Miami Beach, United States | April 2026 — MSC Cruises has proposed using cruise ships currently stranded in the Persian Gulf to evacuate thousands of seafarers from commercial vessels in the region.
Speaking at an event in Miami Beach, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the situation remains fluid and under active discussion.
Evacuation Proposal
MSC is in talks with the International Maritime Organization to explore the feasibility of using idle cruise ships to relocate stranded seafarers to safer locations.
According to Vago, the presence of multiple cruise ships in the Gulf creates an opportunity to support maritime evacuation efforts during ongoing disruptions.
Ships Currently Affected
A total of six cruise ships remain in the region, offering approximately 17,000 berths:
- MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises)
- Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 (TUI Cruises)
- Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery
- Aroya (Cruise Saudi)
These vessels are currently unable to operate normal itineraries due to regional instability.
Operational Adjustments
MSC has reduced the MSC Euribia to minimum manning levels. The company has also cancelled scheduled itineraries in Northern Europe for May, where the ship was originally assigned.
Vago emphasized the need for readiness, stating that operators must remain prepared to act quickly when conditions allow movement.
Context and Outlook
The proposal comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting maritime operations in the Persian Gulf. Cruise operators are now evaluating ways to repurpose idle capacity to support the wider shipping industry.
If approved, the plan could provide a large-scale evacuation solution, helping thousands of seafarers reach safety while maximizing the use of available cruise infrastructure.
