MSC unveils Arabian Gulf cruises from...

Euribia to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Sir Bani Yas Island

MSC Cruises has unveiled staycation-at-sea itineraries for the winter Gulf season, with visits taking in destinations in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

Returning to the Gulf region after a break, MSC says it is “seeing growing demand from GCC travellers seeking a luxurious and effortless way to rediscover the beauty of their own region”.

The 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries aboard MSC Euribia start November 2025 with roundtrip cruises departing Dubai in the UAE and exploring the Arabian Gulf.

Destinations include Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Sir Bani Yas Island, giving travellers a flavour of what each of the different Gulf destinations offer, and at a time of year when temperatures are mild and skies are clear.

While Dubai is known for its luxury malls, fine dining and lively beach clubs, UAE capital Abu Dhabi has a more cultural offering with world-class museums including the Louvre and upcoming Guggenheim on Saadiyat Island, plus entertainment attractions.

One of the new 7 Wonder Cities, Doha in Qatar also offers visitors museums, as well as the bustling Souq Waqif and cultural Katara Village; while in Manama, Bahrain’s capital, there are vibrant souks, ancient sites such as Bahrain Fort and modern art galleries.

MSC Euribia will also take in Sir Bani Yas, the UAE’s largest natural island with a nearly mile-long beach to enjoy and the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to 17,000 free-roaming wildlife including the rare Arabian oryx, as well as 42 archaeological sites.

Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE

Beyond port stops, passengers can enjoy their time at sea aboard MSC Euribia, with five pools, including of the biggest waterparks at sea, a spa with sauna, steam bath and whirlpool, an indoor promenade with restaurants and boutiques, as well as seven rooms dedicated to children and teenagers.

For those who want privacy and personalised service, the MSC Yacht Club offers 24-hour butler service, a dedicated restaurant and sundeck, priority access across the ship and keycard-only areas.

"MSC Euribia offers the ideal solution, combining the ease of all-in-one travel with the elegance and comfort of a world-class cruise," said Angelo Capurro, Executive Director at MSC Cruises.

On track to welcome record passenger numbers in the coming years, the region is rapidly emerging as a destination for regional sailings and weekend ‘cruise-cations’, thanks to regional cooperation via the Cruise Arabia Alliance.

In December 2024, Celestyal kicked off its first Arabian Gulf season, and will return to the Gulf with two ships in winter 2025 for its second season, with a 7-day Desert Days itinerary and 3, 4 and 7-night Iconic Arabia cruises, with stops in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

For more information, visit www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises

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