MSC Cancels Middle East Cruises as Tensions Rise in Iran

MSC Cruises has cancelled the upcoming 7-day Arabian Gulf sailing of cruise ship, Euribia, as tensions continue to rise in Iran. MSC Euribia was scheduled to leave Doha on March 1, 2026. Instead, the ship will remain in Dubai while safety conditions are evaluated. The ongoing security threats and military strikes have led to widespread airspace disruptions across parts of the Middle East.

As a result of the airspace being closed or limited, flights to or from the cruise port are near impossible. Cruise passengers who have arrived in Dubai after a 7-day cruise out of the port remain in place while the company evaluates the situation and decides on the safest course of action for all passengers and crew.

Euribia is just one of the many vessels currently unable to leave the Middle East. Also stuck in Dubai is Celestyal Discovery, a mid-sized vessel operated by Greek company Celestyal Cruises. One of its sister ships, Celestyal Journey, is docked in Doha. German cruise company TUI has two ships in the region — Mein Schiff 5 in Doha, and Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi, according to CNN.

The Joint Maritime Information Centre recently upgraded its regional risk assessment to “CRITICAL,” its highest level. Maritime traffic in the area has also come to a halt as operators were advised to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for trade routes in and out of the Arabian Gulf.