Cruise Ships Stuck in the Arabian Gulf Face Mounting Delays as Restart Timeline Remains Uncertain

Six cruise ships are currently stuck in the Arabian Gulf — and thousands of travelers are feeling the impact. Here’s what’s happening and when these ships are expected to sail again.

Why Are Cruise Ships Stranded in the Arabian Gulf?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Arabian Gulf to the wider ocean. Right now, it’s considered unsafe for international ships. Because of this, six cruise ships have been stuck in the region since late February 2026.

These ships had big plans — European summers, Mediterranean islands, and Scandinavian fjords. But with no clear date to leave the Gulf safely, cruise lines have had to cancel sailings through April. Most ships are now targeting early May to get back on track.

Which Ships Are Stranded?

MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises)

The MSC Euribia is currently docked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. MSC Cruises cancelled the rest of its Arabian Gulf season in early March. The massive ship holds up to 5,400 guests and was supposed to spend the summer sailing to the Norwegian Fjords. It’s now expected to restart service on May 2, 2026, departing from Kiel, Germany.

Celestyal Journey (Celestyal Cruises)

The Celestyal Journey is currently sitting in Doha, Qatar. Celestyal Cruises cancelled all Mediterranean sailings for this ship through the end of April. The 1,260-passenger ship is now scheduled to return to Greece on May 2, 2026. Upcoming itineraries include the Greek Islands and the Adriatic Sea.

Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)

Also stuck in Dubai, the Celestyal Discovery faces the same problem as its sister ship. Celestyal stated it “has been unable to start the ship’s repositioning back to Europe as intended.” All Eastern Mediterranean sailings have been cancelled through April. The Discovery is now expected to welcome passengers back in Lavrion, Greece, on May 1, 2026.

Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises)

The Mein Schiff 4 is currently docked in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Its planned repositioning cruise through Africa to the Mediterranean was recently cancelled. The ship is now set to restart service on May 1, 2026, departing from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. A full summer season in the Mediterranean is planned after that.

Mein Schiff 5 (TUI Cruises)

TUI Cruises has a second ship stranded in the region. The Mein Schiff 5 is currently in Doha, Qatar. Its Arabian Gulf season was cancelled in early March. The 97,000-ton ship is now expected to begin its Eastern Mediterranean season on May 1, 2026, starting in Heraklion, Greece.

Aroya (Aroya Cruises)

The Aroya had just wrapped up its first-ever Arabian Gulf cruise when its season was cut short. The Saudi-based ship is currently docked in Dubai. It was originally supposed to sail from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar through May. The Aroya is now scheduled to kick off a spring Red Sea season on May 14, 2026, departing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

What Does This Mean for Cruisers?

If you had a cruise booked on any of these ships before May 2026, your sailing was likely cancelled. Each cruise line has been working to notify affected passengers directly. It’s worth checking your email and your cruise line’s website for the latest updates on refunds or rebooking options.

The good news? All six ships are planning to return to service in early May. Summer itineraries in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea are still on track — for now.