Cruise lines with ships docked in the Persian Gulf are continuing to work with local authorities to repatriate guests following the US-Israel military action in Iran

The co-ordinated offensive escalated over the weekend after air strikes killed Iranian leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday (28 February). Iran responded by bombing US allies in the region with Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait all hit.

Cruise lines operating in the Middle East have been forced to either cancel or redirect sailings as a result, while airlines have called off thousands of flights due to airspace closures, with Dubai airport operating a “limited number of flights”.

CLIA has reassured passengers and agents cruise lines are continuing to monitor the situation and are able to react quickly and according to foreign office advice.

A CLIA spokesperson said: “Cruise tourism itineraries in the Middle East are not operating at this time. Ships in the area are adjusting operations in line with official guidance, prioritising safety in close coordination with maritime security authorities and relevant government partners. Ships in the region continue to assess the dynamic situation and to explore contingency plans to maintain the safety and comfort of guests and crew.

“Cruise ships are mobile and self-sufficient assets, enabling operators to maintain safety, operational continuity and a high-quality guest experience as the situation evolves.”

There are also reports Qatar’s state-owned energy company, QatarEnergy, has halted the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – a cleaner alternative to heavy fuel oil used by many cruise lines – following attacks on its operation facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed.

MSC Cruises

MSC Euribia is currently docked in Dubai with passengers on board. The line has cancelled its 7 March sailing and impacted customers will be given a full refund. The vessel has capacity for more than 6,000 passengers.

The line issued an updated statement on Wednesday (4 March). A spokesperson said: “MSC Cruises is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests.

“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. In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat.

“In parallel we are in constant contact with local authorities, Embassies and Foreign Offices to also support the safe return of our guests. The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation. They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support.”

Celestyal

Celestyal has ended its Arabian Gulf season with the cancellation of six departures. The line initially cancelled two departures: one from Dubai and another from Abu Dhabi, but confirmed on Wednesday (4 March) it has cancelled four more sailings: two from Doha, scheduled to depart on 7 and 14 March, and two from Dubai, scheduled to depart on 9 and 16 March.

All passengers who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

With the cancellation of the remaining scheduled sailings, Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf season has concluded. Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled summer programmes in the Mediterranean.

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our highest priority. We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai today (2 March), and the Celestyal Discovery cruise also scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi today, have been cancelled,” a spokesperson for the cruise line said.

Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until 7 March. Subject to operating conditions, the line plans to resume its scheduled Desert Days itinerary. Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until 7 March or disembark in Doha in the interim.

“Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests,” the line added. “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.

“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. We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provide regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements.

“We sincerely apologise to guests for the disruption to their travel plans and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation.”

Industry

ABTA has praised the performance of agents over the weekend and emphasised the value of booking through an agent instead of directly with a cruise line or airline.

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It’s times like these when the importance of booking with a travel agent or tour operator really shines through. We know our members are working extremely hard to help their customers.”

Advantage Travel Partnership has urged those with upcoming travel plans to check with their airlines up until they leave to go to the airport to ensure they are up to date with any cancellations or delays, as chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said warned the ongoing situation in the Middle East has “triggered the most significant disruption to global air travel since the pandemic”.

“Travellers are facing grounded flights, airspace closures and a substantial logistical backlog across multiple hubs,” she said.

“For those due to travel, we strongly advise checking directly with your airline before travelling to the airport as schedules may chance at short notice for flights. Airlines have cancelled routes to the Middle East and there may also be a knock-on effect to wider operations, with aircraft and crew potentially being out of position.”

She added: “Travel agents have been working around the clock to support customers this weekend and will have a very busy week ahead.”

Airlines

Thousands of flights have been cancelled since the conflict began on Saturday.

British Airways is offering passengers scheduled to fly between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March the option to change their flight date free of charge for travel on or before 29 March.

Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may request a full refund.

A spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.

“Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a fight unless it was safe to do so.”

Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai up until 3pm UAE time on 3 March.

Customers can rebook on another flight to their intended destination for travel on or before 20 March or can request a refund either directly from their airline or their travel agent.

In a statement, the airline said: “The situation remains dynamic and is assessed continuously. “We urge all customers to review the latest operational updates on emirates.com and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.”

Manchester Airport has grounded all flights to the Middle East as well as flights to India as they usually fly over the region.

Several easyJet flights between the UK and Cyprus have also been cancelled.

This is an ongoing story with more to come