In recent developments, several cruise ships, including the MSC Euribia, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to escalating military tensions in the region. MSC Cruises has expressed uncertainty regarding the departure of its vessels for at least the next two weeks, while discussing potential plans to assist with the evacuation of seafarers trapped in the area.
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Pierfrancesco Vago, the executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, outlined the predicament during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 event. He underscored the company’s current challenge, revealing that the Euribia, along with the Aroya Manara and other vessels, has been docked in Dubai since early March. “We have ships stuck in the Gulf for the time being,” Vago stated, confirming that discussions are ongoing with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to facilitate the evacuation of seafarers.
The instability in the region escalated sharply following a joint attack involving the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple drone and missile strikes across several nations, including Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. As a result, cruise ships in the area have been compelled to remain in port, unable to navigate the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz to reach safer waters.
According to CruiseMapper, the MSC Euribia is presently docked in Dubai, and an MSC Cruises spokesperson confirmed that the ship’s repositioning to Northern Europe has been delayed, leading to the cancellation of upcoming sailings scheduled from Kiel, Germany, on May 9 and 15. The spokesperson also indicated that the ship has reduced its crew to a minimum manning level during this period of uncertainty.
In addition to the Euribia, other cruise ships, including TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 and 5, as well as Celestyal’s Journey and Discovery, are also trapped in ports throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, Qatar. These vessels collectively hold a capacity of approximately 17,000 passengers but remain unable to depart due to the ongoing conflict.
Vago reinforced the importance of having a contingency plan ready for when conditions improve. “We need to stay cool and be ready to move out as soon as the possibility comes by,” he said, indicating a strong commitment to promptly evacuate seafarers whenever safe passage is achievable.
While MSC has addressed its operational challenges, it has not specifically commented on Vago’s earlier remarks regarding the evacuation strategy. However, the International Maritime Organization has provided insights into the wider situation, stating that there are currently six cruise ships among hundreds stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz. The organisation estimates that around 20,000 seafarers are onboard these vessels, many of whom are awaiting a safe route to exit the unstable waters.
An IMO spokesperson communicated that the volume of ship traffic leaving the region has significantly decreased. “No passenger ship has left the region since March 1,” they noted, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Despite this, the IMO has developed an evacuation mechanism, aimed at enabling all ships wishing to depart to do so, provided it is safe for them to navigate.
As MSC Cruises continues to monitor the regional climate and engage with the IMO, the future of the stranded vessels remains uncertain. The hope among crew members and families is for a swift resolution that allows for the safe evacuation of all personnel and the eventual resumption of normal cruise operations once conditions allow.
For now, those aboard the stranded ships are left in limbo, awaiting further developments as maritime authorities and cruise lines coordinate efforts to navigate the complexities posed by the current geopolitical situation.