• Thursday 08 January 2026

Christmas at Sea on MSC Euribia- A Middle East cruise to remember

Cruise Manager Ken is just back from a Christmas cruise to the Middle East onboard MSC Euribia. Read his blog about the experience, and why you should consider a Christmas cruise for yourself!

Click here to visit our MSC Cruise page.

"I’ve just returned from an unforgettable festive week aboard the MSC Euribia, departing from Dubai over Christmas 2025, and I can honestly say it was unlike any holiday I’ve had before... part cultural adventure, part sea escape. And entirely relaxing to boot.

From the moment we boarded in Dubai late in the evening on 20th December, the vibe was pure holiday spirit. The ship itself is striking- a gleaming modern cruise liner with a huge indoor promenade and lively, buzzing bars. There are also plenty of places to unwind or explore. There’s also an impressive waterpark and multiple pools. Even though it wasn’t cold outside, the crew went all out, decking the halls (so to speak) to inspire that Christmas feeling on deck. 

The Ship: A Floating Holiday Resort

First impressions of MSC Euribia were great. With multiple dining options (from buffet to speciality restaurants), lounges, and entertainment spaces, there’s always something going on.

The ship’s huge LED promenade, known as the Galleria Euribia, feels like a mini indoor boulevard. It's the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening strolls. Whether you're watching a show at night, enjoying a relaxed drink with sea views, or just chilling by the pool in the warm Gulf sun, this ship has plenty of spaces to fit your mood.

Ports of Call: A Week of Discovery

Here’s the route we took, and the memories I made at each stop:

Doha, Qatar- Day 2
Arriving early morning in Doha was a treat. The city’s blend of modern skyline and traditional markets made for a fascinating contrast. Wandering around the Corniche was a perfect way to stretch my legs after our first day at sea.

Manama, Bahrain- Day 3
Bahrain’s capital was lively and welcoming. I opted for a city tour that took in the beautiful Al Fateh Grand Mosque and the Bahrain National Museum. Time flew by exploring the mix of historic sites and modern streets. 

At Sea- Day 4
This was my first real taste of life at sea- lounging on deck with a drink, watching the waves roll by. It’s funny how one “sea day” feels plenty long when you’ve already had two busy port visits! 

Abu Dhabi- Day 5
Abu Dhabi offered a very different pace: cultural sights like the Grand Mosque sitting beside chic waterfront boulevards. I took a half-day tour that blended both and came back to the ship in time for a relaxed evening. 

Sir Bani Yas Island- Day 6
Christmas Day was spent on Sir Bani Yas Island... an unexpected tropical twist to the festive season! The island’s nature reserve is perfect for outdoor activities, and I spent the day on a wildlife tour that made for one of the cruise highlights. 

Return to Dubai- Day 7
We were back in Dubai on 26th December, so I had one more day to explore the city before disembarking. From its dramatic skyline to warm beaches and lively souks, it was an energising finale to the trip. 

Highlights and Tips

• Festive atmosphere: Christmas onboard was surprisingly warm and joyful. There were beautiful decorations and delicious special meals. The cheerful crew made it feel special, even in the Gulf heat.
• Food & drink: With so many dining options, there’s something for every taste. We found dinner reservations worthwhile to sample a variety of styles.
• Excursions: Booking shore excursions through the cruise helped make the most of short visits in each port, especially in Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Verdict

For a sunny twist on the traditional winter holiday, this 7-night Christmas cruise aboard MSC Euribia was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration and celebration. The itinerary brought together the citie sof Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, contrasted with the wildlife and Sir Bani Yas Island. This cruise gave me a taste of the Arabian Gulf’s diverse cultures without feeling rushed. And the ship itself? A comfortable, lively hub that kept the festive feeling alive throughout. 

Would I recommend it? Absolutely- especially if you enjoy a mix of warm weather and varied ports, not to mention fun onboard experiences during the holidays."

Christmas 2026 sailings from Dubai will be onboard the wonderful MSC World Europa. Prices start from just €2260pp and include flights, baggage, transfers, a premium drinks package- plus 7 nights full board. She sails on December 19th, 2026. Please click here to see more.

If you've got any questions about cruising with MSC or over Christmas, or just want to get the ball rolling on your own Christmas cruise- get in touch with Ken and the cruise team:

• cruise@shandontravel.ie
• 0818 300205 or 021 4935806