Middle East Cruise Disruption Latest Update: Gulf Sailings Cancelled as Ships Remain in Port
Last updated: 26 March 2026
This article was updated on 26 March 2026 to reflect the latest cruise line announcements and travel developments in the Arabian Gulf.
Three ships at sea at sunset. Image: AI generated in Canva
Latest Update – Crisis Deepens as Ships Remain Stranded
Updated: 26 March 2026
The situation has escalated further, with the disruption now extending beyond the Arabian Gulf and beginning to impact wider cruise operations.
Several ships remain effectively stranded in ports including Dubai and Doha after the cancellation of their remaining sailings. This has created ongoing delays to repositioning schedules, preventing vessels from starting their planned Mediterranean programmes.
As a result, the knock-on effect is now being felt in Europe. Celestyal Cruises has cancelled multiple early-season Mediterranean sailings after its ships were unable to leave the Gulf on schedule, marking a significant shift from regional disruption to wider itinerary impact.
At the same time, fly-cruise operations — a key part of the Gulf cruise market — continue to be heavily affected by airspace restrictions and limited flight availability, making it difficult for cruise lines to operate normal embarkation and disembarkation schedules.
Looking ahead, the crisis is also beginning to influence future planning. Some cruise lines have already cancelled upcoming Middle East seasons entirely, while others are expected to review their deployments for 2026 and beyond.
👉 For the full latest update, including stranded ships and what this means for future cruising, read here:
Cruise disruption in the Middle East has intensified in recent days, with several cruise lines now cancelling their remaining Arabian Gulf sailings for the season.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that all remaining departures of MSC Euribia from Dubai have been cancelled, while Celestyal Cruises has also ended its Gulf season early. Both lines have ships currently in port in the region as they assist passengers with onward travel.
MSC has organised charter flights to repatriate more than 1,500 guests who were stranded aboard MSC Euribia in Dubai when the conflict escalated. Some commercial flights have resumed, but airline schedules remain heavily disrupted.
Industry officials estimate that around 15,000 cruise passengers across the region have been affected by the disruption
Cruise disruption across the Middle East has deepened, with multiple cruise lines cancelling Gulf sailings and several ships remaining docked in ports such as Dubai and Doha as regional tensions escalate.
This update follows our earlier report examining how the Iran crisis first began affecting Gulf cruise itineraries. You can read the original coverage here: Dubai Cruises Disrupted: What The Iran Crisis Means For Gulf Sailings
Cruises to Dubai and the Middle East Face Disruption as Iran Tensions Escalate
Thousands of cruise passengers have been affected as flight cancellations, airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns ripple across the Arabian Gulf travel industry.
Several ships are currently unable to operate their scheduled itineraries, leaving cruise lines scrambling to organise alternative travel arrangements and refunds for guests.
Middle East Cruise Disruption: Dubai Cruises Cancelled and Ships in Port
Several ships remain in Dubai and Doha ports after cruise lines cancelled sailings. MSC Euribia and Celestyal Discovery are among the vessels held in port, while TUI Cruises has also suspended select itineraries. Cruise operators are coordinating passenger flights, accommodation, and refunds to minimise disruption.
Passenger Repatriation Efforts and Travel Advice
Cruise lines are working quickly to repatriate passengers affected by cancellations, arranging flights and accommodations where needed. Travellers should check official cruise line websites for updates and consult UK FCDO or US State Department travel advisories. Reviewing travel insurance policies can also provide additional support in cases of cancelled sailings or itinerary changes.
Cruise Ships Currently Affected
Among the ships impacted are MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Discovery, and vessels from TUI Cruises operating in the region.
MSC Euribia, which had been scheduled to operate seven-night Arabian Gulf cruises, has remained docked in Dubai for several days and has already cancelled additional departures as the situation evolves.
Celestyal Cruises has also cancelled multiple sailings after both of its ships operating in the region became stuck in port. Celestyal Discovery remains alongside in Dubai while Celestyal Journey has been holding position in Doha.
TUI Cruises vessels Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 have also been affected, with several scheduled sailings cancelled and passengers awaiting onward travel arrangements.
