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Arabian Gulf Update: Cruise Lines Cancel Remaining Sailings in the Region

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Arabian Gulf Update: Cruise Lines Cancel Remaining Sailings in the Region

Amid ongoing security concerns and regional operational challenges, multiple cruise lines have now cancelled the remainder of their 2025-26 winter deployments in the Arabian Gulf.

MSC

With sailings in the region through early April, MSC Cruises cancelled the remainder of its 2025-26 season in the Middle East.

In its cancellation statement, the company said that the decision was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of its guests and crew while following the guidance of the regional military authorities.

The MSC Euribia was scheduled to offer five additional departures in the Arabian Gulf, with itineraries visiting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

Celestyal

Operating its two ships in the region for the winter, Celestyal Cruises cancelled the remainder of its season in the Arabian Gulf earlier this month.

With the Celestyal Journey and the Celestyal Discovery stuck in the region, the company also had to cancel the first cruises of the season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In a statement shared earlier this week, Celestyal said that it is “still in the process of finalizing operational arrangements” for the vessel’s repositioning voyages to Europe.

TUI

TUI Cruises is another cruise line with two ships currently in the Arabian Gulf, the Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 5.

In an update published on its website, the company said that it decided to cancel sailings in the region due to travel and safety advice issued by the German Foreign Office.

As a result, sailings scheduled to take place onboard the Mein Schiff 4 through March 23, 2026, will no longer take place. Similarly, all cruises onboard the Mein Schiff 5 through March 12, 2026, have also been cancelled.

Aroya

Aroya Cruises cancelled all of its upcoming cruises planned for the 2025-26 season in the Arabian Gulf.

In a statement shared with Cruise Industry News, the company said that the decision was related to “ongoing regional operational considerations” and was made in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities.

After arriving in the United Arab Emirates in late February, the Aroya was scheduled to sail in the region through early May.

Costa and AIDA

Two traditional players in the region, Costa and AIDA Cruises cancelled their seasons in the Arabian Gulf in mid-2025.

The brands planned to operate itineraries in the Arabian Gulf between November 2025 and March 2026 onboard the Costa Toscana and the AIDAprima, respectively.

In similar statements, the Carnival-owned brands said that the decision was related to a fluid situation in the region and aimed to give guests certainty.

Norwegian Luna Opens Doors to First Guests in Rome

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Norwegian Luna Opens Doors to First Guests in Rome

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Luna, welcomed her first guests in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

The ship is scheduled to make her U.S. debut in Miami on March 23, 2026, followed by a christening ceremony on March 27.

Following Fincantieri’s delivery of the vessel to Norwegian last week, the company shared new images of the ship, featuring what it calls a bold and modern design, in a press release.

“Norwegian Luna is an absolutely beautiful ship and the true definition of what it means to cruise with NCL,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“After getting a first look at the ship, I am so excited for guests to enjoy the wide-open, outdoor spaces bringing them closer to the sea, the intimate yet thoughtful areas to retreat to and the electrifying entertainment and mouth watering cuisine,”

In addition to the Aqua Slide coaster, which was recently named the “Best Water Park Ride/Attraction,” the Luna will feature Luna Midway, an amusement park-style outdoor area featuring carnival-inspired games.

There will also be Moon Climber, a multi-level obstacle course designed for kids and adults; and Horizon Park, a complimentary recreational area featuring lawn-style games, all located across the ship’s top decks.

Guests looking for relaxation can visit the two-story Mandara Spa with its of saunas, treatment rooms and an expansive Thermal Suite with 180-degree views of the ocean.

In the entertainment section there’s the “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” a concert-style experience honoring the music of Sir Elton John, and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a multimedia production blending cirque-style acrobatics and contemporary dance.

After reaching Miami, the Norwegian Luna will sail her inaugural season to the Caribbean, before debuting in New York City on April 6, 2027.

MSC Updating Yacht Club Restaurants Across Fantasia-Class Ships

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MSC Updating Yacht Club Restaurants Across Fantasia-Class Ships

MSC Cruises announced upgrades to the MSC Yacht Club restaurants, part of the company’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept.

The company said in a press release that the refurbishment will be rolled out across its three Fantasia-class ships, set to undergo drydocks in December 2026, April 2027 and February 2028.

The restaurant onboard its fourth Fantasia-class ship, the MSC Splendida, has already been updated.

The new interior of the MSC Yacht Club restaurant features a modern layout with darker tones, soft textures and sophisticated lighting, the company explained.

Guests can choose from a variety of menus and have a dedicated 24/7 culinary staff as well as a sommelier on-hand, ensuring what MSC describes as an elevated dining experience.

Following her refurbishment at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard, the MSC Splendida began her winter sailings in the Mediterranean in early February.

Itineraries now available to book on the ship include:

Seven-night sailings from Barcelona (Spain) – February through May 2026

The voyages explore Marseille (France), Genoa, Naples, Palermo (Italy), and La Goulette for Tunis (Tunisia).

Seven-night sailings from Barcelona (Spain) – May through November 2026

The voyages visit Marseille (France), Livorno, Cagliari, Palermo (Italy), Valletta (Malta).

Eight-to-nine-night itineraries from Buenos Aires (Argentina) – November 2026 through March 2027

Destinations visited during the voyages include Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Balneario Camboriu (Brazil), and Punta del Este (Uruguay).

Nine-night sailings from Trieste (Italy) – April through November 2027

These voyages include calls to destinations such as Split (Croatia), Piraeus (Greece), Kusadasi, Istanbul, (Turkey), Corfu (Greece), and Bari (Italy).

Additional enhancements to Fantasia class ships include a redesigned Future Cruise office onboard, where guests can plan and book their next cruise while on their current voyage.