Cruise lines ‘actively monitoring’ situation in the Middle East

Cruise lines are “actively monitoring the situation in the Middle East” as the conflict continues between the US, Israel and Iran.

Airspace over the region remains closed due to drone and missile strikes, leading to thousands of cancelled flights.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory, recommending against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Celestyal has cancelled voyages on Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery due to depart today (March 2), with affected passengers offered a full refund or future cruise credit.

Both ships will remain docked in place until March 7.

Celestyal chief commercial officer Lee Haslett said: “Over the past few days, our focus at Celestyal has been very clear: the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew.

 

“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, working in constant coordination with the relevant local authorities and port partners. Our thoughts are also with our partners across the region during this challenging time.

 

“I am incredibly proud of our onboard and shoreside teams who have worked around the clock to support our guests, provide reassurance and manage complex operational adjustments with professionalism and empathy.

 

“Thank you to our guests and travel partners for their patience and understanding, and to our teams across the globe who continue to work tirelessly.

 

“We will continue to monitor developments closely and act in line with all official guidance."

A Celestyal spokesperson said that Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until March 7.

“Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled Desert Days itinerary," they added.

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

"Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests.”

The spokesperson added the line was “working closely with relevant authorities” to begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted.  

“Guests currently on board [Discovery] will be advised as soon as further information is available,” they said.

“Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport.”

The spokesperson also “strongly encouraged” guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements and “sincerely apologise[d]” for the disruption to travel plans.

MSC Cruises has one ship, MSC Euribia, currently docked in the port of Dubai scheduled to sail a round-trip voyage.

The upcoming cruise on March 7 has been cancelled and affected guests will be notified directly and receive a full refund.

An MSC Cruises spokesperson said: “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew.

“We are following the guidance of the regional US military authorities to keep the ship in the port of Dubai.

“Airspace in the region remains closed, and we are actively in contact with Embassies and Foreign Offices to ensure they have the relevant information about their nationals on board and to understand any repatriation plans being developed.

“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.”

Meanwhile, other cruise lines without ships in the region are “closely monitoring” the conflict and accompanying airspace closures and government travel advice.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said guests who were “unable to reach their embarkation port” as a result of airline-cancelled flights would be eligible for a future cruise credit.

They added: “We are closely monitoring the evolving conflict in Iran and the broader region.

“While there have been heightened travel advisories issued for parts of the Middle East, we are not currently operating in the affected areas and thus there are no impacts to our scheduled itineraries.

 “The safety and security of our guests and crew members remain our top priority. We recognize that broader regional disruptions, including airline cancellations and airspace restrictions, may impact some guests’ ability to travel.”

Azamara Cruises chief international sales officer David Siewers said the company was “closely monitoring the evolving situation” and its impact on global air travel, while cruises across its four-ship fleet would “continue to operate as scheduled”.

He said: “Guests whose flights were booked through Azamara Air will be contacted directly should any adjustments be required.

“We also advise that guests whose flights were not booked through Azamara Air remain in contact with their airline regarding any routing changes.

“Guests who booked air through a travel advisor should connect directly with their advisor for personalised assistance.

“We will of course be continuing to monitor the situation closely, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as our highest priority.”