MSC, TUI coordinate with airlines as more Arabian Gulf cruises cancelled amid US-Iran conflict

Cruise operators have issued further updates on their operations in the Arabian Gulf as several sailings remain cancelled and ships stay alongside in regional ports while authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation.

TUI Cruises confirmed that six departures aboard Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 have now been cancelled, while both vessels remain docked with guests onboard.

The affected sailings include the Mein Schiff 4 departures scheduled for March 1, March 2, March 8 and March 9, 2026, as well as the February 28 and March 5 sailings aboard Mein Schiff 5.

In an update, the company said the operational situation for both ships remains stable.

“The situation remains unchanged at this time. Our guests are still onboard the Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5. They are being well cared for and provided for,” said TUI Cruises.

The line added that onboard services continue to operate normally while the ships remain alongside. Mein Schiff 4 is currently in Abu Dhabi, while Mein Schiff 5 is docked in Doha.

TUI Cruises indicated that the cancellations were made after considering travel and safety advisories issued by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

“The travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for the region remain unchanged,” the company said.

Guests booked on the affected departures have been contacted directly, while the company continues to review the situation in coordination with authorities and security advisers.

“All affected guests have already been informed directly by us. Should further adjustments be necessary, we will promptly and proactively reach out to the booked guests,” TUI noted.

The cruise line also said it is coordinating with airlines to help arrange onward travel for passengers currently onboard, particularly given limited flight availability in the region.

TUI Cruises added that its crisis management team is working closely with the security teams of its shareholders, TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, as well as regional authorities and international security experts.

MSC Cruises has also confirmed similar coordination efforts as it works to assist passengers affected by itinerary changes in the Middle East.

“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,” said MSC Cruises.

The company said it is cooperating with regional airline partners, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure available seats for guests returning home.

In addition to scheduled flights, MSC said it is assessing the possibility of charter flights departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat to accelerate the repatriation process.

“We remain in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and foreign offices to support the return of our guests,” MSC added.

Guests currently onboard MSC Euribia in Dubai continue to have access to full onboard services and facilities, and the company described conditions on board as calm while arrangements are being finalised.

MSC has also cancelled departures aboard MSC Euribia, which had been operating in the Gulf during the winter season.

Cruise lines operating in the region typically deploy ships to the Gulf between November and April, with itineraries linking ports in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.

Both cruise lines said they will continue to assess conditions and coordinate with authorities, airlines, and travel partners while assisting guests with return arrangements and revised travel plans.