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.
Scenic Group is marking its 40th anniversary with river and yacht expansion through 2028, including new ships in Europe, India and Southeast Asia, Emerald Yacht Cruises growth and the April 2028 debut of Scenic Ikon.
Disney Cruise Line has named Disney Imagination as its first ship to sail from Japan, with Tokyo departures beginning in spring 2029 under the Disney Cruise Line Japan operation managed by Oriental Land Co., Ltd.
Princess Cruises will offer more than 250 Americas departures in 2028-29, including its first Amazon River cruising since 2014, a new 64-day Circle South America voyage and programmes spanning the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Hawaii.
Scenic and Emerald Cruises have opened pre-registration for Oberammergau Passion Play 2030, combining early access to the once-a-decade Bavarian production with all-inclusive European river cruises and handcrafted land journeys, with further itinerary details to follow.
Seatrium has renewed its multi-year agreement with Carnival Corporation, covering maintenance and upgrade work across eight cruise brands, with Royal Princess, Carnival Luminosa and Seabourn Encore scheduled as the first projects in late 2026.
K-pop girl group KIIRAS will perform aboard Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream during a two-night roundtrip sailing from Singapore to Melaka, featuring a complimentary poolside showcase and exclusive Meet & Greet from 25 to 27 October 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line has opened two new inaugural Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Aura for May 2027, following the ship’s anticipated early delivery before its scheduled Mediterranean programme and subsequent Caribbean deployment from Miami.
Holland America Line has added Pan Am-inspired dining, aviation speakers, Clipper Club programming and dedicated shore excursions to Zuiderdam’s 28-day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage, sailing round-trip from Miami in October 2027.
Holland America Line has opened bookings for five new Oosterdam voyages following the ship’s Holland America Evolution transformation, spanning the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean from October through December 2027 aboard the reimagined ship.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled new bar and beverage concepts for Seven Seas Prestige, including Galileo’s Bar, Mediterranean-inspired cocktails at Azure, open-air serves at Solmar Terrace and an exclusive cocktail created specifically for the ship.
