Category Archives: Cruises

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, …

Qatar Tourism has announced the highlights of the mid-season cruise season 2024/2025, which show Qatar’s growing position as a major tourism destination. By 20 January 2025, Qatar had received 53 cruise ships, carrying 191,944 visitors, including 20,951passengers have used Doha as a starting point for their cruises. So far, the season has welcomed passengers from Germany (30.2%), followed by Russia (10.8%) and Italy (9.2%), with the top ten nationalities collectively accounting for 69.2% of the total number of passengers. This season saw the addition of four new cruise ships: Resorts World One, MSC Eurobia, Celestial Journey and Costa Esmeralda. In addition to the ship “Norwegian Sky”, which is expected to arrive on 12 April 2025. The Costa Esmeralda, the eighth largest cruise ship in the world, will visit Doha Port ten times this season, carrying around 82,000 passengers. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development  at Qatar Tourism, said: “The incredible growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our vision within the National Tourism Strategy 2030. Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, more than 30 cruise ships are expected to arrive by the end of the season in April 2025, carrying around 185,000 visitors, reflecting Doha’s growing position as a major cruise destination, coupled with strong partnerships with global cruise operators, all of which demonstrate the growing demand for Qatar’s exceptional cruise offerings. As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience, we remain committed to positioning Qatar as a premier cruise destination.” The cruise sector has become a key pillar of Qatar’s national tourism strategy, with remarkable growth in recent years, with Doha Port strategically located in the heart of the …

Jyoti Panchmatia, Regional General Manager, Travco, in a special interview with TravelTV shared that 2025 will see a growth in term sof cruise business in the Arabian Peninsula. “Cruise lines are planning itineraries for 2025 and 2026, reflecting a strong advance booking trend. There are two key aspects to this. The resort world’s positioning as a home port is primarily aimed at attracting both the local market and the GCC market. This includes two- and three-day cruises, offering a convenient staycation option that has become increasingly popular since COVID, with the term ‘workation’ gaining prominence. Additionally, we are introducing Celestial Cruises, which Travco represents in the local market. These cruises offer short, immersive experiences—ranging from two nights to three days—allowing guests to enjoy multiple destinations in a single trip, such as a breakfast in one location, lunch in another, and dinner in yet another. This new offering will provide exciting opportunities for outbound travel, with options to visit Mediterranean and Greek islands, fostering a fresh dimension to the cruise market from this region.” Overall, the cruise sector remains optimistic about long-term growth, particularly with expanded seasons and increased tourist activity expected from 2025 onward.

AROYA Cruises visited Sharm El Sheikh Port in Egypt for the official Plaque Exchange Ceremony. The much-anticipated occasion  marks a significant milestone for AROYA Cruises as it establishes exciting itineraries across the Red Sea for its guests. Dr Jorg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises commented: “We are thrilled to now be taking our passengers to Sharm El Sheikh, marking an exciting chapter in the Red Sea’s tourism sector and our cruising journey. This ceremony not only celebrates our presence here, but also symbolises the beginning of a strong partnership with the port and the region. We look forward to many more visits and being able to create fun, diverse experiences for all of our valued guests to enjoy.” The event welcomed distinguished attendees, senior representatives from AROYA Cruises, including Dr Jorg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises and the AROYA ship’s captain Roland Polic, local dignitaries, and Sharm El Sheikh Port officials including Major General Dr. Khalid Mubarak, Captain Ayman Munsif, and Commander Mohamed Al-Kahki. Following the plaque exchange ceremony, AROYA will return to Jeddah, offering an exclusive experience for guests who seek a unique, ‘Remarkably Arabian’ journey across the Red Sea.

