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.
MSC Cruises has completed installation of a 39-foot dragon sculpture aboard MSC World Asia, positioning the feature above the Outdoor World Promenade as construction continues ahead of the ship’s December 2026 Mediterranean debut.
SeaDream II will operate two seven-night wine voyages between Nice and Rome in 2027, with itineraries featuring French and Italian ports, onboard tastings and winemaker dinners.
Silversea’s Silver Cloud has departed Fremantle on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition to Valparaiso, visiting 57 destinations across 11 countries, including the Kimberley, French Polynesia, Pitcairn Island and Easter Island.
MSC Cruises has revised its Winter 2027/2028 deployment, sending MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean while MSC World Europa remains in the Western Mediterranean instead of operating its previously scheduled Middle East sailings.
Viking reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $2.19 billion, up 16.5%, driven by higher capacity and revenue per passenger cruise day, while advance bookings increased and the company continued expanding its ocean and river fleet.
Disney Cruise Line has shared the first public look at a new three-ship class debuting from 2029, positioned between its classic and newer vessels as the fleet expands to 13 ships over coming years globally.
AROYA has docked in Taranto ahead of the 2026 Mediterranean Games, joining Romantika in the floating Mediterranean Village and providing accommodation and onboard services for athletes and delegations participating in the event this summer.
Havila Voyages has partnered with Ocean Bottle to offer a branded reusable bottle across its coastal fleet, with each purchase funding collection of 11.4kg of ocean-bound plastic and supporting the company’s single-use plastic reduction efforts.
Oceania Cruises is highlighting longer voyages for 2027 to 2029, including 180-day Around the World journeys aboard Oceania Aurelia and extended itineraries linking Australia, Asia, Alaska, Europe, the South Pacific and South America by sea.
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled Carnival Destiny as the first ship in its new Ace Class, beginning construction at Fincantieri ahead of a summer 2029 delivery and future sailings to Paradise Collection destinations from 2029.
