Cruise Passengers Stranded on Ships in Dubai Describe ‘Scary’ Uncertainty as Family Members Are ‘Worried Sick’

**Cruise Passengers Stranded Amid Middle East Tensions**

Passengers aboard several cruise ships in the Middle East are facing an unsettling situation as military conflicts and restricted airspace impede their return home. Though many describe the experience as “scary,” onboard conditions remain relatively calm, with entertainment continuing throughout the ordeal.

Lesley Ballantyne, a Scottish holidaymaker, shared her experience with CNN, recounting how she received an alarming alert in the early hours of Saturday morning concerning potential missile threats. The alert advised her to seek immediate shelter. Peering outside her cabin window on the MSC Cruises’ Euribia, she saw nothing but the twinkling lights of the Dubai port. Two days later, Ballantyne and her fellow passengers found themselves still docked, as the ship was unable to depart due to the ongoing instability in the region.

Many of these travellers boarded their vessels in the Persian Gulf prior to a recent coordinated military operation involving the United States and Israel against Iran. With the airspace either closed or heavily restricted and vessels barred from navigating the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, the passengers are left without a clear path for returning home.

Fellow passenger Sharon Cockram echoed Ballantyne’s sentiments, expressing disbelief at finding herself caught up in such a situation. “Never, never, ever did we think we’d get caught up in something like this,” she remarked, adding that it is usually the sort of news viewers witness from the comfort of their living rooms. Cockram is particularly anxious to return to the UK, where her daughter is coming close to giving birth. “Our daughter in the U.K. is worried sick,” she noted.

In addition to the Euribia, several other vessels are also stranded in the region, including the Celestyal Cruises’ Journey, which is docked in Doha, and TUI’s Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, located in Abu Dhabi and Doha, respectively. Despite a “critical” risk assessment issued by the Joint Maritime Information Center, both Cockram and Ballantyne reported feeling safe on board their ship and expressed a willingness to remain until the cruise line deems it safe to leave.

“It’s quite scary,” Cockram said. “But as the days are going on, you think, ‘Well, it’s been okay up to now, so hopefully it will be okay until we’re able to go home.’” This sentiment reflects a sense of cautious optimism shared by many passengers.

In a statement to PEOPLE, MSC Cruises outlined their commitment to assisting passengers in returning home. The company is collaborating with regional airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, to secure return flights, including the possibility of chartered flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat, Oman. MSC stated, “We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners,” while airlines indicated they would prioritise passengers based on their original flight dates.

The cruise line described the environment on board as “calm,” assuring that guests have continued access to all the ship’s facilities and services. Onboard entertainment has also continued without interruption. For example, despite the tension, a scheduled “white party” took place on Monday night, where passengers dressed in all-white attire to enjoy food, drinks, and dancing.

Ballantyne highlighted the importance of distractions during such an uncertain time, stating, “We are literally stuck and can’t go anywhere, so having the opportunity to be distracted is really valuable.” Yet, she acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognising that it could change at any moment.

“I feel for the people being directly affected by conflict… and their families,” she added. “There’s no winners in war, and I can’t see where the end point of this will be.” As the situation continues to develop, many remain hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow them to return home safely.