Regional tensions in the Middle East have disrupted cruise operations across the Arabian Gulf, leaving several vessels unable to depart from ports in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. As a result, a number of planned European sailings have been cancelled while cruise companies undertake the repatriation of thousands of passengers stranded in the region.
According to figures provided by the International Maritime Organization, approximately 15,000 cruise passengers were unable to continue their voyages as ships from several operators—including MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and AROYA Cruises—remained alongside in Gulf ports.
Celestyal Cruises reported that both of its vessels in the region had remained in port. The ship Celestyal Discovery was berthed in Dubai, while Celestyal Journey was held in Doha. The company indicated that passengers aboard Celestyal Discovery had already disembarked safely in Dubai, while the remaining passengers aboard Celestyal Journey were expected to leave the vessel in Qatar within the following day. The cruise line further stated that both ships remained fully operational and ready to sail, though their eventual departure from the Gulf would depend upon guidance issued by the relevant maritime and governmental authorities.
The delay has affected the company’s forthcoming Mediterranean programme. Two sailings of the “Iconic Aegean” itinerary scheduled for later in March have been cancelled while arrangements are made to reposition Celestyal Discovery to the Mediterranean for the summer season. The affected voyages were a 3-night cruise departing on March 20th and a 4-night sailing planned for March 23rd. Passengers booked on these departures are to receive either full refunds or future cruise credits.
Other operators in the region have taken similar measures. AROYA Cruises confirmed that it had cancelled the remainder of its Arabian Gulf winter programme. The company reported that passengers aboard its vessel had been safely disembarked in Dubai on March 7th after the suspension of the season was decided upon in coordination with maritime and national authorities and in light of the operational conditions in the region.
At the same time, MSC Cruises has been arranging repatriation flights for passengers who had been travelling aboard MSC Euribia in Dubai. The company organised transport for more than 1,500 guests to depart the region. Seven flights have already left, including charter aircraft as well as seats secured on commercial services, returning passengers to destinations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States and Brazil. Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, indicated that the ship’s command and crew had worked continuously to ensure passengers were properly cared for, while the company’s global teams had been engaged without interruption in organising the safe and timely return of guests to their home countries.
Meanwhile, TUI Cruises has cancelled several sailings involving two vessels in the region. Departures of Mein Schiff 4 have been suspended through the voyage scheduled to begin on March 23rd, while sailings of Mein Schiff 5 have been cancelled through the departure planned for March 12th. Mein Schiff 4 remains docked in Abu Dhabi, and the company reported that return travel had already been arranged in recent days for all passengers and numerous crew members. Mein Schiff 5 continues to lie in Doha, where onboard operations have been maintained under the prevailing circumstances.
Repatriation of passengers and crew from both vessels is continuing. TUI Cruises indicated that return travel is being organised through charter flights as well as commercial seats secured with Qatar Airways as the company works to move travellers out of the region.