Middle East Cruises
Everything You Need to Know for Cruising the Middle East – The Best Cruise Lines, Itineraries, Deals & Expert Tips
Middle East cruises blend modern skylines, desert landscapes and ancient wonders. From the glittering towers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the souks of Muscat and the historic treasures of Aqaba (gateway to Petra), itineraries offer a fascinating mix of cultures and experiences. Cruises here range from short Arabian Gulf sailings to longer voyages linking the region with the Mediterranean, Asia or Indian Ocean. Whether you’re chasing winter sun, planning a cultural escape, or looking to combine your cruise with a stay in Dubai, the Middle East has something for every traveller. At Hello Cruise, we bring together the best Middle East cruise deals from cruise lines and trusted UK travel agents so you can compare prices and book with confidence.
Middle East Cruise Itineraries
Middle East itineraries vary from 3–7 night Arabian Gulf sailings roundtrip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, to longer voyages that include the Red Sea, Indian Ocean or Suez Canal. Popular stops include Muscat, Doha, Sir Bani Yas Island and Aqaba, with some cruises combining the Middle East with Northern Europe, Asia or even transatlantic repositionings. You can also choose cruises to the Middle East from Europe or Asia, or start closer to the action with cruises from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Middle East Cruise Deals
At Hello Cruise, we gather the latest Middle East cruise deals in one place. From discounted fares and last-minute offers to early booking savings, you’ll find genuine value without hours of searching. Many deals also include extras like onboard credit, drinks packages or cabin upgrades, giving you more for your money. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer journey, our platform makes it easy to compare prices from cruise lines and trusted UK travel agents, so you can book your Middle East cruise with confidence.
MSC Euribia
A modern Meraviglia-Plus Class ship offering a contemporary cruise experience, with expansive public spaces, varied entertainment, and a lively onboard atmosphere.MSC Euribia is part of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus Class and represents a more environmentally focused evolution of the line’s large, modern cruise ships. Carrying around 6,300 guests, the ship features a spacious indoor promenade, a wide range of dining and entertainment venues, and a strong emphasis on choice and variety. Accommodation includes a broad mix of inside, oceanview, balcony cabins, and suites, alongside the exclusive MSC Yacht Club for a more private, premium experience. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and Euribia appeals to guests who enjoy big-ship cruising with modern styling, lively entertainment, and a strong focus on onboard options.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Cruise: Dubai – Doha – Bahrain – Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island – Dubai – Dubai
MSC World Europa
A flagship World Class ship offering a modern cruise experience, with bold design, expansive public spaces, and a strong focus on innovation and scale.MSC World Europa is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and represents a major step forward in the line’s large-scale, design-led cruising. Carrying around 6,700 guests, the ship features a striking modern layout with wide open decks, a strong indoor-outdoor flow, and a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and leisure venues spread across multiple neighbourhood-style areas. Accommodation includes a broad mix of cabins and suites, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which offers a more private, premium experience within the ship. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and World Europa is well suited to guests who enjoy big-hip cruising, choice, and a lively, modern onboard environment.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Stay: 3 nights in Dubai, Cruise: Dubai – Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain – Doha – Dubai – Dubai
MSC Euribia
A modern Meraviglia-Plus Class ship offering a contemporary cruise experience, with expansive public spaces, varied entertainment, and a lively onboard atmosphere.MSC Euribia is part of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus Class and represents a more environmentally focused evolution of the line’s large, modern cruise ships. Carrying around 6,300 guests, the ship features a spacious indoor promenade, a wide range of dining and entertainment venues, and a strong emphasis on choice and variety. Accommodation includes a broad mix of inside, oceanview, balcony cabins, and suites, alongside the exclusive MSC Yacht Club for a more private, premium experience. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and Euribia appeals to guests who enjoy big-ship cruising with modern styling, lively entertainment, and a strong focus on onboard options.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Cruise: Dubai – Doha – Bahrain – Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island – Dubai – Dubai
MSC World Europa
