Middle East: Cruise ships working with airlines to get stranded passengers home

Cruise passengers have been left in limbo as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupt sailings across the region.

Reports say thousands remain aboard six ships docked in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, unable to disembark or begin their journeys home.

https://people.com/thousands-cruise-passengers-stranded-ships-middle-east-military-conflicts-11917743

The situation comes as authorities instruct civilians to shelter in place as Iran responds to strikes by the U.S. and Israel.

After regional airspace closed, most commercial flights were grounded, and as Iran imposes a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping route ships would need to navigate to reach safer waters — passengers have been left stranded.

MSC and Celestyal Cruises are among the fleets that have suspended sailings in effected regions, offering refunds or future cruise credits to people booked on upcoming voyages.

In addition, thousands of passengers and crew on board have also had to wait for clearance from authorities and then find a flight home, which has proven to be difficult amid airspaces closures.

Celestyal cancels Arabian Gulf season

“We continue to follow developments in the Middle East and remain in regular contact with the relevant authorities. Throughout this period, our focus has been and continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew,” wrote Celestyal in a statement March 4.

As last reported, Celestyal Journey, originally set to depart Dubai, will remain alongside in Doha until March 7 (Qatari airspace, at this time, remains closed).

Celestyal, meanwhile, has cancelled the following scheduled departures on Celestyal Journey:

• 07 and 14 March from Doha, Qatar
• 09 and 16 March from Dubai, UAE

All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

The cancellations mark the conclusion of Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf season, the company said.

“Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean,” said the cruise line.”

“We sincerely thank our guests and partners for their patience and understanding during this evolving situation.”

“Situation on board remains calm,” says MSC

As reported, the MSC Euribia was docked in Dubai when the conflict broke on Feb. 28.

In an updated statement Wednesday, MSC Cruises said it working continuously with airline partners in the region, “particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests.”

“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.”

Airspace in the Middle East is restarting, but due to the volatile nature of military situations, it’s a slow and gradual one.

Following more than 48 hours of a complete shutdown, Dubai Airports, which is served by Emirates, is now operating flights, but it’s limited.

Abu Dhabi Airports, home to Etihad Airways, has also announced a resumption of partial operations at AUH as of Monday.

“In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat,” MSC said.

The cruise come is also working with Embassies and Foreign Offices to also support the safe return of guests.

“The situation on board remains calm,” MSC noted. “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.”

TUI evaluates next steps

Additionally, the Mein Schiff 5, a TUI cruise ship, finished its journey on Saturday and was docked in Doha when its next sail was cancelled. TUI’s Mein Schiff 4 is also stuck.

As TUI said in a statement shared with media: “Due to the ongoing dynamic situation in the region and limited flight connections, we are currently dependent on information from the airlines to determine if and when return flights can take place.”

“As soon as we have reliable information, we will coordinate the next steps closely with our partners. Until our guests are safely repatriated, we will ensure that all guests continue to feel safe and well cared for on board.”

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