Photo: jefferyhamstock / Shutterstock Rising tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel, leaving six cruise ships stranded in Gulf ports and passengers unable to continue their holidays or return home as scheduled. The affected vessels include MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, and Saudi-owned Aroya Cruises’ Aroya Manara and Aroya.
MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai, with its captain, Paolo Benini, confirming that the ship will stay in port in alignment with national authorities. “The port of Doha is currently closed. Even though guests are allowed to go ashore, we strongly recommend remaining within the cruise terminal area,” Benini said, noting heavy traffic congestion in the city. MSC Euribia has also cancelled excursions for affected passengers, with refunds credited to onboard accounts. The company has advised guests that Wi-Fi is available free of charge and is coordinating with airlines and embassies to organize return travel as flights gradually resume.
MSC Cruises has announced that passengers with reservations between February 28 and March 8, 2026, who cannot travel due to airspace restrictions, will receive credits toward future sailings.
TUI Cruises has similarly been affected. Mein Schiff 4 is currently berthed in Abu Dhabi, while Mein Schiff 5 is in Doha. The operator has activated crisis teams and is working with governments, hotel partners, and travel agencies to ensure the safety and care of guests and crew. TUI has also indicated that it may operate special repatriation flights, pending government approvals, to bring passengers home.
Celestyal Cruises’ ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, are both alongside in Doha. The company announced that all guests will be kept informed of itinerary changes and emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority.
Saudi-owned Aroya Cruises faces a similar challenge, with the Aroya ship which had just started its inaugural Arabian Gulf season docked in Saudi Gulf ports. The operator has assured passengers that it will communicate directly regarding flights, itineraries, and safety measures.
In parallel, Marine insurer Skuld has also issued a notice terminating War Risk Cover for vessels operating in Iranian and adjacent Gulf waters as of March 5, 2026.
The disruption follows regional airspace closures and a state of emergency in parts of the Gulf due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
Despite the uncertainty, cruise lines report that conditions onboard remain calm. Passengers continue to have access to all services and facilities, and operators are coordinating closely with airlines, embassies, and foreign offices to ensure an orderly repatriation process.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as authorities and cruise companies work to restore normal operations in the region.