Category Archives: Cruises

According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Middle East air passenger demand is projected to grow by 23% between 2025 and 2030, driven by ambitious national tourism strategies, record airport performance, and unprecedented aircraft investment throughout the GCC. The region’s four largest carriers, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, underscoring long-term confidence in global demand. Meanwhile, Middle East airlines collectively account for 12% of all new unfilled aircraft orders worldwide, with GCC carriers responsible for 93% of those orders, according to the report. The expansion of fleet capacity is directly reflected in the scale of global connectivity now achieved by Middle Eastern carriers. The Middle East’s aviation and cruise industries are entering a phase of global expansion, solidifying the region’s status as a major international travel hub. These industries are set to be the focus of attention at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May. Qatar Airways serves more than 170 destinations worldwide, while Etihad Airways is set to operate a fleet of over 110 aircraft, connecting to more than 90 destinations as of the end of 2025. Emirates currently flies to 140 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific, and Saudia operates direct services to over 90 international destinations. Together, these networks underscore the region’s growing role as a global aviation super-connector, linking markets across six continents with increasing frequency and reach. Furthermore, Dubai-based Maldivian airline, Beond, has recently announced plans to set up operations in Bahrain, strengthening the …

On November 27, 2026, the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey will be in Doha, for an eight-night Doha F1 itinerary. Similarly, the ship will stay in port for three nights, allowing guests to watch all practice sessions, qualifying and race day events*. They will then sail from Doha, visiting Dubai, UAE (overnight); Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; and Khalifa Bin Salman, Bahrain. Prices start from USD$839. On December 4, 2026, the 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will be in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for a seven-night Abu Dhabi F1 itinerary. The ship will stay in port for three nights, allowing guests to watch all practice sessions, qualifying and race day events*. They will then depart Abu Dhabi on a four-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailing, calling at Doha, Qatar; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; and Khasab, Oman. Prices start from USD$899. All fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. Race tickets will be available to purchase via Celestyal, with travel agents able to pre-register for tickets via the line’s agency sales team. Celestyal Journey will then continue her Arabian Gulf season, operating a new version of the seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itinerary through to March 2027, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Dubai (overnight), Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Bahrain. Celestyal Discovery, also operating through to March 2027, will sail the line’s three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island and Ras Al Khaimah. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Returning to the Arabian Gulf for a third consecutive season with both of our ships is a significant milestone for Celestyal, and a clear reflection of the demand …

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi announced the homeporting of Celestyal Discovery in the emirate, marking a further milestone in Abu Dhabi’s development as a leading cruise hub and reinforcing its long-term partnership with Celestyal. The announcement builds on the continued growth of Celestyal’s operations in Abu Dhabi and was marked by a maiden call ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organisations. The programme also included a mangrove planting activity at Jubail Mangrove Park, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism development. Haitham Ali Khamis, director of tourism product development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The homeporting of Celestyal Discovery in Abu Dhabi is a strong vote of confidence in the emirate’s cruise infrastructure and long-term vision. It reflects our focus on building a robust cruise ecosystem that delivers seamless port operations, meaningful visitor experiences and sustainable growth for our partners and the wider destination.” Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal, said: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting cruise hubs in the world, and this long-term partnership marks an important milestone in Celestyal’s growth across the region. We are delighted to work with AD Ports Group to support the emirate’s ambitious vision and to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors from across the globe.” The event was attended by Captain Nikos Vasileiou, captain of the vessel; Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal; Captain George Koumpenas, chief operating officer; Alexios Economou, vice president of hotel operations and passenger services; Mohamed Wagdy, vice president of cruise and marina leisure development; and Haitham Ali Khamis, director of tourism product development at DCT Abu Dhabi. As part of its deployment from Abu Dhabi, Celestyal Discovery will operate the cruise …

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Mwani Qatar, welcomed two ships arriving at Doha Port for the first time this week during a special welcome ceremony for the two ships, marking an important milestone in the 2025/2026 cruise season. The Bahamas-flagged vessel Seven Seas Navigator, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has arrived on its first visit of the season. The vessel was carrying about 373 passengers and 365 crew members and docked for two nights before departing on December 15. An official reception was held at the cruise terminal during which commemorative shields were exchanged. Doha Port welcomed the Celestial Discovery, operated by Celestial Cruises, marking its first visit to the Port of Doha. The ship was carrying about 1,322 passengers and 476 crew members, during which an official reception was held during which commemorative shields were exchanged. The two visits included a variety of cultural events that highlighted Qatari heritage, including handicraft shows, pearl exhibitions, tawash shows, traditional bearing making, Arabic calligraphy, and traditional Arda shows. Arabic coffee and dates were also served to guests as part of the authentic Qatari hospitality. These visits reflect the continued growth of Qatar’s cruise industry and underscore the pivotal role that Doha Port plays as a key gateway to international visitors during the 2025/2026 season. Qatar Tourism continues to work closely with global cruise lines and partners to expand and strengthen the cruise industry, contributing to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and supporting Qatar’s economic diversification goals. The cruise season plays a vital role in achieving the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030, by enriching tourism offerings and increasing the number of international visitors, thereby strengthening Qatar’s position as …

CruiseXplore marked 11 years of excellence by hosting a high-energy bowling networking event that brought together key stakeholders from across the cruise industry. The event saw participation from 16 leading cruise line partners and over 90 travel agents, creating an engaging atmosphere of friendly competition, lively conversations, and meaningful networking. The unique format offered attendees a refreshing platform to connect beyond traditional industry settings, further strengthening long-standing relationships. Commenting on the milestone, Lakshmi Durai, CEO of CruiseXplore, said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to our cruise line partners, the travel agent community, and our media partners for their continued trust and support. A special note of appreciation goes to our dedicated CruiseXplore team, whose passion and commitment make every milestone possible.” Stepping into its 12th year, CruiseXplore continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering the travel trade and fostering long-term growth in collaboration with its partners.

