While it may not be the largest market for the global cruise industry, there is no question that the Middle East will certainly have a major impact on it.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has already had grave repercussions on travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality; in which case, nautical travel will also be affected.
As of press time, several cruise lines have already cancelled, rescheduled, and even redirected their sailings and such disruptions are affecting Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates.
It has also been reported as of Monday, 2nd March, that at least three cruise ships run by global firms are currently stranded in port within the Middle East.
Authorities likewise estimate that at least 15,000 cruise passengers and more than 6000 crew are awaiting aid or rescue at several ports throughout the region.
Reports also state that TUI Cruises’ vessel Mein Schiff 4 had a close call in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 1st March, and the 2,506 passengers and 1,030 crew members were advised to stay indoors and keep away from windows and balconies.
What’s happening now?
Given how US President Donald Trump has stridently declared that combat operations will ensue for the next several weeks and the Strait of Hormuz, a portion of the sea within Iran’s jurisdiction, remains closed to maritime traffic, cruise passengers within the vicinity could be marooned for a good while.
For those in the region, a number of cruise lines are offering passengers full refunds or cruise credits in light of the ongoing crisis.
Several companies are also coordinating with local authorities and airlines running emergency services with regard to the repatriation of stranded passengers and crews to their home countries or, at the very least, the nearest safe haven.
TUI Cruises, in particular, released a statement regarding the situation:
“We continue to monitor the developments in the Middle East very closely and are in close contact with the relevant authorities and security experts. We are continuously evaluating the situation and always make decisions based on current official recommendations.”
MSC Cruises has also released a statement, declaring:
“We are following the guidance of the regional US military authorities to keep [our] ship (MSC Euribia) in the port of Dubai. At this time, the situation on board is calm, and our guests and crew are comfortable and well looked after. We continue to provide high-quality service to all guests.”
For the time being, both cruise companies as well as Celestyal Cruises and Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruise have halted services into the region pending significant changes to the peace and order situation.
This is a developing situation; Travel Daily Media will continue to provide updates whenever available.
