Cruise holidays are increasing rapidly among the UAE residents. The combination of comfort, value, and the opportunity to visit several different destinations is what makes cruising an attractive option for both families and couples as well as solo travelers. According to DXB News Network, Dubai received more than 900,000 cruise passengers in the 2023-2024 season and the numbers are still increasing. The UAE cruise ships market is expected to reach USD 689.28 million in 2032 from USD 324.61 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of almost 10%. The best cruises in Europe from UAE offer everything from exploring culture in the Mediterranean to scenic cruises in Northern Europe. With world class cruise terminals in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, kicking off a European cruise adventure has never been easier for UAE travelers.
When organizing Europe cruises from Dubai, people have two main options. Direct sailings start from the UAE ports, and have stops along the way to Europe, often the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Suez Canal, before reaching Mediterranean ports. Fly-cruise packages require the flight to be taken to a European port such as Barcelona, Rome or Athens, where the ship is taken aboard. Both of these options have their advantages. Direct cruises provide a much longer and more relaxed cruise with time to enjoy the ship. Fly-cruises are time-saving and allow you to spend more days exploring European ports. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cruise tourism market is expected to reach USD 94.54 billion in 2026 and reach USD 204.93 billion by 2034. This guide features the best ones on the market in 2026 so that you know which cruise holidays from UAE to Europe you want to choose based on your travel style and budget.
Also Read: Top 10 Must Visit Places In Abu Dhabi
Best Cruises to Europe From UAE
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines that operates from the UAE. According to Connecting Travel, MSC Euribia will be homeporting in Dubai from November 2025 through April 2026. This ship has a range of 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries around the Arabian Gulf, some of the stops include Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Manama and Muscat. MSC World Europa is guaranteed to make a comeback to the Middle East for the season 2027-2028 with similar routes between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and destinations in the region.
For those travellers who are looking to reach Europe, MSC has repositioning cruises which sail from Dubai to Mediterranean ports. As reported by Cruise Industry News, these voyages are normally 28 nights long, and go through the Suez Canal and visit destinations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Red Seas along the way. The voyage going from Kiel (Germany) to Dubai or vice versa has stops in Southampton, Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome). These repositioning cruises can be taken in October and April every year.
Departure Port: Dubai (Port Rashid)
Typical Duration: 7 nights – regional or 28 nights – repositioning back to Europe
Best Time to Travel: November to March for Gulf Cruises; April for Europe Repositioning
Price Range: Mid-range (from around AED 2 300 per person for 7 nights)
Best For: Families, couples & travellers looking for a mix of entertainment & destination time
For more information, please visit the official MSC Cruises Emirates page.
Mediterranean Cruises from UAE: Fly Cruises Packages
Mediterranean cruises from UAE are mostly available as fly-cruise packages. This means that you fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to a European port city, then board your cruise ship there. Popular departs include Barcelona (Spain), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Marseille (France) and Athens (Greece). The emirates and Etihad fly to all these cities, so this is a seamless connection.
Western Mediterranean cruises are often made to Spain, France, and Italy. According to MSC Cruises Mediterranean page, you could possibly begin in Barcelona and sail to Marseille, Genoa, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples and Palma de Mallorca. These cruises are art, history, architecture and Mediterranean food centered. Port days are full of opportunities to visit ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces and quaint coastal towns.
Eastern Mediterranean cruises visit Greece, Croatia and Turkey. Starting from Athens or Venice it would be possible to visit the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes), Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Kusadasi in Turkey. These routes are perfect for people who want nicely picturesque scenery from the islands and ancient history.
Departure Port: Fly to Barcelona, Rome, Athens or Venice
Main Destinations: Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Turkey
Typical Duration: 7 to 14 nights
Best Time to Travel: Any time between May and October (spring and autumn are the two seasons with mild weather and few tourists)
Price Range: Budget to luxury (from AED 3500 per person including flights for 7 nights)
Best For: Culture enthusiasts, foodies, historians and couples who are looking for romantic destinations
Greek Islands Cruise From UAE
A Greek Islands cruise is one of the best choices for UAE travellers looking to go to Europe. These fly cruise itineraries usually start from Athens (Piraeus) and visit some of the most iconic islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu. The whitewashed villages, the blue-domed churches and the crystal-clear waters make for unforgettable scenery at each stop.
According to Celestyal Cruises, which is a Greek cruise line known for focused itineraries around the Greek Islands, the company has expanded their operations to include Dubai sailings under the name Desert Days. However, for most UAE travellers, the fly cruise option would still be the most practical way to experience Greece.
Departure Port: Fly to Athens (Piraeus)
Main Destinations: Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu
Typical Duration: 7 to 10 nights
Best Time to Travel: From May to September
Price Range: Mid-range to luxury (from AED 4,000 per person, including flights)
Best For: Honeymooners, couples, photographers, people who want to relax with incredible views
Northern Europe Cruises & Baltic Cruises
For UAE travellers who want to do something different, Northern Europe cruises provide dramatic fjords, capital cities rich in history, and the midnight sun. These fly-cruise itineraries usually fly from Copenhagen (Denmark), Southampton (UK) or Hamburg (Germany). Routes are through the Norwegian fjords, Baltic capitals (Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg) and even the voyages to Iceland.
Norwegian fjord cruises are especially popular because of its spectacular scenery. According to Holland America Line, ships sail through narrow waterways flanked by towering rocks and pass waterfalls and isolated villages. Baltic cruises are more culture and history-based with overnights in cities such as St. Petersburg giving time to visit the Hermitage Museum and other landmarks.
