DUBAI, UAE — MSC Cruises has confirmed the deployment of three additional vessels to the Arabian Gulf for the 2025-26 winter season, marking a 35% increase in regional capacity compared to the previous year.
The announcement includes MSC World Europa continuing its Dubai homeporting alongside MSC Bellissima and MSC Virtuosa, which will join the fleet in November 2025. The deployment represents one of the largest single-season capacity increases in the region’s cruise history.
“The Arabian Gulf has become a cornerstone of our winter deployment strategy,” said Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, in a statement released Tuesday. “We’re responding to exceptional demand from both international and regional guests.”
The three ships will collectively offer approximately 120 weekly sailings between November 2025 and March 2026, visiting ports across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Total capacity exceeds 10,000 lower berths per week during peak season.
MSC World Europa, the line’s newest LNG-powered flagship, will continue operating seven-night itineraries from Dubai Harbour. MSC Bellissima will focus on shorter three- and four-night voyages targeting weekend travellers and first-time cruisers. MSC Virtuosa will operate extended 10- and 14-night voyages incorporating Red Sea destinations.
The deployment coincides with Dubai’s continued investment in cruise infrastructure. The emirate’s Cruise Terminal at Mina Rashid and the newer Dubai Harbour facility can now accommodate six ships simultaneously, supporting the influx of vessels from multiple cruise lines.
Industry analysts note that MSC’s expansion reflects broader confidence in the Middle East cruise market, which has demonstrated consistent double-digit growth since 2020. Regional passenger numbers are projected to exceed 1.8 million in 2025, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Pre-booking data indicates strong demand from UK, German and Indian source markets, alongside growing interest from GCC nationals. MSC reports that Arabian Gulf sailings consistently achieve load factors above 95% during peak season.
The announcement follows similar capacity increases from Royal Caribbean International and Costa Cruises, positioning the Gulf as one of the fastest-growing cruise regions globally.
Key Facts:
- Three MSC ships deployed to Arabian Gulf
- 35% capacity increase year-over-year
- 120 weekly sailings November-March
- 10,000+ berths per week at peak
- Seven ports across four countries
