Cruise lines suspend sailings and shelter vessels as Gulf tensions disrupt travel
Dubai | March 2, 2026
Cruise operators across the Middle East have cancelled sailings, rerouted itineraries, and held vessels in port following escalating drone and missile attacks across the Arabian Gulf. The disruptions come amid heightened regional tensions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent reprisal attacks.
Thousands of cruise passengers are currently affected as vessels remain docked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with companies prioritising onboard safety measures and close coordination with authorities.
Cruise Ships Held in Port
TUI Cruises confirmed it kept passengers onboard Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi and Mein Schiff 5 in Doha rather than permitting shore excursions.
In a statement, the company said it is “monitoring the situation very closely” and remains in constant contact with relevant authorities and the security departments of its parent companies, TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group. Sailings scheduled for early March have been suspended for safety reasons.
Similarly, MSC Euribia, operated by MSC Cruises, and Celestyal Discovery from Celestyal Cruises remain docked at Dubai port. MSC informed guests that, in coordination with national authorities, the vessel would remain in Dubai “until further notice.” Passengers may disembark but are advised to stay within the cruise terminal area.
At the time of reporting, Celestyal Journey was believed to be sheltering in Doha, although maritime tracking data indicated it had previously been near the Iranian coast at Asaluyeh.
Meanwhile, Jeddah-based Aroya Cruises confirmed its vessel, Aroya Manara, arrived at Dubai’s Port Rashid on February 28 at approximately 21:30 UTC. The company stated that guest safety remains its “absolute priority,” with further itinerary updates pending.
Aviation Disruptions Compound Travel Chaos
The maritime disruption coincides with severe aviation impacts across the Gulf. Airspace closures and flight cancellations have left thousands of travellers — including cruise passengers scheduled to embark or disembark — temporarily stranded.
Several governments have issued travel advisories urging individuals to:
- Shelter in place where possible
- Stay away from windows
- Follow instructions from ship crews and local authorities
- Register for consular alerts and cruise company updates
Cruise operators have activated contingency protocols, including enhanced onboard security briefings and coordination with port authorities.
High-Profile Travellers Caught in Disruption
The regional instability has also affected prominent individuals. ITA Airways suspended flights to and from Dubai until Sunday, stranding Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, who was reportedly in Dubai on a private visit.
Former Miss France Elodie Gossuin shared messages on social media describing intercepted missiles and drone activity overhead, seeking advice on safe shelter locations for her family.
Wider Regional Implications
The Gulf region serves as a major cruise winter destination and a strategic maritime corridor linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. Prolonged instability could impact future cruise deployment decisions and insurance considerations for operators navigating the region.
Industry analysts note that cruise lines typically maintain detailed geopolitical risk frameworks and contingency routing plans. However, sustained military escalation could force broader itinerary restructuring for the remainder of the season.
Authorities and cruise operators continue to monitor developments closely, with further announcements expected as security assessments evolve.
