Are Dubai Cruises Cancelled? What the Middle East Crisis Means for Future Sailings
Updated: 10 March 2026
Cruise disruption linked to the Middle East crisis is now beginning to affect sailings beyond the Arabian Gulf. Celestyal Cruises has cancelled two early Mediterranean departures of Celestyal Discovery after the ship was unable to reposition from Dubai as planned. The move highlights how regional instability and airspace restrictions can create wider scheduling challenges for cruise operators.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruises Continue Normally
Despite the disruption in the Gulf, most Eastern Mediterranean itineraries — including cruises calling at ports in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus — are continuing as scheduled. Popular cruise destinations such as Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi, Rhodes and Limassol remain open and are operating normally, although travellers are advised to check official travel advisories before departure.
The Middle East crisis has raised growing questions among travellers about whether Dubai cruises are being cancelled and what the disruption means for future sailings in the Arabian Gulf.
In recent weeks, several cruise lines have cancelled departures or ended their Gulf cruise season early after regional tensions disrupted air travel and complicated logistics for passengers and crew. Ships that had been operating winter itineraries from Dubai and Doha have remained in port while cruise lines arranged alternative travel for guests.
The situation has left many travellers wondering whether Dubai’s cruise season has effectively been cancelled and whether Gulf itineraries will return next winter.
(For background on how the disruption began, read our earlier report: Dubai Cruises Disrupted and the latest Middle East Cruise Disruption Update.
Why Gulf Cruises Have Been Disrupted
Waterfront view in Doha. Image: Visit Doha
Although ports such as Dubai and Doha remain operational, the biggest challenge for cruise operators has been the wider impact on travel across the region.
Airspace restrictions and flight cancellations have made it difficult for passengers to reach embarkation ports or return home following cancelled sailings.
Cruise lines must also consider maritime security conditions when planning itineraries, which has led some operators to pause sailings while the situation stabilises.
Which Dubai Cruises Have Been Cancelled
So far, confirmed Gulf sailing cancellations have been announced by MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises and TUI Cruises, all of which had ships operating winter itineraries from ports such as Dubai and Doha.
Other major cruise brands including Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises have not announced cancellations linked to the current crisis, largely because they did not have ships home-porting in the Arabian Gulf this winter.
Several cruise operators with Arabian Gulf itineraries have cancelled sailings in response to the disruption.
MSC Euribia Exterior view. Image: Wikipedia
MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, Celestyal Journey, and several TUI Cruises sailings have been cancelled following escalating tensions in the Middle East. These cancellations affect winter itineraries from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, and passengers are being offered refunds, future cruise credits, or alternative travel arrangements.
MSC Cruises confirmed that MSC Euribia, which had been home-porting in Dubai for seven-night Gulf itineraries, would cancel remaining departures and reposition earlier than planned for its Mediterranean programme.
Exterior view Celestyal Journey. Image: Celestyal Cruises.
Celestyal Cruises has also ended its Gulf season early, cancelling sailings scheduled from Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
The cancellations effectively bring parts of the 2025–26 Arabian Gulf cruise season to an early close.
Ships Currently Affected in Dubai and Doha
The vessels currently held in port include MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, and Celestyal Journey. While ports remain operational, cruise lines are delaying departures until regional air travel and logistical conditions stabilise. Crew schedules have been adjusted and passenger support continues onboard and ashore.
A number of vessels operating winter cruises in the region have been caught up in the disruption.
Among them are:
MSC Euribia, which had been sailing round-trip itineraries from Dubai
Celestyal Discovery, which remained alongside in Dubai
Celestyal Journey, which has been holding position in Doha
Cruise lines have been working to assist passengers with alternative travel arrangements as flights into and out of the region have been disrupted.
Will Cruises Return to Dubai Next Winter?
Dubai Waterfront at Sunset. Image: Photo by Mohammed Nasim on Unsplash
Dubai has become one of the world’s fastest-growing winter cruise hubs, attracting major cruise lines that reposition ships to the region during the European off-season.