A flagship World Class ship offering a modern cruise experience, with bold design, expansive public spaces, and a strong focus on innovation and scale.MSC World Europa is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and represents a major step forward in the line’s large-scale, design-led cruising. Carrying around 6,700 guests, the ship features a striking modern layout with wide open decks, a strong indoor-outdoor flow, and a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and leisure venues spread across multiple neighbourhood-style areas. Accommodation includes a broad mix of cabins and suites, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which offers a more private, premium experience within the ship. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and World Europa is well suited to guests who enjoy big-hip cruising, choice, and a lively, modern onboard environment.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
4 nights Stay: Doha, Grand Prix Package: Race Day Ticket, Fly: Doha to Abu Dhabi, 5 nights Stay: Abu Dhabi, Grand Prix Package: 3 Day Grandstand Tickets, Cruise: Abu Dhabi – Bahrain – Doha – Dubai – Dubai – Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi, 1 night Stay: Abu Dhabi
MSC Euribia
A modern Meraviglia-Plus Class ship offering a contemporary cruise experience, with expansive public spaces, varied entertainment, and a lively onboard atmosphere.MSC Euribia is part of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus Class and represents a more environmentally focused evolution of the line’s large, modern cruise ships. Carrying around 6,300 guests, the ship features a spacious indoor promenade, a wide range of dining and entertainment venues, and a strong emphasis on choice and variety. Accommodation includes a broad mix of inside, oceanview, balcony cabins, and suites, alongside the exclusive MSC Yacht Club for a more private, premium experience. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and Euribia appeals to guests who enjoy big-ship cruising with modern styling, lively entertainment, and a strong focus on onboard options.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Cruise: Dubai – Doha – Bahrain – Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island – Dubai – Dubai
MSC World Europa
A flagship World Class ship offering a modern cruise experience, with bold design, expansive public spaces, and a strong focus on innovation and scale.MSC World Europa is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and represents a major step forward in the line’s large-scale, design-led cruising. Carrying around 6,700 guests, the ship features a striking modern layout with wide open decks, a strong indoor-outdoor flow, and a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and leisure venues spread across multiple neighbourhood-style areas. Accommodation includes a broad mix of cabins and suites, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which offers a more private, premium experience within the ship. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and World Europa is well suited to guests who enjoy big-hip cruising, choice, and a lively, modern onboard environment.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Stay: 3 nights in Dubai, Cruise: Dubai – Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain – Doha – Dubai – Dubai
Oceania Vista
A mid-sized ship offering a premium cruise experience, with elegant design, refined public spaces, and destination-focused cruising.Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ Vista Class and marked a significant step forward in the brand’s premium ship design. Launched to introduce more spacious public areas, larger staterooms, and enhanced suite accommodation, Vista blends modern styling with Oceania’s signature understated luxury. As a mid-sized ship, she maintains an intimate onboard atmosphere while offering upgraded amenities, refined lounges, and a strong emphasis on high-quality dining. Oceania Cruises is known for its destination-led itineraries, relaxed luxury ambience, and culinary excellence, making Vista particularly appealing to travellers seeking a sophisticated cruise experience focused on comfort, enrichment, and immersive destinations rather than large-scale onboard attractions.
- Mid-Size Ship
- Enriching
- Adults Only
- Luxury
Cruise: Singapore – Port Klang – Phuket – Phuket – Colombo – Cochin – Mumbai (ex Bombay) – Mumbai (ex Bombay) – Muscat – Khasab – Abu Dhabi – Dubai
MSC World Europa
A flagship World Class ship offering a modern cruise experience, with bold design, expansive public spaces, and a strong focus on innovation and scale.MSC World Europa is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and represents a major step forward in the line’s large-scale, design-led cruising. Carrying around 6,700 guests, the ship features a striking modern layout with wide open decks, a strong indoor-outdoor flow, and a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and leisure venues spread across multiple neighbourhood-style areas. Accommodation includes a broad mix of cabins and suites, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which offers a more private, premium experience within the ship. MSC Cruises is known for its international onboard atmosphere, family-friendly facilities, and contemporary ship design, and World Europa is well suited to guests who enjoy big-hip cruising, choice, and a lively, modern onboard environment.