Which Cruise Lines Have Ended Their Gulf Season Early
Cruise Ship in Dubai. Image: AI Canva
Arabian Gulf Cruise Season Cut Short
MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and TUI Cruises have all confirmed early termination of their Gulf season. These cancellations affect both round-trip and one-way itineraries departing from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, as operators prioritise passenger safety amid travel uncertainty and regional tensions.
The disruption has effectively brought parts of the Arabian Gulf cruise season to an early close.
Several operators have cancelled their remaining winter sailings in the region while monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation and the impact on aviation routes and maritime security.
Both MSC and Celestyal have confirmed refunds or future cruise credits for guests affected by cancelled departures.
Ships are expected to reposition to the Mediterranean later in the spring, though final plans will depend on when regional travel conditions stabilise.
Flights and Travel Logistics Still the Biggest Challenge
While Gulf cruise ports themselves remain operational, the biggest challenge for cruise passengers has been the collapse of regional aviation schedules.
Airspace restrictions and flight cancellations have made it difficult for passengers to reach embarkation ports or return home following cancelled sailings.
Cruise lines are working with airlines, embassies and local authorities to organise transfers and repatriation where possible.
What Cruise Travellers Should Do Now
Passengers with upcoming Gulf sailings are advised to check directly with their cruise line and airline before travelling.
Most cruise operators are offering refunds, rebooking options or future cruise credits for cancelled departures, while travel insurance coverage will depend on individual policy terms and government travel advisories.
For the latest travel advice, UK travellers should consult the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), while US travellers should check updates from the US State Department.
Confirmed Sources & Official Statements
MSC Cruises: Remaining MSC Euribia sailings cancelled; flights for passengers arranged.
Celestyal Cruises: Full Gulf season for Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey ended early.
TUI Cruises: Selected Mein Schiff itineraries suspended.
UK FCDO / US State Department: Updated travel advice issued for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and nearby areas.
Port Authorities: Dubai and Doha remain operational, with ships awaiting safe departure schedules.
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 become a key winter cruise hub, but the ongoing Middle East crisis has disrupted Gulf sailings and forced some cruise lines to end their season early. Cruise operators and ports are monitoring conditions closely, and future deployments will depend on regional stability and travel advisories.
Cruise disruption in the Middle East continues to evolve as regional tensions impact aviation, security and cruise itineraries across the Gulf. With ships still in port and several sailings cancelled, cruise lines are now reassessing their Arabian Gulf deployments for the remainder of the season. Travellers with upcoming sailings should check directly with their cruise line and airline before departure.
Latest Developments
This article will be updated as cruise lines announce further itinerary changes or cancellations affecting sailings in the Arabian Gulf.
Key Questions Travellers Are Asking
As the situation continues to evolve, travellers are searching for answers about how Gulf cruise itineraries may be affected. Here are some of the most common questions currently being asked.
Are Dubai cruises cancelled because of the Iran crisis?
Some Arabian Gulf cruise sailings have been cancelled or delayed as regional tensions involving Iran disrupt air travel and create logistical challenges for cruise lines. Ports such as Dubai remain open, but several operators have paused departures while monitoring the situation and helping passengers rearrange travel plans.
Which cruise ships are currently stuck in Dubai or Doha?
A number of vessels have been affected by the disruption, including MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, and Celestyal Journey, which have remained alongside in ports such as Dubai and Doha while cruise lines assess security conditions and flight availability for passengers.
Is it safe to cruise in the Middle East right now?
Cruise lines continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with maritime authorities and governments to assess risk. While many ports in the region remain operational, travellers are advised to check official travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office or the US State Department before travelling.
What cruise lines have cancelled Gulf sailings?
Several cruise operators with Arabian Gulf itineraries have adjusted or cancelled sailings, including Celestyal Cruises, MSC Cruises, and TUI Cruises. These changes are primarily linked to flight disruptions and the wider impact of regional tensions on travel logistics.
Will Middle East cruise itineraries be cancelled for the rest of the season?
It is still too early to know how long the disruption will last. Some cruise lines have already ended their Gulf season early, while others are reviewing upcoming sailings on a voyage-by-voyage basis. Future itineraries will likely depend on security assessments and the restoration of reliable flight routes into regional cruise hubs.
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