Six Cruise Ships Stuck in the Gulf as Strait of Hormuz Closes
Some cruise ships are currently stranded in Dubai but the the QE2 is permanently berthed and used as a hotel
Six Cruise Ships Stuck in the Gulf as Middle East Conflict Escalates
Six cruise ships — five European and one Saudi Arabian — are currently stranded in the Arabian Gulf as tensions in the Middle East intensify and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to civilian shipping.
With airspace restrictions, port security concerns and mounting regional instability, cruise lines are now cancelling sailings and holding vessels in place.
Ships Currently Unable to Sail
MSC Euribia
MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia
Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery
Aroya Cruises’ Aroya Manara
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4
Doha
Mein Schiff 5
Celestyal Journey
All would need to transit the Strait of Hormuz to reach open waters. At its narrowest point — just 21 to 33 miles wide between Iran to the north and Oman/UAE to the south — it is one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors. It is currently closed to commercial and civilian traffic.
Celestyal Journey
Passengers Unable to Disembark
In Dubai, ships have not been granted permission to disembark guests due to safety concerns in the port area. Even if clearance were given, widespread flight cancellations mean many passengers would have no viable onward travel options.
There are also reports of guests stranded in UAE hotels who had travelled early to enjoy pre-cruise stays in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before embarkation. There are some flights leaving via Muscat which involves a long drive across the desert but it is too soon to say if this will be utilised for cruise ships. There are currently no ships in Muscat port.
MSC Euribia Sailings Cancelled
MSC Euribia, a 6,327-guest Meraviglia-Plus class vessel, arrived in Dubai on 27 February for an overnight call. Following joint military action in the region on 28 February, the ship remained in port as tensions escalated.
MSC Cruises has since cancelled multiple departures, including the 7 March 2026 sailing.
Guests were informed:
“Due to the current situation and the closure of airspace across the Middle East region, your cruise aboard MSC Euribia departing from Dubai on 3/7/2026 has been cancelled.
Your safety and satisfaction remain our top priority.”
Full refunds will be processed automatically within 30 days.
Given the volatility of the situation, further embarkations may be affected.
Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
Potential Knock-On Effects
Disruption may not be limited to the ships currently in the Gulf.
Luxury lines Crystal, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises all have vessels scheduled to call in Dubai during April as part of their world cruise itineraries.
If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed or regional airspace restrictions continue, itinerary revisions and port substitutions are highly likely.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also hugely busy air hubs with many cruisers passing through them en route to Asia and Australasia - diverted and delayed flights can be expected.
What Affected Cruisers Should Do
Passengers currently in the region are advised to:
Follow all instructions from local authorities as the situation continues to evolve.
Remain in close contact with your cruise line, travel agent and airline for the latest updates, changes and support options.
UK nationals should ensure they are registered with the UK government helpline for potential assistance, including evacuation support if required. More information can be found on the UK government website
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid. Cruise lines have limited operational flexibility when a major global shipping route is inaccessible. Repositioning vessels without safe maritime passage is not an option.
For now, safety is the overriding priority — but if the closure persists, broader programme changes across Gulf and world cruise itineraries are increasingly probable.
We will continue monitoring developments closely.
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