Cruise news (Abu Dhabi UAE-tagged)
- Accidents
Cruise lines maintain long-term commitment to Arabian Gulf despite short-term adjustments
Despite recent deployment changes affecting the winter 2026-2027 season, several major cruise operators continue to indicate sustained confidence in...
March 17, 2026 - Accidents
Cruise ships held in the Arabian Gulf as operators repatriate passengers
Regional tensions in the Middle East have disrupted cruise shipping operations across the Arabian Gulf, leaving several vessels unable to depart from...
March 12, 2026 - Accidents
Aroya Cruises ends inaugural Arabian Gulf season ahead of schedule
Aroya Cruises has announced the early conclusion of its inaugural winter season in the Arabian Gulf, confirming that the remaining voyages scheduled...
March 9, 2026 - Accidents
Euribia held in Dubai, MSC cancels remaining Arabian Gulf 2026-2027 cruises
MSC Cruises formally canceled its remaining Middle East winter 2026-2027 schedule because of the ongoing conflict in the Arabian Gulf and ...
March 3, 2026 - Accidents
Missile strike near Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi amid Gulf escalation
During the broader regional military escalation involving the USA, Israel and Iran, a projectile fell into the waters adjacent to the docked German...
March 1, 2026 - Accidents
Cruise operations in the Arabian Gulf disrupted by regional conflict
Cruise shipping traffic in the Arabian Gulf has been significantly affected by the rapid escalation of military tensions in the Middle East, with...
March 1, 2026 - Cruise Industry
AROYA Cruises’ first Arabian Gulf season set to sail
Cruise Saudi's travel brand AROYA Cruises has finalized plans for its inaugural Arabian Gulf season, slated to sail from February 21st through...
February 6, 2026 - Cruise Industry
Abu Dhabi poised for record cruise season as calls rise sharply in 2025–2026
Abu Dhabi is forecast to receive 174 cruise ship calls across its two cruise terminals during the 2025–2026 season, representing an approximate...
January 22, 2026 - Cruise Industry
Celestyal Cruises closed Mediterranean season, starts Arabian Gulf two-ship deployment
Celestyal has closed its strongest Mediterranean and Adriatic season to date, reporting a 4% rise in passenger numbers and a 10% increase in revenue...
December 4, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Celestyal Discovery to enhance Iconic Arabia itineraries with expanded shore excursions
Celestyal (Greece) has expanded the shore excursion program for its new "Iconic Arabia" itineraries, which will commence in December 2025 aboard the...
November 21, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Nicko Cruises introduces Jeddah land program amid Red Sea rerouting
Nicko Cruises (fleet) is preparing to enter the Saudi Arabian market with a 4-night land program in Jeddah, incorporated into the revised 2025&ndash...
November 15, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Saudi Arabia and Qatar join GCC-wide Cruise Arabia Alliance to strengthen Gulf cruise sector
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have formally become members of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, bringing the number of participating Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC...
November 10, 2025 - Cruise Industry
UAE opens multiple-entry permits for cruise passengers and crew
The United Arab Emirates, via its Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), has introduced a novel multiple-entry...
October 3, 2025 - Cruise Industry
MSC confirms World Europa ship's homeporting in Dubai (winter 2026-2027)
MSC Cruises has outlined the reasoning behind its decision to scale back from deploying two ships in Dubai during the winter season, opting instead...
September 28, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Celestyal Cruises deploys two ships in the Red Sea/Persian Gulf (winter 2025-2026)
Celestyal has reaffirmed its commitment to the Persian/Arabian Gulf by dispatching both Celestyal Journey (1,260 guests) and Celestyal Discovery (1...
September 25, 2025