Dubai Customs announced that its Passenger Operations Department efficiently handled over 1.23 million bags for 281,775 passengers on board 187 cruise ships between January and November 2024, underscoring its commitment to providing world-class customs services at Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour amid the continued growth of Dubai’s maritime tourism sector. Khalid Ahmed, Director of the Passenger Operations Department at Dubai Customs, highlighted the Department’s pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s tourism growth. “We are committed to supporting Dubai’s growing tourism sector through a strategic vision that focuses on delivering efficient, state-of-the-art customs services, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers arriving by air or sea. Our efforts support Dubai’s tourism goals and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” he said. “We take pride in being an integral part of Dubai’s global achievements in tourism and travel, through iconic hubs like Dubai International Airport, Port Rashid, and Dubai Harbour.” Ahmed also underscored Dubai Customs’ commitment to fostering the growth of maritime tourism by providing seamless and world-class services to cruise passengers. He noted that close collaboration with strategic partners plays a key role in delivering outstanding services at cruise terminals, attracting more visitors and further establishing Dubai as a global tourism hub. Falah Al Sammak, Senior Manager of Passenger Operations at Al Maktoum International Airport, reiterated Dubai Customs’ ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance its services. “Dubai Customs is continually developing its services to ensure smooth and efficient travel through its customs checkpoints, including Dubai International Airport and the city’s renowned maritime hubs. Dubai’s unique position as a bridge between East and West requires exceptional year-round service standards for travellers and tourists,” Al Sammak said. As the 2024-2025 cruise season kicks …

FITUR Cruises, the space dedicated to the world of cruises at the International Tourism Trade Fair organised by IFEMA MADRID, promises a packed programme of activities and presentations aimed at both professionals and the general public with which to discover the latest news and future trends of the industry. Over the five days of the Fair (22 to 26 January), FITUR Cruises, organised by FITUR in collaboration with Cruceroadicto.com, announces different initiatives aimed at showcasing the essence of cruise tourism. Cruise Campus is an innovative system of mini-courses that, in a practical way and with the help of experts in different areas of marketing, communication and even professional travellers, will be dealing with aspects related to the cruise experience from all perspectives. At the weekend, in addition to the Cruise Campus talks, the popular Cruise Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Intermundial will be taking place, in which teams must solve clues and visit a series of cruise ship stopover destinations throughout the FITUR halls to enter a final draw to win cruises for two, excursion vouchers or travel insurance. Along with this, on Thursday 23 January, FITUR Cruises will hold the third edition of the Cruceroadicto Awards in an event attended by the finalists in each category. These international awards are the only cruise awards voted 100% by the Spanish-speaking travel community. In this regard, to guarantee that it is the traveller who has the last word, these are the first awards in Spain to be certified by the AENOR quality mark ‘commitment to transparency and impartiality’. The awards will be presented in the categories of best ship, cruise line and port of the year 2024. Likewise, this edition has an …

Cruise Saudi announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Prince Mugrin (UPM) in Madinah. The MoU, which was formally signed on 15th December at Cruise Saudi’s office in Jeddah, aims to enhance the development of specialized training programs, curricula and internships aligned with the needs of the rapidly growing cruise industry in Saudi. As part of the agreement, Cruise Saudi will provide vital industry insights and inputs to guide the development of training programs and curricula at the University of Prince Mugrin. This partnership will ensure that these educational initiatives are specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of the cruise industry. The University of Prince Mugrin will leverage its educational resources and expertise to create high-quality training programs aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in cruise tourism. This partnership will also include the creation of internship opportunities for students, providing practical experience and fostering connections between academia and industry, and creating job opportunities. This MoU is the fruit of continuous collaboration between Cruise Saudi and The University of Prince Mugrin. In 2021, the first MoU was signed, with the University playing a key role in the success of Cruise Saudi’s “Ambassadors Program”. 56 Saudi Hospitality and Tourism department students participated in training onboard MSC Cruises, enabling the students to gain practical skills through onboard training from industry experts with decades of experience. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, commented: “This collaboration with the University of Prince Mugrin is a significant step towards shaping the future workforce for the cruise industry in Saudi. This partnership will help create valuable opportunities for Saudis and contribute to the success of …