The cancelled European cruises stuck in the Middle East amid Iran crisis
SEVERAL cruises have been cancelled amid growing regional tensions in the Middle East, as some ships have been left ‘stuck’ in ports.
A number of cruise lines are cancelling European sailings following a number of ships getting stuck in ports in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi amid conflict in the Middle East.
European cruises cancelled include two Celestyal Cruises sailings on March 20 and March 23 in the Aegean Sea.
This is because the Celestyal Discovery has not yet been able to leave Dubai as it needs to travel through The Strait of Hormuz which is currently closed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Guests who were booked on the Greek sailings have been offered a full refund or can opt for cruise credit.
MSC Cruises has cancelled its three remaining winter cruises from Dubai that were due to set sail between March 14 and 28 as MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai port.
Read more on travel inspo
Aroya Cruises has also cancelled all cruises for the remainder of the season.
As for TUI, two ships previously stuck in the Strait have resulted in cruises being cancelled up to March 16 for Mein Schiff 4 and March 12 for Mein Schiff 5.
While the final passengers are on their way home via flight, the ships remain in the area.
The main issue for cruise ships at the moment in regards to the conflict, is that since March 2 the Strait of Hormuz has been closed.
This means any ships, so not just cruise ships, are currently not travelling the Strait of Hormuz.
This impacts cruises mainly heading to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Normally, between 10 and 14 cruises travel through the Strait each week during the winter season (November to March).
A spokesperson for AROYA Cruises commented: “Due to ongoing regional operational considerations and in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities, AROYA Cruises will not proceed with the remaining sailings scheduled in the Arabian Gulf for the current season.
“All guests were safely disembarked in Dubai on March 7, with the safety, security, and wellbeing of our guests and crew guiding this process.
“We are supporting our guests as they arrange their onward travel and providing guidance and assistance throughout this process.
“The safety, security, and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority and continue to guide every operational decision we make.”
TUI, MSC, Celestyal Cruises, Viking Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Avalon Waterways have been contacted for comment.
What does it mean for British cruise passengers?
The UK government is working to support Brits in all of the impacted areas including the United Arab Emirates.
Official guidance advises Brits who are due to head off on a cruise with stops at the impacted ports to check in with their cruse line to see if their sailing has been cancelled, postponed or rerouted.
For Brits heading on fly-cruises, you should also check with your airline to see if they are still operating your scheduled flight.
Lisa Minot, The Sun’s Head of Travel said: “Six cruise ships are stuck in ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, unable to sail to safer waters without entering the Strait of Hormutz.
“Assistance will be provided to all impacted guests, and cruisers on cancelled sailings will receive full refunds or a future cruise credit to reschedule.”
In other travel news, Brits are cancelling their holidays to Cyprus despite it being on the safe travel list.
Plus, a major airline is cancelling 600 flights across Europe this week.