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.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled the spa and wellness facilities aboard Seven Seas Prestige, including its largest fleet gym, first salt room, first in-suite gym and an expanded range of longevity-focused treatments ahead of launch.
MSC Cruises will operate its winter 2026/2027 programme across 168 destinations in 72 countries, led by MSC World Asia’s Mediterranean debut alongside sailings in Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Madeira and other regional markets.
SeaDream Yacht Club has announced SeaDream III, its first new yacht in 25 years, with a July 2029 debut, inaugural voyages in Asia and a 180-night World Voyage to depart West Palm Beach in 2031.
HX Expeditions is rolling out new fleet enhancements for 2026 and beyond, spanning digital tools, 24-hour dining, spa products and travel accessories, alongside two limited-time anniversary offers across selected sailings and European markets for guests.
Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, a new loyalty programme offering redeemable points, four status tiers and milestone recognition, with a Carnival Rewards Mastercard extending earning opportunities beyond Carnival vacations through everyday card spending.
An MSC Foundation-supported global coral assessment finds average hard coral cover has declined 9.5% from the 1980-2009 baseline, while evidence shows reefs can recover where local pressures are effectively managed and long-term monitoring continues.
Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, featuring six ships, new Nootka Sound scenic cruising, a San Diego departure and the reimagined Oosterdam following her Holland America Evolution transformation.
Cunard has unveiled more than 590 shore experiences for Queen Anne’s South America Discovery voyage and Queen Victoria’s Full World Voyage in 2027, including Rio Carnival, Machu Picchu, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cape Town experiences.
Oceania Cruises has floated out Oceania Sonata at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, moving the first Sonata Class vessel to fitting-out ahead of its August 2027 debut and inaugural season spanning Europe, the Caribbean and Americas destinations.
Hurtigruten has launched Northern Delights, a six-day winter itinerary combining a Svalbard land programme with a coastal sailing from Tromsø to Kirkenes, with departures scheduled between December 2026 and March 2027 across the Arctic region.
