Several leading international cruise companies have announced the cancellation of their remaining 2025–26 winter cruise deployments in the Arabian Gulf, citing ongoing security concerns and operational challenges in the region.
Cruise operators say the decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers and crew while closely following guidance from regional authorities and international travel advisories.
MSC Cruises Ends Gulf Season Early
MSC Cruises confirmed that it has cancelled the remainder of its Middle East season. The company’s vessel MSC Euribia had been scheduled to operate several additional voyages in the Arabian Gulf, with planned stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.
The cruise line stated that the move was taken to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of guests and crew while monitoring the evolving regional situation.
Celestyal Cruises Adjusts Operations
Similarly, Celestyal Cruises has cancelled the remaining sailings of its winter season in the Arabian Gulf. The company operates two ships in the region — Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.
Due to the situation, the vessels have remained in the region longer than planned, which also led to the cancellation of the first cruises of the season in the Eastern Mediterranean. The company is currently finalizing arrangements to reposition the ships back to Europe.
TUI Cruises Suspends Multiple Voyages
Germany-based TUI Cruises also announced the suspension of sailings in the Gulf region. The company’s ships Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 were scheduled to operate voyages in the region.
Following updated travel and safety advice from the German Federal Foreign Office, cruises onboard Mein Schiff 4 through March 23, 2026, and voyages of Mein Schiff 5 through March 12, 2026, have been cancelled.
Other Cruise Lines Follow Similar Steps
New cruise brand Aroya Cruises has also cancelled all planned voyages for the 2025–26 season in the Arabian Gulf due to ongoing operational considerations and regional developments.
Meanwhile, well-established cruise operators Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises had already announced the cancellation of their Gulf seasons earlier. The ships Costa Toscana and AIDAprima were originally scheduled to operate itineraries in the region between November 2025 and March 2026.
Industry experts note that the cancellations highlight the cruise industry’s cautious approach as companies continue to monitor the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the region.
Cruise lines have assured guests that they are working closely with travellers and travel partners to offer alternative itineraries, rebooking options, or refunds where applicable.