Changes to Arabian Gulf Middle East Cruises for 2026-2027
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Middle East cruise travel is changing fast. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a cruise in the Arabian Gulf for winter 2026-27.
Cruise Lines Are Pulling Out of the Middle East
Three major cruise lines have canceled their winter 2026-27 seasons in the Arabian Gulf. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving these decisions. The situation shows no clear signs of stabilizing soon.
Costa Cruises Cancels Arabian Gulf Plans
Costa Cruises was one of the first lines to pull the plug on its Middle East season. The Italian brand, owned by Carnival Corporation, had planned to return to the region with the Costa Smeralda. This would have been their comeback after also skipping the 2025-26 season there.
Costa cited uncertainty in the region as the main reason. The good news? The Smeralda is being redeployed to the Canary Islands instead. That’s actually a great alternative for travelers who love warm weather and beautiful island scenery.
AIDA Cruises Also Steps Back
AIDA Cruises, another Carnival-owned brand based in Germany, made a similar call. The line said the situation in the Middle East “cannot be reliably predicted for the foreseeable future.” That kind of uncertainty makes planning nearly impossible for travelers and cruise lines alike.
The AIDAprima will instead sail to the Canary Islands and Northern Europe during winter 2026-27. These are popular destinations with plenty of appeal for cruisers.
Explora Journeys Joins the List
Explora Journeys, the luxury arm of MSC Cruises, has also canceled its Arabian Gulf plans. The line had big ambitions for the region. The Explora II was set to visit the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Explora said the decision came after “careful consideration” and reflected its “commitment to providing guests and travel advisors with clarity and confidence” as they plan future cruises. The Explora II will now offer Western Mediterranean itineraries in winter 2026-27. For luxury cruise fans, the Med is always a stunning option.
Which Cruise Lines Are Still Sailing the Arabian Gulf?
Not every cruise line is walking away. Some are still committed to the region for 2026-27.
MSC Cruises Stays the Course
MSC Cruises currently plans to keep the MSC World Europa in the Arabian Gulf. The massive ship holds up to 5,400 passengers. It’s scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the UAE, Bahrain, and Doha.
Celestyal Cruises Holds Its Schedule
Celestyal Cruises hasn’t announced any changes to its 2026-27 plans. Both the Celestyal Journey and the Celestyal Discovery are still set to sail in the Arabian Gulf. They’ll visit Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman from late November through mid-March.
TUI Cruises Moving Ahead
TUI Cruises is planning to send its newest ship, the Mein Schiff Flow, to the Arabian Gulf. The 4,000-passenger vessel will offer cruises to the UAE, Qatar, and Oman during the winter season. It’s the largest ship in TUI’s fleet.
Aroya Cruises Planning a Return
Saudi-based Aroya Cruises is also planning to return to the region. The line had part of its debut season canceled in 2025-26. For 2026-27, Aroya plans to offer seven-night cruises visiting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman between January and March 2027.
What This Means for U.S. Cruise Travelers
If you had your heart set on an Arabian Gulf cruise for winter 2026-27, it’s worth double-checking your cruise line’s current plans. Three major lines have already made changes, and others could follow. Staying informed is the best way to protect your travel investment.
