March 2, 2026 Team Contibutor
A rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East has brought Arabian Gulf cruise operations to a near-standstill, leaving six cruise ships stranded and thousands of passengers stuck. The evolving situation is also likely to affect upcoming Middle East cruise bookings.
Following the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, the situation has quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the only exit for vessels in the Arabian Gulf, has halted shipping and stranded cruise ships. With maritime routes and airspace shut, major cruise lines have cancelled sailings and moved ships to safe harbour.
We’re sharing the latest info for our readers.
MSC Cruises hunkers down in Dubai
MSC Euribia has cancelled its March 1 departure from Doha and is docked at Port Rashid in Dubai. The line coordinated with the authorities. Guests can go ashore but are urged to stay within the terminal for safety.
TUI Cruises faces a missile scare
TUI Cruises carries the heaviest disruption. Its two ships are caught directly in the conflict zone. When the chaos erupted, Mein Schiff 4 was in Abu Dhabi while Mein Schiff 5 was in Doha. Both ships have cancelled upcoming sailings. Mein Schiff 4’s March 1 and 2 departures and Mein Schiff 5’s February 28 embarkation are officially scrapped.
On March 1, a missile struck Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi, where Mein Schiff 4 was docked. Crew gathered passengers in the ship’s theatre while assessing the situation. Onboard operations have resumed; crew are now checking with passengers about essential medications and baby care supplies for at least a week. TUI has set up a family hotline for relatives seeking real-time updates.
The cruise line also warns that passengers booked on March 3 Singapore flights connecting through Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai should watch closely for further changes.
Celestyal Cruises – stranded in two ports
Celestyal Journey is docked in Doha until at least March 7, with plans to resume its Desert Days itinerary if conditions improve. Passengers onboard may choose to disembark early if they feel safe doing so.
Celestyal Discovery remains docked in Dubai as local authorities have not granted permission to disembark. The cruise line is seeking clearance and will assist guests with Abu Dhabi transfers once it is approved.
All guests on cancelled Celestyal sailings receive either a full refund or a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) with added value.
Aroya Cruises
Aroya Cruises has not yet issued formal cancellations for its vessel, Aroya Manara, which is currently docked in Dubai alongside MSC Euribia and Celestyal Discovery. The line says guest safety remains its absolute priority.
Guidance for Canadian travellers
If you have an upcoming Arabian Gulf cruise booking, act immediately. Contact your cruise line or travel agent now.
Check the Government of Canada’s travel advisory for the region at travel.gc.ca — an update is likely imminent. The government has issued travel advice for the United Arab Emirates. If your sailing is in March 2026, urgently request your refund or future cruise credit options in writing, before a backlog builds.
Also, do not attempt to travel to embarkation ports in the Middle East until official clearance is given and airspace is confirmed as safe.
The situation remains highly volatile. The Strait of Hormuz closure shows no signs of lifting, and more cancellations across additional cruise lines are likely in the coming days.
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