TUI Cruises cancels Arabian Gulf sailings this week amid ongoing US-Iran conflict

TUI Cruises has cancelled a series of Arabian Gulf departures scheduled to operate this week aboard Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, citing ongoing developments in the region.

According to a statement issued by the company, cruises due to depart from Dubai and Doha on February 28th, March 1st, and March 2nd, 2026, will no longer proceed as planned.

“We continue to monitor the developments in the Middle East very closely and are in close contact with the relevant authorities and security experts,” said TUI Cruises.

The company noted that travel and safety advisories issued by the UAE government and Germany’s Federal Foreign Office were taken into account in the decision-making process.

“The safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our top priority at all times. All affected guests have already been informed directly by us,” TUI continued.

“We are continuously evaluating the situation and always make decisions based on current official recommendations,” the company added, stating that guests will be contacted promptly should any further itinerary adjustments be required.

Mein Schiff 5 had been scheduled to operate a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Doha beginning February 28th, calling at ports in Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The itinerary included Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Mein Schiff 4 was set to offer a comparable itinerary beginning with an overnight stay in Dubai, with embarkation available on March 1st and March 2nd. That programme included an overnight call in Muscat, as well as visits to Abu Dhabi and Khasab before returning to Dubai.

At the time of the announcement, Mein Schiff 4 was alongside in Abu Dhabi, while Mein Schiff 5 remained docked in Doha.

The cancellations follow similar operational adjustments by other operators in the region this week. Cruise lines have indicated that decisions are being taken in coordination with authorities and based on prevailing official guidance.

Ports across the United Arab Emirates and Qatar continue to operate, with maritime authorities working closely with cruise companies to ensure orderly port calls and the wellbeing of passengers and crew.

TUI Cruises said it would continue to assess the situation and provide updates as required.