Six cruise ships remain alongside in ports across the Arabian Gulf following the suspension of regional cruise operations in late February, as security concerns and disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continue to delay scheduled repositioning voyages.
The vessels, operated by several international cruise companies, are currently berthed in ports including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar.
Port authorities in the region have continued to provide berthing facilities, logistical support and provisioning services while cruise companies revise deployment plans and await improved conditions for transit through the strait.
The operational disruption follows heightened geopolitical tensions affecting commercial shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor linking the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and international sea routes. The crisis, which escalated in late February during the 2026 conflict involving Iran, has significantly reduced vessel traffic through the passage and prompted cruise lines to suspend departures and repositioning voyages from the region.
Among the affected vessels is MSC Euribia, which has remained docked in Dubai since February 27th, 2026. The ship had been scheduled to reposition to Northern Europe ahead of a summer programme of Norwegian fjords cruises departing from Kiel in early May. The vessel continues to remain in port while operators await an appropriate window for safe passage.
Two vessels operated by Celestyal Cruises (Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery) are also in the region. Celestyal Journey is currently in Doha following the disembarkation of passengers earlier in the month, while Celestyal Discovery remains in Dubai after adjustments were made to its planned European deployment. Both ships are expected to reposition to Greece to commence Eastern Mediterranean itineraries once transit becomes possible.
TUI Cruises also has two ships affected by the situation. Mein Schiff 4 is berthed in Abu Dhabi after the cancellation of segments of its repositioning voyage from Dubai to Cape Town and onward to Spain. The ship had been scheduled to operate a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean, although further itinerary adjustments remain possible.
The company’s Mein Schiff 5 is currently located in Doha after the remainder of its Gulf season was cancelled. The vessel is scheduled to resume operations later in the spring with voyages in the Mediterranean, pending completion of its repositioning.
The sixth vessel, Aroya, operated by Aroya Cruises, also remains in Dubai after concluding its winter deployment in the Arabian Gulf. The ship is expected to resume operations in May with sailings from Jeddah in the Red Sea before transitioning to Mediterranean itineraries.
Across the region, cruise lines have prioritised the safe disembarkation and repatriation of passengers, with all guests reported to have left the vessels. Crew members remain on board to maintain hotel and technical operations while companies await further clarity regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.