Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, various cruise lines have cancelled recent sailings in the Persian Gulf. Now, MSC Cruises has decided to cancel its winter cruise season completely. This decision follows the announcement by the U.S. State Department raising the travel advisory in the region to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.”
MSC Euribia was scheduled to sail 7-day round trip itineraries through the end of March from Dubai. She was then scheduled to sail a repositioning cruise and begin her summer season in Europe on May 2, 2026. Instead, because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the ship is currently unable to leave Dubai.
An MSC spokesperson stated, “The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation. They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support.”
MSC Cruises is working with several airline partners such as Emirates and Etihad to secure return flights for the passengers onboard. The cruise line is also exploring charter flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat for its stranded passengers.
The statement from the cruise line reads, “We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date. In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat.”
This is becoming increasingly difficult as the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and some of the Persian Gulf is closed or restricted as a direct result of the conflict. However, the cruise line is in constant contact with authorities to return its passengers home safely.
Once MSC Euribia is able to leave Dubai, she will likely reposition to Europe with no passengers in hopes of making it to Germany on time for her first sailing in the region.