Passenger interest in Arabian Gulf sailings is declining as uncertainty persists over when cruise ships can safely return to the region amid the Iran conflict. Six cruise ships stranded in the area managed to escape through the Strait of Hormuz on 17 April. All passengers and most crew members were evacuated and flown home before this point, although some had to remain on board for several days. Only essential navigation crew stayed behind.
Current Situation for Middle East Cruises
It remains unclear when most cruise ships will resume operations in the region. Prior to the outbreak of war, destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai had become increasingly popular with passengers. Cruise lines including Celestyal and MSC Cruises had even begun home-porting ships there during the winter season. The idea was to offer winter sun in an alternative to the Mediterranean without requiring travel as far as the Caribbean.
However, as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, many passengers are questioning whether booking a future cruise to the region is wise. Some cruise lines are still accepting bookings for Gulf stops next winter, while Nile River cruises in Egypt continue to operate without issues.
Can You Book a Middle East Cruise?
Passengers hoping for a winter sun Gulf ocean cruise may need to put their plans on hold or prepare for last-minute changes. MSC Cruises and its luxury brand Explora Journeys have already cancelled their winter sailings for 2026/27, but no updates have been provided for 2027/28. A Seabourn sailing that included a stop in Dubai has also been removed from its website.
Some cruise lines still allow passengers to book sailings listing Arabian Gulf and Middle East destinations, but there is a risk that routes may be changed or ports missed if it is unsafe to dock. Celestyal Cruises continues to show Gulf sailings available for booking next winter on its website. A Celestyal spokesperson said the cruise line is currently reviewing its plans for the next winter season and will provide an update in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has a Middle East and Africa cruise departing from Greece in September 2026, including stops in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. An NCL spokesperson confirmed the sailing is currently still going ahead. It is unclear whether these sailings will proceed, be cancelled, or be re-routed closer to the departure date.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Another complication is the Foreign Office travel advice. Currently, Brits are advised against travelling to the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region. This means that if you travel against the advice and require medical support or assistance to return home, your insurance is unlikely to cover you.
Is It Safe to Book a Nile River Cruise?
Conversely, Nile river cruises are continuing as usual. Flights to Egypt have not been affected by airspace restrictions in the Gulf, and river cruise lines report that bookings remain high on the Nile. River cruise line Travelmarvel has a new ship, the Travelmarvel Sirius, launching in the region in September, which is already 80 per cent full with no cancellations.
Managing director Paul Melinis said: "While there may be concern around travel to the wider Middle East, it’s important to understand the geography and reality on the ground. The Nile is hundreds of miles away from any areas of concern and sits within tightly managed tourist corridors. It's a very different picture to what people may be imagining. At Travelmarvel we also offer our book with confidence promise, giving travellers the peace of mind to amend their holiday free of charge up to 100 days before departure, so they can book with confidence and look forward to an extraordinary experience."
Other cruise lines are also continuing operations on the Nile. Jamie Loizou, managing director at AmaWaterways, said: "Our operations in the region have been consistently successful and have continued safely as scheduled. Egypt continues to be a safe and rewarding destination, particularly when explored through a structured river cruise with established routes and trusted local partners."
What Happens If Your Cruise Is Cancelled?
Passengers will typically be offered a refund or credit if a cruise is cancelled, providing some financial protection. Travel insurance is also important to cover other costs such as delays or non-refundable excursions.
If you are still worried about booking a cruise, Chris Pitchford, chief executive of World of Cruising, highlights that cruise lines are experienced at adapting to changing situations. He said: "Unlike land-based travel, ships are not tied to a single destination and can reroute mid-voyage if required. For anyone anxious about a holiday they've worked hard to plan and look forward to, we want to be clear: the cruise industry does not take that lightly. The systems, the experience, and the commitment to passenger safety are all there — and right now, they are being put to work."
