MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey were among the ships that have been stuck in ports across the region for the duration of the Iran war, which began on 28 February. Tracking data from MarineTraffic.com shows Euribia, Discovery and Journey are all currently sailing south away from the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran announced the strait was open to commercial vessels on Friday (17 April). However, just a few hours later on Saturday, the BBC reported a tanker had come under fire from two gunboats operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The IRGC said the key shipping route would stay closed until the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. US forces, meanwhile, have said they will intercept or turn back vessels travelling to or from Iran's coast.

Before the strait closed again, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) commented on the importance of the shipping route, saying: "The strait underpins not only energy supply chains but also aviation, cruise operations and global connectivity."

On Saturday (18 April), MSC Cruises confirmed Euribia had departed Dubai and safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz. "[It] is now en route to Northern Europe," the line said. "The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities."

The 6,327-passenger will be able to start its summer season on 16 May "sooner than previously anticipated" with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.

"Guests whose cruises were cancelled will have the option to transfer their booking to this sailing should they wish, and will be contacted directly with further details," MSC added.  

'Extensive' plans

Celestyal confirmed in a statement that Discovery and Journey had also transited through the Strait of Hormuz.

On 17 April, Discovery became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf, while Journey successfully navigated the same passage, "heading a wider convoy of cruise vessels departing the region using the established corridor", the following day. 

The line confirmed "plans were developed through extensive coordination with key authorities and security stakeholders".

It added: "Following their successful transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they will commence the upcoming summer season as planned."

Tui Cruises' Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 have also successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The line said: "We would like to thank the captains and crews, as well as all those involved who supported and enabled the safe passage with great professionalism and prudence.

"The focus is now on the onward journey of the ships towards the Mediterranean. Further details regarding the route and timing will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed."