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AuthorCruising has become increasingly popular in the Middle East, with more people flocking to embark on their first cruises and increasing interest in the region. The fact that cruises in the UAE are only available for a limited season—typically 3 to 5 months—only adds to the exclusivity, with many cruises selling out well in advance. Dubai’s prime location, world-class amenities, and stunning views make it the perfect departure point for exploring the Arabian Gulf and beyond. Dubai is set to remain one of the top cruise destinations in 2025, as more people discover the allure of cruising from Dubai. For the 2025/26 season, top cruise lines are returning with exciting new itineraries, offering unforgettable adventures in the Arabian Gulf
Planning a cruise holiday from Dubai? Here’s an overview of some of the top cruises departing in 2025.
MSC Cruises' MSC Euribia will be offering multiple departures from Dubai starting from November 2025 till April 2026 with a focus on the Arabian Gulf destinations. The Cruise will offer 3- to 7-night itineraries.
Costa Toscana, a strikingly modern ship from Costa Cruises, will be making Dubai its base from December 2025 till March 2026, offering mainly Arabian Gulf itineraries. This stylish and eco-friendly ship promises a relaxing cruise experience with plenty of Italian flair, world-class dining, and luxurious spa services.
Resorts World Cruises is a relatively newer player in the cruise industry operating out of Singapore, set to return to Dubai at the end of 2025 for its Middle East season, running from November to February. It is budget-friendly and offers short 2- and 3-night itineraries, making it perfect for new cruisers looking to try out the cruising experience.
For those seeking a luxurious and exclusive private-yacht ambiance, the Regent Seven Seas Navigator offers a remarkable voyage departing from Dubai on May 16th, 2025. This 19-day Africa & Indian Ocean journey concludes in South Africa, presenting affluent travelers in the Middle East with the opportunity to experience an unforgettable ultra-luxury cruise.
Deeply rooted in Greek hospitality and culture, Celestyal Journey offers a smaller, more intimate cruising experience with a capacity of just 1,260 guests—far fewer than mainstream cruise ships that accommodate over 5,000 passengers. Following a successful 2024 season, the ship returns to the Middle East in early December 2025 and will sail through mid-March 2026, offering unique itineraries across the Gulf region.
Highlights: Cultural and Destination-Focused Voyages – Celestyal Journey is celebrated for its immersive itineraries, prioritizing enriching shore excursions and deep cultural connections over standard cruise entertainment. Guests can expect thoughtfully curated stops, cultural experiences, and warm, personal service aboard a ship that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea
AIDA is a German cruise line known for its casual, resort-style atmosphere and vibrant ships featuring colorful hull designs, the primary language on board is German however most crews are fluent in english and the dining menus are in english. AIDAprima is one of the newer ships in the AIDA Cruises fleet and will be offering 7 - 14 days Cruises from Dubai in November 2025 till March 2026
In April 2025, Norwegian Sky will depart from Dubai for its repositioning voyage to Mauritius, offering a mix of short and extended cruises that explore both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Guests can expect sailings to exotic destinations such as Singapore, Penang, and Bali, as well as key regional ports in the UAE,
Mein Schiff—meaning “My Ship” in German—is a premium cruise line owned by TUI Cruises, offering a refined and all-inclusive cruise experience. Popular among German travelers, Mein Schiff also has international appeal, with English-speaking crew and bilingual service in many areas. While German is the primary language onboard, most safety announcements and essential information are also available in English. Mein Shiff 5 Cruise ship will be sailing in from UAE and Doha from November 2025 till March 2026 and their ittinerary range from 7 Nights to 14 Nights
1. Growing Popularity: Cruises from Dubai are in high demand, with itineraries selling out months in advance. It’s becoming one of the world’s most popular cruise hubs.
2. Variety of Ships & Itineraries: Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a lengthy adventure, Dubai offers a wide variety of cruise options.
3. Luxurious Onboard Experiences: From state-of-the-art ships to world-class amenities, cruises from Dubai offer unparalleled luxury and entertainment.
4. Stunning Destinations: Dubai serves as the perfect departure point to explore not only the Arabian Gulf but also further exotic destinations like the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
5. Dubai Strategic Location: Dubai’s strategic location plays a key role in its status as a prime cruise hub. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it allows passengers to explore a wide variety of destinations, from the Arabian Gulf to the far-flung Indian Ocean and beyond
The ideal time to cruise to Dubai is between November and March, when the weather is comfortably warm and perfect for exploring. During these months, you'll enjoy sunny skies, cooler desert temperatures, and a vibrant calendar of local events and festivals. This season aligns with most cruise lines’ schedules, offering the best selection of itineraries around the Arabian Gulf.
The Dubai cruise scene in 2025 promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with a diverse range of ships and itineraries to suit every kind of traveler. As cruising becomes increasingly popular in the Middle East, there’s no better time to plan your dream cruise from Dubai!
Have you considered taking a cruise from Dubai or other Middle Eastern destinations?
At Cruiseworld, we specialize in curating unforgettable cruise experiences from Dubai and beyond. From helping you choose the right ship and itinerary to arranging pre- or post-cruise stays, shore excursions, and flights, we’re here to make your journey seamless and stress-free. Let our cruise experts guide you every step of the way—so you can focus on what really matters: making memories at sea.
