Six Cruise Ships Stuck in Arabian Gulf Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The global cruise industry is facing an unusual operational challenge in 2026, as six major cruise ships remain stranded in the Arabian Gulf following a sudden halt in regional operations in late February. The disruption comes as the Strait of Hormuz has become virtually inaccessible to international maritime traffic, preventing vessels from exiting the region.

This critical shipping lane connects the Arabian Gulf to the open ocean, and its closure has forced cruise lines to delay repositioning voyages, cancel sailings, and adjust upcoming itineraries across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. While passengers were safely disembarked where necessary, the ships themselves remained docked at ports in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

MSC Euribia: Largest Ship Awaiting European Deployment

Operated by MSC Cruises, the MSC Euribia is currently docked in Dubai, where it has remained since February 27, 2026. As the largest vessel among those affected, carrying up to 5,400 passengers, its delay has significant ripple effects on upcoming European cruise schedules.

The ship is expected to resume operations on May 2, 2026, departing from Kiel, Germany. Once repositioned, it will begin its summer program featuring seven-night sailings across Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords, one of the most sought-after cruise regions during peak season.

Celestyal Journey: Awaiting Return to Greek Waters

The Celestyal Journey, operated by Celestyal Cruises, is currently stationed in Doha, Qatar. Despite all passengers being safely disembarked earlier in March, the ship has yet to begin its repositioning journey.

Originally scheduled to resume service from Piraeus, Greece, on April 4, 2026, the vessel is expected to operate itineraries across the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands. However, its timeline remains uncertain until safe passage through the Strait becomes possible.

Celestyal Discovery: European Sailings Impacted

Another vessel from Celestyal Cruises, the Celestyal Discovery, is also docked in Dubai. This 1,360-passenger ship has already seen four of its European sailings cancelled due to the ongoing situation.

It is currently scheduled to restart operations from Lavrion, Greece, on April 3, 2026. Once repositioned, the ship will focus on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, including popular Greek island routes, provided the disruption does not extend further.

Mein Schiff 4: Partial Repositioning Plans Adjusted

The Mein Schiff 4, operated by TUI Cruises, is presently docked in Abu Dhabi. While the first leg of its repositioning voyage has already been cancelled, the cruise line still plans to proceed with the second segment.

This includes a 20-night voyage departing from Cape Town, South Africa, on April 11, 2026, eventually sailing to Spain. The ship is then expected to operate in the Eastern Mediterranean for the summer season.

Mein Schiff 5: Repositioning Voyages Cancelled

Similarly, the Mein Schiff 5 remains stranded in Doha after its remaining Arabian Gulf season was cancelled in late February.

Originally planned repositioning sailings have now been scrapped, and the vessel is instead scheduled to resume operations from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on April 17, 2026. Its upcoming itineraries include cruises across the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek Islands, and Turkey.

Aroya: Delayed Start to Red Sea Season

The Aroya, operated by Aroya Cruises, completes the list of affected ships. Currently docked in Dubai, the vessel was initially scheduled to operate regional cruises between February and May.

Now, the ship is expected to resume revenue service on May 14, 2026, departing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Its revised deployment includes a spring season in the Red Sea, followed by a summer schedule in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Impact on the Cruise Industry and Future Outlook

The temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created a significant bottleneck for cruise operators, especially those planning seasonal repositioning from the Middle East to Europe. These voyages are essential for aligning ships with high-demand summer markets such as the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Cruise lines are actively monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans, including revised itineraries, cancellations, and delayed departures. While operations are expected to normalize once maritime routes reopen, the situation highlights the vulnerability of global cruise logistics to geopolitical disruptions.

The unexpected halt in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has left multiple cruise ships stranded, disrupting global itineraries and forcing major schedule changes across several cruise lines. As the situation evolves, both travelers and operators are closely watching updates on when normal operations can safely resume.