- Mega Ship
- Fun
- Family-Friendly
Stay: 3 nights in Dubai, Cruise: Dubai – Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain – Doha – Dubai – Dubai
Seven Seas Navigator
A small ship offering an ultra-luxury cruise experience, with classic design, spacious suites, and an intimate onboard atmosphere.Seven Seas Navigator delivers one of the most intimate experiences in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, with a strong emphasis on space, comfort, and personalised service. The ship features elegant, traditional public spaces designed for a calm, uncrowded onboard feel and a relaxed pace at sea. Accommodation is exclusively in suites, all with private balconies, reinforcing Regent’s all-suite, all-inclusive luxury positioning. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its fine dining, inclusive pricing, and enrichment-led experiences, making Seven Seas Navigator particularly appealing to travellers seeking a classic ultra-luxury cruise on a smaller ship where service and tranquillity take priority over onboard spectacle.
- Small Ship
- All Inclusive
- Ultra-Luxury
Cruise: Laem Chabang – Ko Samui – Cruising the South China Sea – Singapore – Singapore – Port Klang – Georgetown, Penang – Phuket – Phuket – Cruising the Andaman Sea – Cruising the Bay of Bengal – Colombo – Cochin – Mangalore – Mormugao, Goa – Mumbai (ex Bombay) – Cruising the Arabian Sea – Cruising the Gulf of Oman – Al Fujayrah – Abu Dhabi – Doha
Oceania Vista
A mid-sized ship offering a premium cruise experience, with elegant design, refined public spaces, and destination-focused cruising.Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ Vista Class and marked a significant step forward in the brand’s premium ship design. Launched to introduce more spacious public areas, larger staterooms, and enhanced suite accommodation, Vista blends modern styling with Oceania’s signature understated luxury. As a mid-sized ship, she maintains an intimate onboard atmosphere while offering upgraded amenities, refined lounges, and a strong emphasis on high-quality dining. Oceania Cruises is known for its destination-led itineraries, relaxed luxury ambience, and culinary excellence, making Vista particularly appealing to travellers seeking a sophisticated cruise experience focused on comfort, enrichment, and immersive destinations rather than large-scale onboard attractions.
- Mid-Size Ship
- Enriching
- Adults Only
- Luxury
Cruise: Dubai – Dubai – Muscat – Jeddah – Safaga – Safaga – Suez Canal Transit – Suez Canal Transit – Santorini – Messina – Sorrento – Olbia – Mahón, Menorca – Barcelona
Popular Middle East Cruise Lines
A wide range of cruise lines visit the Middle East. MSC Cruises are probably the most popular choice with ships in the Middle East for winter sailings. Luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania offer boutique itineraries with longer stays. Some cruise lines also feature Dubai or Abu Dhabi on world cruises or repositioning voyages, adding the Middle East to extended journeys between Europe, Asia and beyond.
Featured Offer
Great Savings on Middle East Cruises
Hurry limited time offer
Types of Middle East Cruises
There’s a Middle East cruise for every traveller. No-fly options from the UK aren’t available, but excellent flight connections make fly cruises from Dubai or Abu Dhabi the most popular choice. You can also combine your voyage with a Cruise & Stay package, adding extra nights in a Dubai resort or luxury hotel before or after you sail. For indulgence, Luxury Middle East Cruises feature smaller ships, five-star service and more inclusions, while Cheap Middle East Cruises highlight discounted fares and special offers. You can also Cruise to the Middle East and Cruise from the Middle East depending on your preferences.
Top Middle East Cruising FAQs
When is the best time to cruise the Middle East?
Between November and March, when temperatures are warm but comfortable.
Which cruise lines sail the Middle East?
MSC Cruises have the most choice of Middle East cruises available. Luxury lines such as Silversea, Regent, Seabourn and Oceania also have cruises that cruise in the Middle East but it is usually part of a bigger sailing rather than an immersive Middle East itienrary.
Can I do a no-fly Middle East cruise from the UK?
No, but fly cruises are very popular thanks to direct flights from UK airports to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Do Middle East cruises include excursions?
Mainstream lines usually offer excursions at extra cost, while luxury lines often include them in the fare.
Can I add a land stay to my Middle East cruise?
Yes, many packages include Cruise & Stay options, with extra nights in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before or after your sailing.
Our Top Middle East Cruise Advice!
The best time to cruise the Middle East is November to March, when the weather is warm but not overwhelmingly hot. Shore excursions are key – from desert safaris and dhow cruises to visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi or Petra from Aqaba. Book popular tours early, as they can sell out quickly. Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat, but remember to bring modest attire for cultural and religious sites. Many travellers also add a few days in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before or after their cruise, making the most of the region’s luxury hotels, shopping and attractions.
