Cruise lines cancel Gulf sailings as ships remain in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Doha

Cruise operations in the Arabian Gulf remain disrupted as regional tensions continue to affect travel across the UAE and neighbouring markets.

As previously reported by PAX, MSC Euribia cancelled a scheduled Arabian Gulf sailing and remained docked in Dubai amid travel disruptions. 

Since then, additional cruise lines have confirmed further cancellations and operational changes.

Celestyal cancels March 2 departures

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled two sailings scheduled for March 2.

Celestyal Journey, originally set to depart Dubai, will remain alongside in Doha until March 7, with plans to resume its Desert Days itinerary subject to operating conditions. 

Guests currently onboard may remain until that date or disembark in Doha.

Celestyal Discovery, which was due to depart Abu Dhabi, is currently alongside in Dubai. 

"At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests. We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted. Guests currently on board will be advised as soon as further information is available. Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport," said Celestyal in a statement.

Guests booked on the cancelled sailings are being offered a full refund or a future cruise credit.

"We sincerely apologize to guests for the disruption to their travel plans, and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation," the statement added.

More changes from MSC and TUI

MSC Cruises has cancelled additional Middle East departures aboard MSC Euribia, including sailings scheduled from Dubai on Feb. 28 and March 7, according to Cruise Industry News.

The vessel remains docked in Dubai.

TUI Cruises has cancelled several cruises scheduled between Feb. 28 and March 5, Reuters reported.

The company is offering refunds or rebooking options to affected guests.

Ships stay docked in Gulf ports

According to Connecting Travel, several vessels operating in the region remain docked in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha as cruise lines assess next steps and coordinate with local authorities.

Ships currently docked reportedly include:

• MSC Euribia in Dubai
• Celestyal Discovery in Dubai
• Celestyal Journey in Doha
• Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi
• Mein Schiff 5 in Doha

While ships are permitted to remain in port, ongoing airspace restrictions and limited flight availability are complicating guest repatriation and routine turnaround operations.

Cruise lines say they are working with airlines and authorities to support affected passengers and crew as the situation evolves.

Other operators

Royal Caribbean has not published a Gulf-specific operational advisory tied to the current escalation in its public travel update notices.

Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises — both Carnival Corporation brands — had previously withdrawn their 2025–26 winter programs from the Arabian Gulf as part of earlier deployment decisions announced in 2025.

Saudi Arabian operator Aroya Cruises, whose sole ship Aroya Manara is reportedly docked in Dubai, has not announced formal cancellations..

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