Six Cruise Ships Remain Stranded in Port as Middle East Tensions Escalate

After the US and Israel carried out a joint strike on Iran on February 28th, 2026, the situation intensified rapidly, prompting cruise lines to halt departures and hold vessels alongside.

Right now, six cruise ships are effectively stuck in ports across Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, with departures paused and sailings being canceled at short notice as tensions in the region escalate.

The biggest issue is geography. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow exit route out of the Gulf — and it runs right alongside Iran’s coastline, putting ships uncomfortably close to the flashpoint when the situation is unstable.

With airports in the region coming under attack and flights being affected, many passengers have been unable to fly home, leaving ships full of guests still waiting for firm plans.

MSC Euribia

MSC has canceled at least one departure from Doha and told guests the ship will remain in Dubai.

In a message shared with guests, MSC wrote: “In alignment with the national authorities, it has been decided to remain in the port of Dubai until further notice.”

MSC also confirmed the cancellation itself: “Due to the current situation and the closure of the airspace across the Middle East region, your cruise onboard the MSC Euribia has been cancelled.”

MSC has also advised guests that: “Even though guests are allowed to go ashore, we strongly recommend remaining within the cruise terminal area.”

And in a separate comment shared with media, an MSC spokesperson said the line is “following the guidance of the regional U.S. military authorities to keep the ship in the port of Dubai,” adding: “At this time, the situation on board is calm, and our guests and crew are comfortable and well looked after.”

TUI Cruises: Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5

TUI has two ships impacted, with Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi and Mein Schiff 5 in Doha.

Guests have been told to stay inside and away from windows while the line works with local authorities and security teams.

And that’s not just a “being cautious” message. On March 1, the Mein Schiff 4 was rocked by a loud blast after two missile-armed drones reportedly crashed near Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi, close enough that guests could see thick black smoke from the ship.

According to passenger accounts shared with German media, guests received an emergency alert and were instructed to assemble in the ship’s theater, while crew asked everyone to stay away from windows and off the outer decks.

In its own statement, TUI said: “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 also stressed: “The safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our top priority at all times.”

Reports also indicate multiple departures were canceled across late February and early March as the situation evolved.

Celestyal Cruises: Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal has issued some of the clearest updates so far, covering both Celestyal Journey (Doha) and Celestyal Discovery (Dubai).

The cruise line said: “The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.”

Celestyal has confirmed multiple departures were called off, and said: “All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.”

For guests already sailing, Celestyal has indicated Journey will remain in Doha until March 7, and that: “Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled Desert Days itinerary.”

Celestyal also said: “Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until March 7 or disembark in Doha in the interim.”

Celestyal Discovery is alongside in Dubai. The line added: “At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests.”

Aroya Manara

Aroya Manara is also being reported as held in Dubai while movement out of the Gulf is restricted. One statement attributed to Aroya Cruises says: “The safety of our guests is our absolute priority.”

If that ship name sounds new, it’s because the brand is new. AROYA Cruises is Saudi Arabia’s homegrown cruise line (run by Cruise Saudi), and Aroya Manara is its flagship — a 2017-built, 150,000+ gross ton ship that was previously known as World Dream before being acquired and refurbished.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Is the Big Problem

Even if a ship is ready to leave port, cruising in the Gulf has one giant bottleneck: the Strait of Hormuz.

It’s the narrow passage that connects Gulf ports (like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi) to open waters. If shipping traffic is halted or limited there, ships can’t simply head out without risking a transit through waters authorities may consider unsafe.

Add airspace closures on top, and you get a frustrating combo for guests: ships waiting in port, and flights that may be canceled or rerouted with very little warning.

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