Despite recent deployment changes affecting the winter 2026-2027 season, several major cruise operators continue to indicate sustained confidence in the Arabian Gulf as a long-term winter destination, with multiple itineraries already open for booking for the 2027-2028 season.
Decisions by Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises to withdraw from the region during the 2026-2027 winter have been positioned as precautionary operational adjustments. Both companies confirmed that their vessels would be redeployed to alternative regions, with ships reassigned to European and Atlantic itineraries. These measures were described as efforts to provide greater certainty for passengers and commercial partners in light of an unpredictable regional environment for that specific period.
While the immediate season will see a reduced presence from certain brands, forward deployment plans suggest that the region remains strategically important within the global cruise network. Several operators have already opened bookings for the 2027-2028 winter season, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi continuing to function as principal homeports.
AIDA Cruises is among those planning a return, with the vessel AIDAperla scheduled to operate a series of itineraries in the Arabian Gulf during the 2027-2028 winter. These include 7-night voyages departing from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as extended sailings incorporating destinations in Oman. Bookings already available indicate a regular schedule of departures running from December through early spring.
MSC Cruises is also maintaining a presence in the region’s forward program. The ship MSC World Europa is scheduled to operate weekly 7-night itineraries linking ports across the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates and neighboring states.
In the luxury segment, Explora Journeys has opened reservations for voyages aboard Explora I, with itineraries departing from Dubai and exploring destinations throughout the Gulf and Oman. Similarly, Celestyal Cruises has made available its “Desert Days” program, operated by Celestyal Journey, offering roundtrip sailings from regional ports.
Additional deployments further into the season include itineraries by Silversea Cruises with Silver Shadow, Crystal Cruises with Crystal Symphony, and Oceania Cruises with Vista, all of which include departures from Dubai in early 2028 connecting the Gulf with itineraries in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Over the past decade, the Arabian Gulf has developed into a significant seasonal market for the cruise industry, supported by modern infrastructure in ports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. The region’s winter cruise season typically runs from November through April, providing an alternative deployment option as vessels reposition between Europe and Asia.