TUI Cruises reduces crew levels on Gulf-based ships amid ongoing operational pause

TUI Cruises has reduced onboard staffing levels across its two vessels currently positioned in the Arabian Gulf, as the pause in regional operations continues to affect deployment plans.

Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 remain alongside in Abu Dhabi and Doha, respectively, following the suspension of sailings in late February due to the outbreak of conflict between the US and Iran.

Both ships were originally scheduled to reposition to Europe for their summer programmes but have remained in the region as operational conditions continue to be assessed.

According to industry reports, crew numbers onboard Mein Schiff 4 have been significantly reduced, with a limited team retained to support essential ship functions. The vessel, which typically carries close to 900 crew members, is understood to be operating with a skeleton complement focused on technical and operational readiness.

Nautical and engineering teams remain onboard under the command of Captain Jan Fortun, ensuring the ship can depart at short notice once conditions allow. Despite the reduced staffing levels, the vessel is reported to be fully prepared for a return to service.

Mein Schiff 4 is currently scheduled to resume operations on May 1st, 2026, with a themed sailing departing from Palma de Mallorca, marking the start of its Mediterranean summer season.

A similar situation is understood to be in place onboard Mein Schiff 5, which remains alongside in Doha. The ship has also been out of service since late February, with a planned return to operations on May 1st, 2026, from Greece.

The adjustments reflect a broader pattern across the region, where multiple cruise operators have temporarily paused operations while maintaining vessels in a ready state.

In addition to the two TUI Cruises ships, four other cruise vessels remain positioned in ports across the Arabian Gulf.

Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey have been alongside in Dubai and Doha, respectively, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia is docked in Dubai and AROYA Cruises’ Aroya is docked in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Across these vessels, operators have taken steps to complete guest disembarkation processes and support onward travel arrangements, while maintaining onboard teams required for safety, maintenance, and operational continuity.

The continued presence of ships in the region reflects the importance of the Arabian Gulf within global deployment strategies, particularly during the winter season. While current operations remain paused, cruise lines are maintaining flexibility in order to resume sailings once conditions stabilise.

All affected vessels are currently expected to re-enter service in May, with planned itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Red Sea.