Middle East — The Celestyal Discovery has become the first cruise ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of recent regional conflicts, marking a significant development for maritime operations.
Historic Transit After Weeks of Disruption
The vessel departed Dubai on April 17, 2026, after being docked in the UAE since late February.
Shortly after departure, it successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz while heading toward Muscat, according to AIS tracking data.
Previously, the strait had been effectively closed to cruise traffic due to escalating tensions, delaying several itineraries.
Repositioning Voyage to Europe
Following a technical stop in Muscat, the ship will begin a repositioning voyage to Europe.
The plan is for the vessel to resume operations on May 1, 2026, sailing from Lavrion.
The initial itinerary includes visits to:
- Kusadasi
- Mykonos
- Patmos
- Santorini
- Heraklion
In addition, further summer sailings will include destinations such as Rhodes.
Background: Regional Disruptions
The 1,360-passenger ship had been stranded since February, when conflict in the Middle East led to a suspension of cruise operations.
Consequently, Celestyal Cruises cancelled its regional sailings and began planning a return to Europe.
However, restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz delayed these plans for several weeks.
Other Vessels Also Departing
Meanwhile, a second ship, the Celestyal Journey, has also resumed movement.
The vessel departed Doha, Qatar, and is currently en route to Khasab, with arrival expected on April 18, 2026.
Outlook
Overall, the successful transit signals a potential easing of maritime constraints in the region.
Going forward, cruise operators may gradually resume operations, depending on security and navigation conditions.
