At least six cruise ships sailing in the Persian Gulf have reportedly been impacted by ongoing military actions in the Middle East
Credit: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Six cruise ships from four companies have been left stranded in the Middle East due to escalating military conflict
- Airspace closures and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in thousands of passengers who are unable to return home
- Cruise lines are working with authorities to ensure passenger safety and arrange alternative travel plans
Thousands of passengers have been left stranded on cruise ships in the Middle East amid ongoing military actions in the region.
A total of six cruise ships across four different companies are believed to have been impacted by the conflict, according to Euronews and CruiseHive.
The stranded ships follow President Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday, Feb. 28, that the U.S. participated in a joint attack with Israel against Iran. In retaliation, Iran has launched a series of subsequent drone and missile strikes across the region, including areas like Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The vessels, sailing in the Persian Gulf, would have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to find safer waters. However, Iran has vowed not to let any ship pass through, Reuters reported.
Airspace in the region has also been shut down, making return flights home nearly impossible for travelers.
Credit: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA/Shutterstock
At the cruise port in Doha, Qatar, two cruise ships have been stranded for days, according to CNN. The Mein Schiff 5, operated by German-based travel company TUI, completed its sailing on Saturday and was docked in Doha when its upcoming itinerary was cancelled.
“We continue to monitor the developments in the Middle East very closely and are in close contact with the relevant authorities and security experts,” TUI said in a statement shared with Cruise Industry News. “We are continuously evaluating the situation and always make decisions based on current official recommendations.”
PEOPLE has reached out to TUI for comment.
Credit: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA/Shutterstock
Thousands of customers on board were supposed to leave the ship; however, they remain on board, per CNN. The company said the vessel will remain in the region as they work to arrange reliable return flights.
The other ship, the Celestyal Journey, also remains docked in Doha. The Greek cruise operator announced on social media that the ship will remain in Qatar until March 7, and guests are allowed to remain on board or disembark in Doha.
Meanwhile, at the port in Abu Dhabi, TUI’s Mein Schiff 4 remains docked. Observers on board reported seeing a missile hit the water not far from the ship on Sunday afternoon, according to Euronews.
Meanwhile, three more ships will remain at port in Dubai. MSC Cruises Euribia has canceled its March 1 departure from Doha and instead stayed docked in the UAE.
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In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a MSC Cruises spokesperson confirmed the docking and said the company is “following the guidance of the regional U.S. military authorities to keep the ship in the port of Dubai,” as airspace remains closed.
They add: “At this time, the situation on board is calm, and our guests and crew are comfortable and well looked after. We continue to provide a high-quality service to all guests.”
Celestyal’s Discovery cruise ship also remains docked in Dubai, as well as Saudi-based cruise operator Aroya Cruise’s Aroya Manara.
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