Two cruise ships sidelined for weeks by escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf are now nearing a return to service, as TUI Cruises works to restart operations in the Mediterranean.
The cruise ships Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 4, are currently sailing around Africa after avoiding the Suez Canal, following a regional conflict that disrupted cruise operations and forced widespread cancellations.
Mein Schiff 5 is scheduled to arrive today in Cape Town where it will make an operational stop to refuel, take on provisions, and begin rebuilding its crew. The ship had been operating with a reduced workforce after the outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf.
According to the company, crew members will return in two phases. The first group will board in Cape Town, while a second group is scheduled to join the vessel roughly two weeks later in Valletta. Preparations are already underway to ready the ship for its restart, including onboarding procedures and training for incoming crew.
Shortly after, Mein Schiff 4 is also expected to arrive in Cape Town, with an estimated arrival on Wednesday morning. The ship is traveling at a slower pace, as it is scheduled to resume passenger operations sooner than its sister vessel. After completing their stopover, both ships will cross the Atlantic and head back toward Europe.
The final Mediterranean stop before welcoming passengers again will be Valletta on May 13. Mein Schiff 5 is then scheduled to restart cruises on May 15 from Heraklion, marking the beginning of its delayed summer season. Mein Schiff 4 is expected to follow with Adriatic itineraries departing from Trieste later in May.
The ships had been stranded in the Gulf region for approximately seven weeks after security concerns effectively halted cruise traffic. On April 18, both vessels seized the opportunity presented by a ceasefire to transit the Strait of Hormuz at high speed, in coordination with regional authorities.
The disruption has come at a significant cost. TUI Cruises estimates financial losses from the conflict at around €40 million ($43 million). In March, the company repatriated approximately 5,000 passengers who had been aboard the affected ships when operations were suspended.
