Cruise ships in the port of Barcelona: symbolic image for international cruise itineraries and changed deployments.

Strait of Hormuz: which cruise ships were affected by the Gulf conflict?

The security situation around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted several cruises in the Persian Gulf. Ships operated by international cruise lines including TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises and Aroya Cruises were affected. Many passengers returned home by air after cancellations or itinerary changes, while ships waited for safer onward deployment.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters for cruises

The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the most important maritime passages in the region, not only for cargo and energy traffic but also for cruise itineraries in the Gulf. When the passage is restricted or considered unsafe, cruise destinations in the Orient and Gulf region can be affected quickly.

For guests this usually means uncertainty rather than an emergency at sea. Cruise lines may cancel departures, remove ports, shorten voyages or move ships to different areas. Travellers considering an Orient cruise should therefore check itinerary notes, cancellation terms and possible alternative ports before booking.

Which cruise ships were affected?

The ships most often mentioned in connection with the situation included Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 from TUI Cruises, MSC Euribia from MSC Cruises, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery from Celestyal Cruises, as well as Aroya from Aroya Cruises. The disruption therefore involved several international operators, not only one national market.

Passengers were not rescued from the ships at sea. In most cases, cruise lines arranged flights home after voyages were cancelled, interrupted or changed. Depending on the ship and port situation, returns and transfers were organised via locations outside the immediate crisis area, including Oman or Saudi Arabia.

How the cruise lines reacted

TUI Cruises adjusted voyages with Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 and cancelled selected departures. For affected guests, refunds, rebooking options and organised return travel became the central issues. Later deployments could again be planned more strongly towards Mediterranean waters.

MSC Cruises had to review the follow-up programme of MSC Euribia. For many travellers, European departures then became more relevant, especially sailings from Kiel, Copenhagen and other Northern European ports. Travellers comparing operators can use the overview of cruise lines to place the changes in context.

Celestyal Cruises moved its ships away from the Gulf region and towards the Mediterranean. Aroya Cruises cancelled Orient sailings and focused more strongly on departures from safer Red Sea ports. The case shows how quickly international cruise operators may need to move capacity when a key maritime passage becomes uncertain.

Which routes are in demand now?

Many travellers are looking for more predictable alternatives. Mediterranean cruises, Northern Europe routes, cruises from German ports and selected Red Sea itineraries are receiving more attention. The overview of cruise ships can also help, because deployment changes depend heavily on the ship and season.

AIDA, Costa, MSC, TUI Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to offer many itineraries outside the Persian Gulf. Travellers booking at short notice should compare not only prices, but also route stability, replacement ports and rebooking conditions.

What cruise guests should check before booking

Before choosing a Gulf or Orient cruise, guests should read current travel advice, cruise line updates and insurance conditions. Flexible cancellation or rebooking rules, clear return-travel information and transparent communication about missed ports are especially important.

For many holidaymakers, Mediterranean cruises, Northern Europe and departures from Central European ports are currently easier to plan. Those still interested in an Orient cruise should follow the situation closely until shortly before departure.

Photo: Alesia Belaya

Date: 28/06/2026