Cruising the Middle East Again: When Ships Are Finally Returning to These Waters Wait, I need to follow the rules. Let me provide the best one only without a colon. Middle East Cruises Are Making a Comeback and Here Is When Ships Return to Sail

The Strait of Hormuz is open again, and six cruise ships are finally heading back to where they belong. Here’s a look at each ship and what comes next.

Six Cruise Ships Resume Service After Hormuz Reopens

The Strait of Hormuz had been a major problem for cruise ships in the region. Several vessels were stuck waiting, unable to move forward with their planned schedules. Now that the waterway is back open, things are starting to get moving again.

Let’s break down what’s happening with each ship.

MSC Cruises

MSC Euribia

• Status: Heading back to Europe
• First Cruise Back: May 16, 2026, from Kiel, Germany
• Where It’s Going: Northern Europe and Scandinavia

The MSC Euribia is already on its way north. The ship carries up to 4,888 passengers. It will spend the summer offering week-long cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, sailing from Germany and Denmark.

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Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Journey

• Status: Heading back to Europe
• First Cruise Back: May 2, 2026, from Piraeus, Greece
• Where It’s Going: Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands

The Celestyal Journey left Doha on April 17, 2026. It passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is now making its way back to Greece. Guests can expect to board again on May 2, 2026.

Celestyal Discovery

• Status: Heading back to Europe
• First Cruise Back: May 1, 2026, from Lavrion, Greece
• Where It’s Going: Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands

The Celestyal Discovery made history during this situation. It became the first cruise ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East conflicts began. The ship had been docked in Dubai since late February before finally making the crossing.

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TUI Cruises

Mein Schiff 4

• Status: Heading back to Europe
• First Cruise Back: May 17, 2026, from Trieste, Italy
• Where It’s Going: Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic, Croatia, and Greece

The Mein Schiff 4 was one of two TUI Cruises ships stuck in the Middle East. It has now cleared the strait and is on its way to Italy. Guests will board in Trieste starting May 17, 2026.

Mein Schiff 5

• Status: Heading back to Europe
• First Cruise Back: May 15, 2026, from Heraklion, Greece
• Where It’s Going: Eastern Mediterranean, Greek Islands, and Turkey

The Mein Schiff 5 spent nearly two months docked in Qatar. It finally left on April 17, 2026. The ship is sailing with a reduced crew and will travel around Africa before arriving in Greece on May 15, 2026.

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Aroya Cruises

Aroya

• Status: Still in the Arabian Gulf
• First Cruise Back: May 14, 2026, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Where It’s Going: Red Sea in spring, then Eastern Mediterranean in summer

The Aroya is the one ship still in the region. It recently sailed to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and was heading to Fujairah in the UAE with no guests on board. The 3,400-passenger ship is expected to kick off a spring season in the Red Sea on May 14, 2026.

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What This Means for Cruise Travelers

If you had a cruise booked on any of these ships, the wait is almost over. Each vessel has a clear restart date and a set itinerary. It’s a good idea to check directly with your cruise line for any updates to your specific sailing.