Departure Port: Fly to Copenhagen, Southampton or Hamburg
Main Destinations: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland
Typical Duration: 7 to 14 nights
Best Time to Travel: May to August (for long hours of daylight and a moderate climate)
Price Range: Mid-range to luxury (from AED 5500 per person including flights)
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, travellers who want cooler climates and dramatic landscapes
Royal Caribbean Europe Cruises
Royal Caribbean has some great Mediterranean cruise itineraries that set off from European ports. While the cruise line does seasonal sailings from Dubai covering the Arabian Gulf, its European programs are accessed through fly-cruise packages. There are ships leaving Barcelona and Rome as well as other Mediterranean centres, giving access to Spain, Italy, France, Greece, etc.
Royal Caribbean ships are known for their onboard entertainment and activities and are particularly popular with families. The cruise line features kids’ clubs, water parks, rock climbing walls and Broadway-style shows. Mediterranean itineraries are a combination of these onboard experiences with cultural visits to ports.
Departure Port: Fly to Barcelona/ Rome/ Southampton
Typical Duration: 7 to 12 nights
Price Range: Mid-range to premium (from AED 4,500 for 2 people including flights)
Best For: Families with children, travelers that want on-board activities and entertainment
Visit Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Cruises for the most up-to-date itineraries and price.
Direct Cruises vs Fly-Cruise: Which is Better?
Choosing between a direct cruise from Dubai and a fly-cruise to Europe is a matter of priorities. Here’s a basic comparison to help you decide.
Travel Time: Direct repositioning cruises from Dubai to Europe take about 3-4 weeks. A fly cruise gets you to Europe in around 7 hours by air, giving more time at the European hotels.
Cost Differences: Repositioning cruises often have great value per night as cruise lines need to get their ships from one area of the world to another. However, when you include the costs of flying for a fly-cruise, the total may be similar. Compare total package prices instead of comparing cruise fares.
Visa Considerations: According to Gulf News, the UAE passport holders don’t require Schengen visa for stays below 90 days. However, UAE residents holding other passports shall have to apply for Schengen visa. A multiple-entry Schengen visa is advisable if your cruise is visiting a number of European countries. For UK ports, all travellers require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK eTA) from 2025 April. According to ETIAS official information, from the late 2026 onwards, all travelers including UAE citizens will require ETIAS authorization for Schengen countries.
Flexibility: With fly-cruises there is more flexibility in dates and also you can add pre- or post-cruise stays in European cities. Direct cruises are based on set seasonal schedules.
For detailed Schengen Visa requirements for UAE resident visit Schengen Visa info.
How to Choose the Right Cruise to Europe from UAE
Selecting the best Europe cruise means taking various factors into consideration. Here’s what to consider before you make a booking.
- Budget Planning: Establish a total budget, which will comprise cruise fare, flights (for fly-cruise), port excursions, onboard spending and visa fees. Cruise prices vary greatly depending on cabin type, cruise line and time of year. Off peak times (early spring and late autumn) can often be more of a value.
- Cabin Types: Interior cabins are the cheapest and are in good condition if that is all you intend to do: explore the ports. Oceanview and balcony cabins are more expensive but have natural light and private outdoor space. Suites give the most space and they often include butler service and priority boarding.
- Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements based on passport nationality. According to Visa Guy UAE, UAE citizens travel visa-free to Schengen countries and will require ETIAS from late 2026. Other nationalities should apply for a Schengen visa a long time in advance. Allow 15 working days for processing. The normal Schengen visa cost is around EUR 90 for adults.
- Travel Season: Mediterranean cruises operate from April through to November with the peak season being in July and August. Northern Europe cruises are primarily from May to September. Consider shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) for good weather and fewer crowds.
- Cruise Length: The most common cruise length is a 7-night cruise which offers a good choice of port visits and sea days. Longer cruises of 10-14 nights are possible for either greater destinations or deeper exploration of a single region. Repositioning cruises of 3-4 weeks are for those travelers who have more time and enjoy life at sea.
- Family vs Couple Travel: Families need to look for cruise lines that have good kids programs, connecting cabins and family friendly shore excursions. Couples may prefer adult-oriented ships, specialty dining and more romantic ports such as Santorini or the Amalfi Coast.
UAE Cruise Terminals: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai has two cruise ports. According to DP World, Port Rashid (Mina Rashid) is the primary cruise terminal, which is located close to the Dubai Creek and historic area of Bur Dubai. It has seven berths for mega cruisers and a capacity to process 25,000 passengers per day. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid is the largest covered cruise terminal facility in the world with the capacity to process 14,000 passengers a day. Dubai Harbour, near Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island, is a more modern terminal with access to such attractions as Ain Dubai.
Abu Dhabi’s cruise terminal at Zayed Port is both a departure point and port of call for a large number of itineraries. It has direct access to attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. Sir Bani Yas Island is a popular destination on Arabian Gulf cruises and it offers you wildlife safari and pristine beaches.
For official information about the port visit the official website of Dubai Cruise Terminal or the CruiseMapper Dubai port schedule for arrival and departure times of ships.
Conclusion
Cruise holidays from UAE to Europe provide a magnificent combination of comfort, convenience and varieties. Whether you’d like to take a direct repositioning cruise from Dubai or a fly cruise package to the Mediterranean, there are options for every budget and every travel style out there. Which Europe cruises from Dubai are best depend on your priorities: families may favor entertainment-oriented cruise lines, couples may favor Greek Island itineraries, and adventurous travelers may want to visit Norway fjords.
Start to plan ahead for sailings in 2026. Popular itineraries and cabin categories sell out several months ahead, particularly for peak summer departures. Compare prices between cruise lines, take into account all costs such as flights and visas and consider travel insurance for peace of mind. With proper preparation, however, a Europe cruise from the UAE can be one of the most memorable holidays of your life.
For official cruise line information, visit MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, or Princess Cruises.
