Category Archives: Cruises

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure. This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations. DXC will deliver reliable and scalable IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless, connected experience for millions of guests sailing annually with Carnival. “At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival Cruise Line. “The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision. With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside.” Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities. Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support both Carnival’s workforce needs and a consistent guest experience. Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management – all delivered with enhanced cybersecurity, expert-level staffing, automation support and a scalable model across its operations. This approach is built to improve resilience and ensure operational consistency across the company’s global footprint. “This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the …

According to statistics outlined by Tourism Economics (An Oxford Economics Company) at a recent cruise industry panel discussion, between 2019 and 2024, global deployment in the industry increased by 25%, with a further 5% expansion achieved in 2025 so far. In the Middle East the average number of cruise days spent in the region has increased by an impressive 125%. The Caribbean, Europe and Asia-Pacific lead in terms of cruise deployment. Angelo Capurro- Executive Director, MSC Group’s Cruise Division said: “Last year, we welcomed a record 150 different nationalities and saw a particular increase in passengers coming from central Asia, driven by increased connectivity and better access to visas, combined with the appeal of the Middle East as a travel destination.”

IDeaS’ Cruise Revenue Management System (RMS) uses advanced data analytics and automation to predict demand, execute dynamic revenue strategies, boost profitability and maintain a competitive edge for cruise operators. By embracing cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies outlined in the eBook, cruise operators can optimize pricing and inventory management to increase profitability and outperform competitors. IDeaS announced its latest Lessons in Revenue eBook, “Data-Driven Revenue Management in the Cruise Industry: Navigating the Groundswell,” to help cruise organizations navigate today’s challenging operating environment while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize revenue.  The recent surge in cruise demand presents substantial opportunities for growth, yet cruise lines face significant challenges, including intensifying competition, labor shortages, inflated costs and delayed adoption of revenue technologies. The eBook highlights key capabilities and challenges facing cruise revenue leaders, and shares ways cruise organizations can leverage revenue management technology to maximize the potential of their voyages as they chart their course into the future. Crystal Pernici, global director – Cruise RMS, IDeaS, said: “Cruise operators are becoming increasingly aware of the potential—and the value—of revenue strategies guided by revenue optimization technology. By basing their decision-making on data-driven insights rather than personal experience or selective reporting, cruise leaders are opening up their vessels to a new range of revenue opportunities.”

AROYA Cruises began its journey to the Mediterranean ahead of the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean season on 28th June. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA’s Mediterranean homeport, on 20th June via the popular Turkish coastal towns of Kaş and Bodrum. She will then undergo routine maintenance ahead of the first commercial sailing a week later. Until mid-September, AROYA will explore the wonders of the Eastern Med with six and seven-night voyages to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, blending iconic destinations with the cruise line’s Arabian inspired experience. In addition to Kaş and Bodrum, AROYA will sail to Marmaris in Turkey as well as Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes and Souda Bay in Greece, and Alexandria in northern Egypt. Since its maiden voyage in December 2024, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, welcoming more than 70,000 passengers aboard sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach. The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for the AROYA Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe. Dr Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, commented: “We’re excited to be bringing AROYA to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer. AROYA Cruises first set sail just six months ago and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season.”

The 2024/2025 cruise season witnessed  360,000 cruise visitors, reception of 87 ships, achieving a growth of 19% compared to the previous season, including 5 additional cruise ships that made their first trips to Doha Port, and 13 departure and return flights. Partial shift passengers – starting or ending their journey in Qatar – accounted for more than 10 per cent of total visitors, reflecting the country’s position as a major hub for cruise tourism in the region. Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar organized a closing event at Doha Old Port, celebrating the successes of the 2024/2025 cruise season, in recognition of partners and contributors in this vital sector. The event was attended by officials from Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar, as well as strategic partners from the public and private sectors in the marine tourism sector and media representatives. This honor comes in recognition of the fruitful cooperation between government agencies and private sector partners, which contributed to achieving an exceptional season that strengthened Qatar’s position as a prominent destination on the marine tourism map in the region and the world.. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “During the 2024/2025 cruise season, the focus was on targeting total and partial transformation flights, with Doha being the main destination for its flights in the region, with 13 full transformation flights and 43 partial transformation trips. This is only the beginning of further cooperation and strategic partnerships with international cruise ship operators. He added: “During this season, we were keen to provide an integrated experience for visitors, which began before their arrival at Doha Port by promoting Qatar as a distinctive destination for marine tourism, and continued …

