Cruise ships in demand as residents choose to celebrate Xmas at sea

For many UAE residents, Christmas usually comes with a familiar routine, scanning flight prices, battling holiday crowds at airports, and squeezing as much rest as possible into a short break.

- SM Ayaz Zakir

Residents going on a cruise this Christmas.

But this year, many are skipping flights and choosing something different — celebrating Christmas at sea.

Cruise ships sailing from the UAE are running at full or near-full capacity this festive season, with Christmas and New Year departures selling out weeks in advance. Routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sir Baniyas Island, Musandam and Doha have become some of the most in-demand winter journeys.