Cruise operations across the Arabian Gulf were thrown into uncertainty today after rapidly escalating military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran triggered widespread airspace closures and security alerts across the region.

Several major cruise lines confirmed cancellations, suspended departures, and precautionary safety measures as missile and drone activity was reported over parts of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

MSC Cancels Arabian Gulf Departure

MSC Cruises announced it has canceled the March 1, 2026 sailing of MSC Euribia, which had been scheduled to depart Doha. The vessel will instead remain in Dubai while the company reassesses operational conditions.

“Due to the current situation and the air space closure in the Middle East region, we are currently monitoring and reviewing all our operations in the region, and we are in constant contact with the local and national authorities and relevant partners,” MSC Cruises said in a statement. “Our focus is the safety and security of our guests and crew therefore MSC Euribia cruise sailing from Doha tomorrow, 1st March is cancelled and the ship will remain in the port of Dubai.”

The move comes as aviation and maritime operations across the Gulf face disruption. Airlines suspended flights amid airspace closures, and some shipping traffic experienced delays or rerouting.

TUI Cruises Shelters Guests Onboard

Two ships operated by TUI Cruises were in port at the time. Mein Schiff 4 was docked in Abu Dhabi and Mein Schiff 5 was docked in Doha.

Passengers on Mein Schiff 5 reportedly received emergency alerts on their mobile phones instructing them to return to the ship immediately. Shore excursions were canceled, access to open decks was restricted, and guests were advised to remain indoors and away from windows. Similar measures were later reported aboard Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi.

TUI Cruises issued an official statement emphasizing safety as its top priority and confirmed it is coordinating closely with authorities and the security teams of its parent companies, TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group.

By late afternoon, the cruise line confirmed it would not proceed with planned Middle East departures scheduled for February 28, March 1, and March 2.

“As of February 28, 2026 at 6:35 PM, current developments in the Middle East are impacting our cruises on Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5,” the company said. “Against this backdrop, it is currently not responsible to proceed with the aforementioned cruises as planned.”

Guests have been informed directly, and the company said further updates will follow as conditions evolve.

Reports also indicate that multiple inbound flights carrying cruise passengers were turned back or canceled due to regional airspace closures.

Celestyal Pauses Operations

Celestyal Cruises confirmed both of its Gulf based ships, Celestyal Journey in Doha and Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, will remain in port for at least 24 hours while the situation is assessed.

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our highest priority,” the company said in a February 28 update. “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East in coordination with the relevant authorities.”

The cruise line said it is communicating directly with affected guests and travel partners.

Aroya Issues Advisory

Saudi based Aroya Cruises posted on social media that passenger safety remains its utmost priority, advising guests with questions about flights or itineraries to contact travel agents or the company’s support team. The line said guests would be notified immediately of any changes.

Uncertain Outlook for Gulf Cruise Season

With missile interceptions reported over Gulf states and military bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates targeted, cruise lines now face mounting operational challenges in a region that has become an increasingly popular winter deployment market.

Airspace closures complicate both passenger embarkations and repatriation efforts. Cruise lines say they are working with local authorities and security officials to ensure guests can return home safely.

For now, multiple ships remain docked while companies evaluate next steps.

How long the disruption will last and what it means for the remainder of the Middle East cruise season remains unclear.