NCL Celebrates Norwegian Aura Float Out in Italy
Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri have floated out Norwegian Aura in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship, NCL’s largest to date, is set for a spring 2027 debut and Miami deployment from June 2027.
News
The News section of The Cruise News Middle East delivers fast, verified reporting on global cruise developments with direct relevance to the GCC and wider MENA region. From fleet expansions to deployment shifts and commercial updates, we focus on what matters for travel professionals and informed cruisers.
Oceania Cruises® Launches Fine Dining Restaurant at Sea
Oceania Cruises has unveiled La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, a reservation-only dining spot for 18 guests on Oceania Sonata launching in 2027.
Princess Cruises orders three Voyager Class ships
Princess Cruises has ordered three Voyager Class ships from Fincantieri, with delivery scheduled for 2035, 2038 and 2039. The ships will be dual-fuel powered and built in Monfalcone, Italy.
Scenic Group Expands Fleet As It Marks Four Decades in Operation
Scenic Group celebrates 40 years of cruising with plans to introduce nine new ships by 2028, including Scenic Ikon and Emerald Xara
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.
PONANT Launches 2027 Baltic and North Sea Jazz Cruise Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Ponant has revealed a 2027 Baltic and North Sea cruise featuring a curated jazz programme, international artists and cultural partnerships, sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot across Northern Europe destinations.
Oceania Cruises® Reveals the Reinspiration of Oceania Marina™
Oceania Cruises has announced a full reinspiration of Oceania Marina™, due in dry dock in October 2026, with redesigned staterooms, refreshed dining venues and upgraded public spaces under the OceaniaNEXT™ programme.