju, recognising its contribution to regional cruise tourism and cooperation with governments, tourism organisations and industry partners across Asia.
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.
Viking’s 2028–2029 ocean deployment will feature 80 voyages across 84 countries, two new Alaska and Mediterranean itineraries, additional Japan sailings and the introduction of the 998-guest Viking Leda and Viking Vega.
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.
Cordelia Sky will operate seven-night cruises between Chennai and Singapore from June 2027, with scheduled visits to Phuket, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur as part of Cordelia Cruises’ expanded Southeast Asia deployment.
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.
Aman at Sea has floated out Amangati at T. Mariotti’s Genoa shipyard, moving the 94-guest yacht into interior outfitting before sea trials, delivery and its inaugural Mediterranean voyage in May 2027 from Palma de Mallorca.
Explora Journeys has taken delivery of EXPLORA III in Genoa, bringing its operational fleet to three ships ahead of the vessel’s Mediterranean prelude, Barcelona naming ceremony and inaugural Northern Europe season beginning in August 2026.
Viking has named its next two ocean ships Viking Leda and Viking Vega. The 998-guest vessels are expected to enter service in late 2028 and mid-2029, operating initial itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
