Six cruise ships are still sitting idle in the Persian Gulf, unable to move as the ongoing Middle East conflict keeps key waterways locked down.
These vessels, operated by major companies, remain docked in cities like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Because they would need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to reach safer waters, cruise lines have opted to keep them in place while monitoring security risks.
At the height of the disruption, about 15,000 passengers were stranded across the region. However, cruise operators acted fast to get travelers home. Charter flights and emergency arrangements were organized, and most guests have since safely returned.
Companies are now dealing with the ripple effects.
MSC Cruises confirmed it launched a “dedicated flight operation” that included at least five charter flights to repatriate guests. TUI Group also shared that passengers were transported home through 12 airline flights and 26 additional charter flights.
Still, the ships themselves have not budged.
Because of the ongoing situation, multiple sailings have already been canceled through April, and some cruise lines have adjusted entire seasonal schedules. One company has even scrapped the rest of its cruise season altogether.
So while passengers made it back home, the bigger issue remains parked overseas.
