Major cruise line cancels its winter itinerary — shifting sailings to a completely different location
By Marissa Matozzo
Published on April 10, 2026.
MSC Cruises has cancelled its Arabian Gulf winter season, shifting sailings from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha to the French Antilles. The cruise line's mega-ship, MSC World Europa, can carry nearly 7,000 passengers and was originally scheduled to sail from November 2026 through April 2027. Passengers were notified and given the option to swap their trip for another MSC sailing of the same length and cabin category, with the cruise line promising to honor "the most favorable cruise fare between the original and the new booking". However, flights and additional services are not included, which could result in pricier airfare. This move aligns with other cruise brands, including Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Explora Journeys, which have recently backed away from the Arabian Gulf.
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