Celestyal, MSC Cruises cancel remaining winter Gulf sailings

Celestyal cancellations

Celestyal had two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, in the Gulf, operating sailings from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Earlier this week, voyages due to depart on 2 March were cancelled on both ships following airspace closures after strikes in the Gulf, with passengers offered full refunds or future cruise credits.

 

The line has now extended the cancellations to cover the remaining four cruises in the winter season. Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens as scheduled to begin its Mediterranean programme. Guests booked to depart from Doha on 7 and 14 March, and from Dubai on 9 and 16 March, will again be offered a full refund or cruise credit to use on future sailings. 

 

The line has now extended the cancellations to cover the remaining four cruises in the winter season. Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens as scheduled to begin its Mediterranean programme. Guests booked to depart from Doha on 7 and 14 March, and from Dubai on 9 and 16 March, will again be offered refunds or credits.

 

A Celestyal spokesperson said: “We continue to follow developments in the Middle East and remain in regular contact with the relevant authorities. Throughout this period, our focus has been and continues to be the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. 

 

“With the cancellation of the remaining scheduled sailings, our Arabian Gulf season will now conclude. Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean.”

MSC cancellations

MSC Cruises has also confirmed the suspension of operations for MSC Euribia, currently docked in Dubai. The line previously cancelled its 7 March sailing and has now withdrawn three additional seven-night itineraries due to depart on 14, 21 and 28 March. 

 

With passengers still on board MSC Euribia in Dubai, the cruise line said it was “working continuously” with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad, to identify and secure return flights for its guests, as well as working on other solutions. 

 

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An MSC spokesperson said: “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.”

 

TUI Cruises has also confirmed disruptions to its Arabian Gulf winter season deployments. Mein Schiff 4 remains docked in Abu Dhabi, while Mein Schiff 5 is berthed in Doha. The line said it is coordinating with airlines to arrange passengers’ return journeys, citing “the continuing dynamic situation in the region and limited flight connections". 

 

TUI’s remaining March departures, scheduled for 28 February and 1 and 2 March from Dubai and Doha, were cancelled.

 

For information on the latest flight suspensions across the Gulf, click here