Celestyal Cruises has cancelled its remaining Arabian Gulf season amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
Two of the brand’s cruise ships are among vessels stuck in the Gulf region since the escalation of the war between Israel, the US and Iran.
Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery were due to depart on sailings around the United Arab Emirates on Monday from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively but these routes were cancelled.
Instead, Celestyal Journey has remained in Doha, Qatar and Celestyal Disovery has been moored in Dubai, with passengers kept on board until onward travel arrangements can be made.
The cruise line has now cancelled scheduled cruises from Doha that were due to take place on 7 and 14 March and from Dubai on 9 and 16 March.
All passengers who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.
This will bring the cruise line’s winter Arabian Gulf season to an early end and its ships will eventually make their way to Athens for its summer routes.
The timing of the ships’ return may depend on the volatility of the Strait of Hormuz which links the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
Celestyal said in a statement: “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.
“With the cancellation of the remaining scheduled sailings, our Arabian Gulf season will now conclude. Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean.
“We sincerely thank our guests and partners for their patience and understanding during this evolving situation.”
Tui brand Mein Schiff has two ships moored in Abu Dhabi and Doha, where passengers are unable to disembark.
Mein Schiff 4, currently in Abu Dhabi, has cancelled all departures until at least 9 March and Mein Schiff 5, in Doha, has cancelled routes departing up to and including 5 March.
Similarly, passengers are being kept aboard MSC Euribia in Dubai.
MSC Cruises said it is working with Emirates and Etihad to identify and secure return flights for passengers and is considering chartering flights.
The cruise line said in a statement: “At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date.
“In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat.
“In parallel we are in constant contact with local authorities, Embassies and Foreign Offices to also support the safe return of our guests.
“The situation on board remains calm. 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.”
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