Cruise lines typically finalise deployments many months in advance, and most operators are expected to monitor the situation before confirming future Arabian Gulf itineraries.
While the current crisis has disrupted Gulf sailings, cruise lines are expected to review conditions carefully before confirming next winter’s deployments. It is too early to know whether the 2026–27 season will be affected, but cruise operators are closely monitoring regional developments.
What Travellers With Dubai Cruise Bookings Should Do
Passengers with upcoming Gulf sailings should confirm their bookings with the cruise line or travel agent and monitor government travel advice for the region. Cruise lines are offering refunds, future cruise credits, or alternative itineraries. Reviewing travel insurance coverage is essential, particularly for cancellation and trip interruption policies.
As with many travel disruptions, the situation continues to evolve and cruise operators are likely to adjust their plans as conditions in the region change.
Cruise Lines Monitoring the Situation
Other cruise operators, including Royal Caribbean International and Saudi-based Aroya Cruises, have not announced cancellations but are likely to monitor developments closely as cruise lines review their future winter deployments in the Arabian Gulf.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean does not currently have ships home-porting in Dubai this winter, which is why it has not been directly affected by the recent cancellations. However, the line frequently deploys ships to the region during the winter season, so it will be closely monitoring developments in the Middle East before confirming future Arabian Gulf itineraries.
If tensions continue, cruise analysts say cruise lines may reconsider winter deployments in the Gulf for the 2026–27 season.
Aroya Cruises
Saudi Arabia’s new cruise brand Aroya Cruises has ambitions to expand cruise tourism across the Red Sea and wider Middle East region. While the line has not announced any cancellations related to the current situation, the evolving geopolitical climate could influence future itineraries and regional cruise plans.
The cruise industry will be watching closely to see how newer regional operators adapt if travel disruption continues.
Confirmed Sources & Official Statements
MSC Cruises: Confirmed MSC Euribia sailings from Dubai cancelled; passengers being assisted with refunds or future cruise credits.
Celestyal Cruises: Winter Gulf programme for Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey ended early.
TUI Cruises: Selected Mein Schiff sailings cancelled due to regional travel disruptions.
UK FCDO / US State Department: Travel advice updated for Gulf destinations, including Dubai and Doha.
Port Authorities: Ports remain operational but cruise departures delayed pending regional developments.
All cruise lines are actively monitoring the situation and will update passengers directly. Travellers should check official cruise line websites and government travel advisories before planning further trips.
Related Coverage Section
The Lowdown
Dubai has spent more than a decade building its reputation as a major winter cruise hub, welcoming ships from across Europe and North America. While the current Middle East crisis has disrupted Gulf sailings and forced some cruise lines to end their season early, the long-term future of Dubai’s cruise industry will depend on how quickly regional travel and security conditions stabilise.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dubai Cruise Disruptions
Are Dubai cruises cancelled?
Yes, several Dubai cruises, including MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, and Celestyal Journey, have been cancelled due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. Passengers are being offered refunds, future cruise credits, or alternative itineraries.
Which cruise lines are affected by the Middle East crisis?
MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and TUI Cruises have cancelled select Gulf sailings. Other cruise operators are monitoring the situation closely.
Will MSC Euribia sailings continue?
MSC Euribia’s remaining Dubai sailings have been cancelled for the current season. Cruise lines will review next winter’s deployments depending on regional safety and travel conditions.
What should passengers do if their Gulf cruise is cancelled?
Passengers should contact their cruise line or travel agent, monitor official travel advisories, and review their travel insurance policies for coverage on cancellations or itinerary changes.
Are ports in Dubai and Doha still operational?
Yes, Dubai and Doha ports remain operational, but cruise departures are delayed as lines monitor airspace, logistics, and safety conditions.
Is travel insurance valid for cancelled Dubai cruises?
Most travel insurance policies cover cancellations or trip interruptions due to geopolitical events, but travellers should review their policy details carefully.