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 has announced a 12-night entirely gluten-free voyage aboard Oceania Vista, departing Southampton on 31 May 2028 and visiting England, Ireland and Scotland with gluten-free menus across every onboard dining venue.
Princess Cruises has opened a contest for Captain’s Circle Elite members, with four winners receiving trips to Pasadena and the opportunity to ride aboard the cruise line’s floral float in the 2027 Rose Parade®.
AROYA Cruises will operate a special five-night cruise from Jeddah on 22 September to celebrate Saudi National Day, calling at Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba with onboard artistic and musical performances.
Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas has floated for the first time at Meyer Turku, entering its next construction phase ahead of an August 2027 Miami debut and seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has donated $50,000 to Vibrant Hawaiʻi to support Hurricane Lala recovery on Hawaiʻi Island, helping fund immediate assistance, essential supplies and community-led cleanup efforts in some of the storm’s hardest-hit areas.
AROYA Cruises will add 25 winter sailings from Galataport İstanbul between October 2026 and April 2027, extending cruise activity through winter and helping the port target 150,000 passengers as year-round operations expand further in Istanbul.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has opened its 2028 collection with three new ships, eight new European itineraries and an 11-day Mystery Journey, expanding options across the Danube, Rhine, France and Mekong for the 2028 season.
Silversea has concluded its 2026 Alaska season after 30 voyages aboard Silver Moon and Silver Whisper, calling at 14 destinations between Vancouver and Seward, with glacier cruising, shore excursions and wildlife encounters across the region.
Saudi Red Sea Authority has launched its Deeper Than It Seems campaign, explaining the regulatory framework governing cruises, marinas, yachts and other coastal tourism activities along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, supporting safety and sustainability.
Norwegian Cruise Line has hosted an exclusive preview of Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay ahead of its official guest opening on Sept. 4, 2026.
