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.
Disney Cruise Line has revealed new dining venues, stage productions, themed lounges and accommodation aboard Disney Believe, scheduled to debut in December 2027 with four- and five-night sailings from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
MSC Cruises has revealed six theatrical productions for MSC World Asia, including four new shows, alongside daily performances by 33 musicians. The new World Class ship begins seven-night Mediterranean sailings on 4 December 2026.
Cunard’s Queen Anne will join P&O Cruises in May 2029 after her 2028/29 World Voyage, while Arcadia will complete a farewell season before transferring to Holland America Line within the Carnival Corporation family during 2029.
Princess Cruises has been named No. 1 in the Mega Cruise Ship category at Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with Sun Princess earning a third consecutive top spot and Star Princess recognised.
Silversea has unveiled 103 new sailings for 2028-2029, spanning 219 destinations in 56 countries, with new S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages, a 75-night Grand South America circumnavigation and expanded Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand programmes.
Construction has begun on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, with Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group targeting completion and the start of operations for March 2028.
Holland America Line will mark 80 years in Alaska in 2027 with six ships, new itineraries, an expanded Denali Lodge, returning Arctic Circle and Great Bear Rainforest voyages, and anniversary programming across the season.
AROYA Cruises has entered the UK market and confirmed plans to build a three-ship fleet, while expanding its Mediterranean programme and strengthening trade relationships as the Saudi cruise line develops its presence across European source markets.
Royal Caribbean will bring The SpongeBob Musical to sea for the first time aboard Hero of the Seas, with the Broadway-inspired production debuting when the fourth Icon Class ship begins sailing from Miami in August 2027.
StarDream Cruises wins Best Cruise Line – Asia and Best Cruise Line – Entertainment for the second consecutive year at the Travel Weekly Asia 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in Singapore.
