The current scenario is still characterised by cancellations and logistical complexities

The cruise industry in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf is experiencing a period of profound uncertainty. According to Ticketcrociere, operations will be suspended on a large scale for at least the next two years. Although the opening of Saudi Arabia to tourism in 2021, driven by the Vision 2030 plan, generated high hopes, the company explains in a statement that the plan to establish the region as an alternative to the Caribbean for the European market is increasingly being undermined by geopolitical instability and a clear shift in travellers' perceptions of safety.

The launch of the MSC Bellissima in Jeddah

.The growing success of the destination began with the launch of the MSC Bellissima in Jeddah, followed by regular port calls in Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates by major operators such as Costa Crociere and Norwegian Cruise Line. This trend was based on a favourable balance of competitive fares and geographic proximity, which was perceived as preferable to long transatlantic routes. However, Ticketcrociere data suggests that the first signs of a decline in demand were evident even before the current critical level of conflict in the region was reached.

MBC Cruise has cancelled itineraries scheduled for the Middle East

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises, whose Euribia ship remains in the region, is taking precautions for next winter. The line has already cancelled itineraries scheduled aboard MSC World Europa around the Middle East from November 2026 until April 2027 .Instead, the cruise ship will operate seven and 14-night routes around the French Antilles, departing from Martinique and visiting Caribbean islands including Antigua, Grenada and Saint Lucia. This will mark MSC World Europa’s first season in the region and it will replace MSC Seaview, which will be redeployed to Brazil and Argentina.

A progressive decline in interest from Italian tourists

Statistics show a progressive decline in interest among Italian tourists, with the number of passengers dropping from 1,100 in 2023 to an estimated 576 in 2025. This trend is also evident internationally: According to CLIA data, there was a 3.9% decline in passenger traffic to Middle Eastern ports in 2024. During the same period, the Caribbean reaffirmed its commercial leadership despite higher average costs. By the beginning of 2026, demand for Caribbean routes had far exceeded supply for Arabian Peninsula routes, creating a gap that analysts now believe is set to stabilise.

 The safety is a key factor in tourists

Matteo Lorusso, general manager of Ticketcrociere, says that safety is a key factor in tourists' purchasing decisions and shipowners' business strategies. As the cruise industry requires several years of advance planning, moving ships to more stable ports is not something that can be done in the short term. Examples of this include the relocation of the MSC World Europa to the Antilles and Costa Crociere's decision to focus on the Canary Islands and Madeira. These cases confirm that resuming full operations after abandoning a route requires a planning cycle of at least twenty-four months

Celestyal cancelled Greek island cruises

 While Celestyal, which was sailing in the region at the beginning of 2026, has this week cancelled Greek island cruises that were due to depart in April as its two ships, Discovery and Journey remain in Dubai and Doha respectively. They will not be able to leave until the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens and is safe to pass through All impacted guests have been offered a full refund or a future cruise credit.

The current scenario

.The current scenario is still characterised by cancellations and logistical complexities. While some operators are dealing with the detention of several ships in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ports, which is having an impact on the scheduled Mediterranean seasons, the Saudi company Aroya Cruises has already suspended operations in the Persian Gulf. Cruise Saudi itself estimates that normality will not be restored before 2027. Despite significant investment in infrastructure and promotion, the future of tourism in the region remains dependent on the return of political stability, which currently seems distant.

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