By
Alice Chambers |
Demand for cruises in the Middle East is on the rise, with TUI Cruises forecasting that it will take 90,000 passengers to the region in 2026. With modern, well-equipped ports and an expanding portfolio of cultural and nature-based attractions, the region continues to draw growing investment from international cruise lines. Reflecting its confidence in the market, TUI Cruises will deploy two ships to the Arabian Gulf during the winter 2026/2027 season, including its newest and largest vessel, Mein Schiff Flow.
Launching in July 2026, the 3,984-passenger vessel will mark a milestone for TUI Cruises, becoming the first ship in its fleet to begin service in Europe and then reposition to the Middle East for the winter season. “We are sending our biggest vessel because we are confident in the region’s developments,” said Maria Tauschke, head of shore operations at TUI Cruises at Seatrade Europe, during a session on ‘The Middle East Cruise Outlook’.
For the 2026/27 winter season, Mein Schiff Flow will operate seven-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf, calling at Doha in Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
“For the very first time since TUI Cruises was founded, we are able to position two ships in the Arabian Sea, out of Dubai and Doha, which gives us much more capacity in the market that our guests enjoy,” says Marcus Puttich, director of destinations at TUI Cruises.
The decision reflects both operational ambition and market confidence. Tauschke praised the region’s rapid development, reliable weather and growing diversity of destinations, describing the Middle East as a place guests can visit repeatedly and always find new experiences.
Before beginning its Middle East deployment, Mein Schiff Flow will embark on a season of summer sailings in the Mediterranean. The ship, currently under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy, will debut in July 2026. With 14 restaurants and bistros, 17 bars and lounges, and a modern design focused on relaxation and exploration, Mein Schiff Flow is designed to deliver comfort, choice and discovery.
“For its maiden season, Mein Schiff Flow will sail the Western Mediterranean from Palma de Mallorca in Spain,” says Puttich. Guests can embark on a 10-night ‘Cities of the Western Mediterranean’ voyage, calling at Barcelona, Spain; La Spezia and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy; Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica; and Marseille, France, before returning to Palma. Each port offers its own blend of culture, scenery and charm – from cycling the Ligurian coast in La Spezia to exploring Rome’s timeless landmarks.
Wadi Shab offers the chance to hike, swim and row, close to Muscat, Oman
Later in the season, the ship will chart a course along the Iberian coast and into North Africa on its ‘Sunny Iberia and Morocco’ itinerary, visiting Palma, Malaga and Cadiz in Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Tangier, Morocco; and Barcelona. Guests can ride the vintage wooden train to Sóller in Mallorca, explore Lisbon’s vibrant waterfront, or learn to prepare a traditional Moroccan dish in Tangier’s bustling souks.
After its Mediterranean season, Mein Schiff Flow will reposition from Cape Town to Doha on an 18-night ‘Wild South Africa and Orient’ cruise, combining wildlife, landscapes and cultural immersion. Guests can sip wine along the Franschhoek vineyards at the foot of Table Mountain, close to Cape Town, spot Africa’s Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo) on safari in reserves such as Lalibela and Kariega, or hike, swim and row at Wadi Shab near Muscat, Oman. Cultural excursions in Oman include visits to Nizwa’s 17th-century Jabreen Castle, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Sultan’s palace.
Through its carefully planned itineraries, Mein Schiff Flow will connect Europe, Africa and the Middle East in a narrative of discovery. The ship’s debut marks a significant milestone for TUI Cruises, underscoring its growing confidence in the Middle East and its commitment to expanding destination-led cruising across new regions.
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