Updated 8 March 2026:
Following unrest over cartel violence in Mexico, the US military operation in Venezuela earlier this year, and continued unrest in Haiti that has scrapped Royal Caribbean’s calls on Labadee, the Middle East is now for the cause of significant disruption after a joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel on 28 February.
Disruption to the travel sector has been significant. Airspace and airports are closed, and many airlines are cancelling flights well into the future in anticipation of prolonged unrest. International travellers have been stranded in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha as retaliatory action by Iran continues.
Several cruise ships are currently stranded in the Middle East, including Celestyal Cruises’ entire two-vessel fleet and ships from MSC Cruises, TUI, and Arabian brand Aroya. Ships are stuck in various ports around the region, unable to depart due to the likelihood of attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
Celestyal, MSC, TUI and Aroya have all announced the cancellation of the remainder of their spring Middle East seasons, and are in the process of trying to repatriate passengers to their home countries. It remains unclear how, or when, cruise lines will be able to move their vessels and crews from the region.
Tensions Escalating for Passengers
TUI’s Mein Schiff 4 had a close call while alongside in Abu Dhabi, when a drone-operated missile crashed into port infrastructure, causing an explosion. Passengers have reported crewmembers making preparations for guests and crew to be stuck on board in the port for at least a week.
In some ports, guests are able to disembark. However, with flights cancelled and hotels near full, where these guests will go is anyone’s guess. In other ports, such as Dubai, local authorities are mandating that all passengers and crew stay on board.
Huge Potential Impacts for Middle East
The repercussions for the entire Middle East are potentially severe. Many cruise operators, including Celestyal, have made the region the cornerstone of their winter deployment schedules. It is unknown how, or when, these stranded vessels will be able to depart.
A trickier possibility looms: that these vessels will be stuck here for the long term, with limited options for provisioning, potentially affecting the start of their 2026 European deployments.
CruiseTimes will update this article as more information develops
— Aaron Saunders, Digital Editor
