The conflict in Iran has affected cruise operations in the region. There are at least six medium to large size cruise ships Saturday, February 28 docked in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and in Doha, Qatar. These ships are operated by Aroya, Celestyal Cruises, MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises.

Weekends in the region are often turnaround days, which means that the ships are changing most of their passengers. However, almost all flights are canceled from the major airports in the Persian Gulf and flights heading to the region have been diverted elsewhere.

Dubai Airports, which operates the DXB and DWC airports, made a following statement today at 4:05 pm (local time): “Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as available.”

Meanwhile, Celestyal Cruises provided the following statement: “The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East region in close coordination with the relevant authorities. We will provide updates regarding future sailings departing from March 2 onwards as soon as further information becomes available. We will communicate directly with affected guests and travel partners as required.”

As this is a fluid situation, please check back for updates.

Photo: MSC Euribia is currently docked in Dubai. It is the largest cruise ship in the region

UPDATE 4: CELESTYAL CRUISES:

Celestyal Cruises has canceled all remaining departures of Celestyal Journey.

UPDATE 3: MSC CRUISES:

MSC Cruises has canceled MSC Euribia's departures from Dubai on March 7, from Doha on March 8 and from Abu Dhabi on March 11th.

UPDATE 2: CELESTYAL CRUISES:

Celestyal Cruises has informed that March 2 departures of Celestyal Journey from Dubai and Celestyal Discovery from Abu Dhabi has been canceled. Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until March 7.

UPDATE 1: TUI CRUISES STATEMENT:

Important Information Regarding Current Developments in the Middle East

Status: February 28, 2026 - 6:35 PM

The current developments in the Middle East are impacting our cruises on Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 (departing on February 28, March 1, and March 2). The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority at all times. During the ongoing voyage to Doha for Mein Schiff 5, the German Federal Foreign Office updated its travel and security advice for the entire region and issued travel warnings. Against this backdrop, it is currently not responsible to proceed with the above-mentioned cruises as planned. All guests who are currently on board or had planned to travel have been informed directly and individually.

Please refrain from inquiring about upcoming departures of Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, as we are unable to answer these questions at this time. All booked guests will be informed in a timely manner should further changes become necessary.

Thank you for your understanding in this exceptional situation.