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.
Celebrity Cruises has become the first cruise line to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea, awarded to Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent.
SeaDream Yacht Club has named James Scott as Trade Sales Director for the UK & Ireland, reinforcing its strategic focus on trade partnerships and growth across the region’s luxury cruise distribution network.
Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that the Disney Wish will sail in Europe for the first time in 2027, marking the debut of a Wish class ship in the region with itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Holland America Line celebrates 100 years of Caribbean cruising with a week long anniversary promotion offering up to 50% off fares, onboard credit and family friendly savings. The milestone highlights a century of regional firsts and introduces a curated selection of premium Caribbean itineraries ideal for Middle East travellers seeking warm weather escapes.
Luxury river expedition operator Aqua Expeditions has announced fresh Aqua Mekong sailings exploring Cambodia’s Upper Mekong and Tonl Sap regions, an exclusive Explorers Club trip led by geothermal expert Andrés Ruzo, and targeted promotions for 2026-2028 voyages.
The U.S. Virgin Islands dominates the 2026 Caribbean Travel Awards, winning Cruise Destination of the Year and New Hotel of the Year. Discover the territory’s latest port developments and luxury offerings.
Holland America Line has launched a new shore excursion in partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for its 2026 Alaska season.
In a world-first for the expedition cruise industry, Aurora Expeditions has partnered with the Thermal Imaging of Polar Ice (TIPI) project to launch a groundbreaking citizen science initiative. Guests aboard the line’s three vessels will now use thermal technology to visualize and record data on polar ice melt, contributing to vital long-term climate research.
In a major Caribbean expansion, MSC Cruises has confirmed it will base a ship in La Romana, Dominican Republic, year-round starting in November 2026. The new programme, featuring MSC Opera, will bring 120,000 additional visitors to the region annually.
Azamara Cruises has announced its most ambitious and comprehensive renovation program to date, dubbed “Azamara Forward,” representing the largest capital investment in the luxury small-ship cruise line’s history.
