MSC Cruises reports 55% surge in Dubai roundtrip bookings

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MSC Opera, Arabian Gulf sailings

MSC Cruises has recorded its "best-ever" start to the year, with total bookings for 2026 rising 10% year-on-year and the Arabian Gulf emerging as a standout performer as demand for roundtrip itineraries from Dubai surged by more than half. Bookings for the line’s winter 2026–27 Arabian Gulf sailings from Dubai are up 55% compared to the same period last year.

Operating from late November through mid-March, the season will see MSC World Europa, the largest ship in the fleet, offering seven-night roundtrip cruises interporting between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, with additional calls expected in Manama, Muscat and Sir Bani Yas Island, the UAE’s largest nature island and a popular stop for wildlife and watersport experiences.

Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, attributed the strong performance to both travel trade support and sustained consumer demand. He highlighted the line’s latest TV campaign and coordinated marketing efforts as key drivers of sales, alongside a spread of “superb itineraries” across the Mediterranean, ex-UK, Caribbean and the Arabian Gulf.

MSC World Europa

Driven by sustained demand for Arabian Gulf sailings, MSC Cruises will extend its presence in the Middle East for the 2027–28 winter season, deploying MSC World Europa in the region for a second consecutive season and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Gulf cruise market.

The programme is expected to replicate the successful 2026–27 itineraries, with the 4,400-guest ship repositioning to Dubai on a 21-night voyage departing in late November 2027 and calling at Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Piraeus, Marmaris, Limassol, Alexandria, Muscat and Doha.

MSC World Europa remains one of the line’s most innovative ships, featuring seven pools, multiple Aquapark zones, dedicated kids’ and sports areas, a Balinese-style spa, 13 dining venues and around 20 bars and lounges.

Connections Cruise Arabia returns to Dubai in 2026

MSC World Europa to return to Middle East for 2027–28 season

The cruise line’s ongoing regional expansion follows its return to the Middle East in late 2025 with MSC Euribia after a three-year hiatus, driven by “growing demand” from both GCC and international travellers. The current season, running until 1 April 2026, sees MSC Euribia homeporting in Dubai and offering a mix of three-, four- and seven-night itineraries across the Arabian Gulf.

Also signalling confidence in the region, Celestyal in 2025 signed three-year homeporting agreements with Abu Dhabi and Doha as the line commits to operating three-, four- and seven-night Arabian Gulf sailings, while AIDA Cruises has confirmed plans to return to the Arabian Gulf for the 2027–28 season after a two-year break.

For more information, visit msccruises.com/int

Discover More About Cruise

Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.