Photo: MSC Cruises Rising tensions in the Middle East are also hitting the cruise industry, with several ships from TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises and Aroya Cruises currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, with passengers unable to continue their holidays or fly home as planned.
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 is docked in Abu Dhabi, while Mein Schiff 5 is in Doha. MSC Cruises has also been forced to cancel port calls in the region. Its ship MSC Euribia is among several vessels currently berthed in Gulf ports.
Captain Paolo Benini, Master, MSC Euribia: “We regret to inform you that we need to change our itinerary due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. In alignment with the national authorities, it has been decided to remain in the port of Dubai until further notice. The port of Doha is currently closed. Even though guests are allowed to go ashore, we strongly recommend remaining within the cruise terminal area. Please be informed that the city is currently experiencing significant traffic congestion.
To ensure communication for all guests, Wifi is open and available free of charge. We will keep you informed of any changes. Guests who have prebooked excursions will receive a full refund to their onboard account”.
Celestyal Cruises has seen itineraries cut short, with Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey affected. “The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East in coordination with the relevant authorities. Celestial Journey is currently alongside in Doha. Celestial Discovery is currently alongside in Doha”, the company’s announcement said.
“For guests booked on upcoming sailing, we continue to monitor developments closely nd will provide timely updates should any changes to your sailing be required.”
Meanwhile, Aroya Cruises’ vessel Aroya, which recently began its inaugural Arabian Gulf season, remains docked in Saudi Gulf ports without a clear departure timeline. The company posted on social media that passenger safety will remain its utmost priority, saying it will provide guests with answers to their questions regarding flights or itineraries. The line added guests will be immediately notified of any changes.
In parallel, MSC Cruises has announced a policy update for passengers following the state of emergency and airspace closure. According to the announcement, passengers who hold reservations for sailings departing between February 28, 2026, and March 8, 2026, and are unable to travel due to the airspace closure will be eligible for a credit toward the purchase of an alternative future sailing.
Marine insurer Skuld has issued a notice of cancellation of the War Risk Cover, “following closely the concerning developments in Iran and the wider Arabian/Persian Gulf, which have resulted in a materially heightened level of geopolitical and operational uncertainty.”
The company announced the notice will expire at 00:00 hrs GMT (Midnight), 5 March 2026, when the War Risk cover for assured entered for risks “will be terminated automatically for the assured “trading or being within the territorial waters” of Iran and Iranian waters, including coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles offshore, and Persian/Arabian Gulf and adjacent waters.