Cruise leaders see “phenomenal potential” for Middle East growth

Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen emphasised that further streamlining of immigration and ship clearance processes is needed to enhance the traveller experience. 

“To make this an attractive region for cruise lines, we must create connections with neighbouring countries, from the Red Sea nations of Jordan and Egypt to GCC states like the UAE, Oman and Qatar,” he said. 

Saudi’s recent accession to the Cruise Arabia Alliance, bringing the partnership to six destinations, reflects a shared goal to promote the region as an integrated offer: “What cruise lines want is to come to the entire region, not just one or two countries.”

This shift from regional competition to collective branding aims to position the GCC against established cruise markets such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean. More than US$1 billion has already been invested in infrastructure, including new terminals in Jeddah, Dammam and Doha. The Gulf now welcomes around 1.3 million cruise visitors annually, as it targets a much larger market share as capacity and connectivity expand.

These regional investments and partnerships are redefining the cruise experience, making longer, more immersive itineraries both possible and appealing. 

Designing Domestic Itineraries
Lefebvre said the proximity to Europe and the region’s wealth of attractions make week-long cruises an ideal proposition. “There is just so much variety here, which is necessary for a strong cruise product,” he said. “Plus, it’s only five hours from most of Europe and there’s little time difference, so no jet lag. Passengers can fly from Europe, enjoy a five- to seven-day cruise, and return home without jet lag, an ideal formula for regional cruising.”

Echoing this, Theophilides cited remarks from the UAE’s Minister of Tourism, noting the region’s ambition to extend typical visitor stays from three or four days to seven days. “A cruise is seven days, so it leads into that strategy very strongly,” he observed.

Looking ahead, all panellists agreed that cruising globally has moved beyond mere transportation, increasingly emphasising curated travel experiences shaped by both destination variety and guest expectations. 

JD O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, added that innovation and human expertise are transforming the cruise experience “from AI-powered personalisation and stronger destination partnerships to sustainable growth that benefits local communities”.

He summed up: “The future of cruising is about connection – between people, places and purpose.”

Clasen concluded: “At Cruise Saudi, we’re not just building a cruise line; we’re curating journeys that connect people, culture and coastlines.”

For more information, visit tourise.com