AROYA Cruises announced the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries set to begin in June 2025. Homeported in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA will sail to some of the region’s most popular European cruise destinations, marking a major milestone in the cruise line’s growth and regional expansion. The new itineraries feature 7-night voyages to ports in Turkey and Greece, blending iconic destinations with AROYA’s Arabian inspired experience. Beginning on 21st June, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later that month. In July, the itineraries expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August. One of the new itineraries will be dedicated entirely to Turkish coastal cities, offering guests an immersive experience along the country’s breathtaking shoreline. The remaining sailings will blend stops in both Turkey and Greece, with a particular emphasis on Bodrum and other iconic ports along the Turkish Riviera. Since its maiden voyage in December, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, offering guests a Remarkably Arabian experience rooted in Saudi hospitality and the spirit of Hafawa. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of world-class experiences, from a spacious main pool area and a theatre with nightly entertainment, to wellness facilities that include a snow room and advanced spa treatments. Designed with families in mind, the ship features a zip line, water slides and one of the largest kids’ zones at sea, while culinary enthusiasts can explore 12 restaurants and 17 lounges and cafes offering a curated selection of Saudi and international cuisine. For guests seeking added exclusivity, the Khuzama experience offers access to spacious suites, private dining and personalized butler …

The fourth edition of  Cruise Travel Mart 2025, Middle East’s premier cruise trade event concluded with over 200 travel agents from across the UAE. Ashok Kumar, Convener of Cruise Travel Mart shared that this has become one of the main B2B events which provide an opportunity for travel agents to connect with partners on one on one basis. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises.

The Middle East’s premier cruise trade event, Cruise Travel Mart 2025, returns for its fourth edition on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, at the Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises. Cruise Travel Mart is the Must-Attend Cruise Trade Event Dedicated Cruise Focus – Unlike broader travel trade shows, Cruise Travel Mart is solely dedicated to cruise tourism, ensuring tailored discussions and strategic collaborations. High-Quality Networking – The event attracts key decision-makers from leading travel agencies, providing exhibitors with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen industry relationships. Strategic Brand Exposure – Cruise lines will showcase their unique offerings through interactive exhibits, presentations, and direct engagement with stakeholders. Exclusive Industry Insights – Participants will gain valuable perspectives on market trends, customer preferences, and sales strategies shaping the cruise sector. Market Expansion & Growth – Cruise Travel Mart serves as a gateway for cruise brands looking to enhance their presence and operations in the Middle East. Extensive Media Exposure – Through partnerships with leading travel trade media, the event will feature press releases, media interviews, and comprehensive coverage before, during, and after …

Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break. A new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on 07 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The two returning 14-night ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March 2026. All four cruises …

Emirates and Costa Cruises have renewed their partnership through 2027, further positioning Dubai as a major global cruise hub. Announced at ITB Berlin, the renewed partnership builds on two decades of successful collaboration, uniting both the airline and cruise company’s expertise to elevate the passenger journey while further developing Dubai’s proposition as a premier cruise destination with integrated, seamless connectivity across air, land and sea touchpoints. Emirates and Costa Cruises will collaborate on joint marketing efforts, harmonised flight scheduling, and dedicated capacity in the form of ‘cruise blocks’ with the availability of comfortable flights for cruise passengers to meet demand from key markets across the airline’s network where possible. To deliver an exceptional experience at every customer touchpoint, the partnership will focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, as well as dedicating support teams for cruise passengers to facilitate a smooth check-in process at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Both parties will also work closely on enhanced transport solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Emirates and Costa Cruises will also explore opportunities to expand their partnership beyond Dubai, which includes regions in the Costa Cruises network like Central and South America, the Far East and Southeast Asia. The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Airline; and Daniel Caprile, Costa Cruises. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Costa Cruises’ commitment to Dubai stands as a testament to our shared vision of strengthening its position as the preeminent gateway for winter cruising. For Emirates, the cruise traveller segment offers immense growth potential, in addition to generating substantial multiplier effects for Dubai’s economy. We’ll be working closely with stakeholders across the tourism eco-system, …