Thousands of passengers on cruise ships including Celestyal Discovery, Mein Schiff 4 and MSC Euribia are being kept on board amid the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran.
Celestyal, MSC Cruises and Mein Schiff, a Tui-affiliated operator, have all cancelled cruises that were due to sail around the Arabian Gulf this week.
In some cases, such as on ships already docked in Dubai, passengers are not being allowed to disembark.
Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery were due to depart on sailings around the United Arab Emirates today (2 March) from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively but these routes have been cancelled.
Instead, Celestyal Journey will remain in Doha, Qatar, until 7 March, when the cruise line hopes to resume sailing.
Guests currently on board can choose to remain on the ship until then or disembark in Doha.
Celestyal Discovery is currently in Dubai.
The cruise line said: “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.”
Several Gulf states have temporarily closed their airspace. Dubai International airport (DXB) and Zayed International in Abu Dhabi are closed after reported strikes.
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.
Passengers are advised to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements.
MSC Euribia was due to depart from Doha on Sunday but has been cancelled and the ship has instead stayed in Dubai.
A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said: “We are currently monitoring and reviewing all our operations in the region and we are in constant contact with the local and national authorities and relevant partners.
“All guests are being fully supported by us and where relevant by their air provider. Guests who arrived for this cruise are being accommodated on the ship along with those who aren’t able to currently disembark.”
Similarly, Mein Schiff has cancelled Gulf sailings that were due to depart yesterday and today.
The cruise line said in a statement: “Our guests are still on board Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5. They are receiving comprehensive care and support. Ship operations are proceeding normally within the given circumstances.
“Our top priority is, and remains, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. The Tui Cruises crisis team is working continuously and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Federal Foreign Office, the responsible embassies, international security experts and the security teams of our shareholders, TUI AG and the Royal Caribbean Group, to continuously assess the situation and implement the necessary measures.”
What support should cruise lines be offering passengers?
Passenger rights for cruises can be less generous than those for airlines if there are delays or changes to an itinerary. Often, passengers will not get any automatic compensation, especially if a delay or cancellation is outside their control.
But there are protections in place, especially if you use an ABTA-registered travel agent or cruise brand.
Many cruise lines including Celestyal and MSC Cruises, as well as Tui, are members of travel trade body ABTA in the UK.
According to ABTA regulations, cruise passengers subject to a delay have the right to an alternative cruise or a refund if it causes a significant change to their original booking.
The ABTA rules say: “In practice this means that the delay would have to be quite long. As a rule of thumb, on a 14 night trip, the delay would need to be longer than 12 hours, and longer for longer cruises.”
If a sailing is cancelled or delayed and an overnight stay becomes necessary, the cruise operator should offer the passenger free of charge accommodation where possible.
ABTA says this can be on the ship or ashore.
With airspace closed and the Foreign Office advising against travel to the region, cruise lines will also be expected to help passengers rearrange flights, especially if you booked a package deal that include both the flight and the sailing.
How to protect yourself financially
There are steps you can take before even getting on the ship to ensure you are protected financially.
Paying by credit card will give you Section 75 protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000 if the supplier fails to deliver what was promised.
Purchasing travel insurance that covers cruises may also payout for delays, cancellations and missed ports as well as if you are ill and need medical care. You may need specialist policies to cover outbreaks of war or closed airspace though.
You may be covered by insurance if you booked your cruise before the travel advice changed, although cruise lines are offering refunds anyway.
Lucinda Faucheux, co-founder of travel agent network Travel Support Circle, advises keeping hold of all documentation, including terms and conditions, booking confirmations, and any communications with the cruise operator or your agent.
She says: “Being proactive and well-prepared is the best way to protect yourself if things don’t go as planned.”
“Understanding your rights and reviewing the small print on an insurance policy can make the difference between smooth sailing and a costly detour,” adds Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at insurance brand Staysure.
He says: “It’s not about adding cost but about protecting your holiday from becoming a financial burden, giving you the confidence to sail into the sunset.
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