Celestyal has expanded the shore excursion programme for its upcoming new-for-2025 ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries on its second ship to visit the region, Celestyal Discovery. New tours include experiences in Ras Al Khaimah – as the cruise line makes it maiden visit to the port – and additional options in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will officially launch the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises from 12 December 2025, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi. Ports of call include maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in addition to Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; and Sir Bani Yas Island. Prices for three nights start from $367.44; four nights from $433.26pp; and from $749.32pp for the seven-night itinerary. Fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. The shore excursion programme has a range of half-day, full-day and two-day options. It also offers ‘Authentic Encounters’, which provide experiences with local people and attractions, and smaller group sizes. Highlights include: • ‘Journey to the Soul of Ras Al Khaimah’: A guided tour through the diverse landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, starting with a scenic drive through desert dunes, followed by a visit to the royal camel racing stables, an Emirati date farm and a mountain village. Full-day tour from ($260pp ( • ‘Ras Al Khaimah and Suwaidi Pearls Farm, Authentic Encounter’: Starting with a tour of the House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls, including a journey on a traditional pearl fishing boat, and visiting Dhayah Fort and Ras Al Khaimah’s Old Town. Full-day tour from)$123pp ( • ‘Dubai from its Eye’: Starting with a scenic drive to Zabeel Palace, the residence …

The 2025/2026 cruise season will run from November to May, and Qatar is expected to receive 72 cruises, including 40 partial shift flights, 15 departure and return flights, and 3 cruises arriving in Qatar for the first time. This season, the cruise terminal, operated by Mwani Qatar, will welcome a number of world-renowned ships such as MS Seven Seas, Navigator and Celestial Discovery, as well as the Arroya Cruise, which is visiting Doha for the first time, underscoring Qatar’s growing position as a leading destination for global cruise tourism. Qatar Tourism and Qatar Ports have announced the start of the new cruise season 2025/2026, with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship MSC Eurebia at the Cruise Terminal at Doha’s Old Port. Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar has established itself as a major hub for cruise tourism in the region, with the cruise sector becoming a vital component of Qatar’s tourism strategy. The growth of the cruise industry is the result of an integrated strategic vision led by Qatar Tourism, in close collaboration with Mwani Qatar and all partners. We are committed to continuing our quest to provide an exceptional experience that embodies the spirit of authentic Qatari hospitality and meets the highest international standards.” For his part, Mr. Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker, Director of the Cruise Ship Terminal at Mwani Qatar, said: “The launch of the 2025/2026 cruise season represents a continuation of the success of the cruise sector in the State of Qatar, and confirms the readiness of the cruise terminal managed by Qatar Ports and its commitment to providing high-quality services that keep pace with the highest international standards. …

Cruise Master has successfully hosted the Middle East’s first-ever Polar Expedition Forum, setting a milestone for the region’s luxury adventure travel sector. The exclusive trade event, held at Shangri-La Dubai, brought together leading global expedition cruise brands and top Middle Eastern travel advisors. Designed as an industry-first platform, the forum highlighted the growing demand for polar exploration and its emergence as one of the fastest-expanding segments in luxury travel. The programme featured immersive product presentations, strategic networking sessions, and one-on-one business meetings, giving advisors the tools to better sell and promote polar voyages. Expedition brands including 66° Expeditions, Albatros Expeditions (soon to rebrand as Polar Latitude Expeditions), Celebrity Cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic showcased their latest ships, itineraries, and sales strategies for the regional market. Ashok Kumar, Founder and Managing Director of Cruise Master, said: “Travellers today are seeking transformative journeys. Polar expeditions are not just about reaching remote destinations — they are about discovery, sustainability, and unforgettable memories.” An engaging panel, “Charting New Waters: Your Gateway to the Polar Expedition Market”, explored shifting traveller demographics and the unparalleled experiences awaiting in the Arctic and Antarctic.

MSC Cruises announced the return of its award-winning ship, MSC Euribia, to Dubai for the winter 2025-26 season. From 8 November  2025, to  1 April 2026, the ship will offer guests immersive itineraries across the GCC, combining modern cruising with cultural discovery. Sailing roundtrip from Dubai, MSC Euribia will visit top regional destinations including Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Manama, and Muscat. Guests can select from three- and four-night mini cruises or seven-night Arabian Gulf voyages, allowing flexible experiences to explore the Gulf at their own pace. Onboard, MSC Euribia features the MSC Yacht Club, an all-inclusive luxury “ship within a ship,” offering private suites, 24-hour butler service, an exclusive lounge and restaurant, and a private pool and sun deck. Guests also enjoy 10 dining venues, 21 bars and lounges, five pools, and the Ocean Cay AquaPark. Families benefit from a 700 sqm dedicated kids’ area, while the Delphi Theatre hosts nightly live entertainment. Angelo Capurro, Executive Director of MSC Cruises, said: “The MSC Yacht Club is loved by guests for its outstanding service and exclusive facilities. Bringing it to the Gulf ensures an unparalleled luxury cruising experience.” Bookings for MSC Euribia’s Dubai season are now open. For details, visit the MSC Cruises website.

MSC Cruises will be repositioning MSC Euribia for Winter 2025/2026 season and MSC World Europa for Winter 2026/2027, to homeport in Dubai. MSC Cruises seven-night Gulf itinerary offers a rich tapestry of experiences across iconic ports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Doha, Qatar.  A highlight of the Gulf itinerary is access to Sir Bani Yas Island. Guests can relax on MSC Cruises’ private beach with full-service catering, or explore the island’s Arabian Wildlife Park on a guided safari, a one-of-a-kind experience managed in partnership with local organisations.