MSC Cruises and Celestyal have axed sailings onboard MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery in the coming days after discussions with national embassies and foreign offices to understand any repatriation plans being developed.
The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, while those in Jordan, Oman, Lebanon and other countries in the region have been warned of heightened regional tensions.
It has been reported by The Guardian and other national titles that government ministers are looking at various evacuation options – including possible overland routes – given many countries have closed their airspace.
Celestyal confirmed it was unable to disembark guests onboard Celestyal Discovery in Dubai "in line with instructions from local authorities".
MSC Euribia is currently based in the Middle East mainly operating seven-day cruises. However, a MSC Cruises spokesperson said on Tuesday (3 March): "Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew, and we continue to follow the guidance of the regional military authorities for the ship to remain in the port of Dubai.
"Following the limited resumption of flights from the region, we are working closely with the airlines to facilitate onward travel for our guests. Given the significant backlog and the scale of disruption, airlines are currently progressing with new flights in a methodical manner, and this process will take time. We are fully engaged with our airline partners and are focused on securing a safe and orderly return home for our guests.
"We continue to remain in contact with embassies and Foreign Offices to ensure they have the relevant information about their nationals on board and to understand any repatriation plans being developed."
The spokesperson added: "At this time, the situation on board remains calm. Guests have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to ensure a high standard of care, comfort and support for both guests and crew."
Celestyal has two ships in the region – Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey. A spokesperson for the line said: "The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.
"We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai 2 March, and the Celestyal Discovery cruise also scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on 2 March, have been cancelled.
"Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until 7 March. Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled Desert Days itinerary. Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until 7 March or disembark in Doha in the interim.
"Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests. We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted."
The spokesperson added: "Guests currently on board will be advised as soon as further information is available. Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi airport.
"All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit. We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements.
"We sincerely apologise to guests for the disruption to their travel plans, and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation."
Get the key cruise trade stories, trends and interviews delivered straight to your inbox every Tuesday.
Meanwhile, David Siewers, chief international sales Officer at Azamara Cruises, said: “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global air travel. At this time, our cruises continue to operate as scheduled.
"Guests whose flights were booked through [booking tool] Azamara Air will be contacted directly should any adjustments be required. We also advise that guests whose flights were not booked through Azamara Air remain in contact with their airline regarding any routing changes.
"Guests who booked air through a travel advisor should connect directly with their advisor for personalised assistance.
"We will of course be continuing to monitor the situation closely, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as our highest priority."
