Cruise lines are restarting normal operations after vessels delayed by the Iran conflict and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz successfully exited the Arabian Gulf and set course for Europe.
Malta-flagged Celestyal Discovery became the first cruise ship to pass through the strait since the outbreak of hostilities, departing Dubai on Friday, April 17. Celestyal Cruises confirmed that sister ship Celestyal Journey also left Doha, with both vessels completing a “safe and successful” transit.
The line said both ships are now repositioning to the Mediterranean to kick off their summer programs as scheduled, adding that all upcoming sailings will operate as planned, offering reassurance to guests and trade partners.
MSC Cruises reported its ship MSC Euribia has also cleared the Strait of Hormuz after departing Dubai. The vessel is now heading to Northern Europe and is due to sail from Kiel on May 16 and Copenhagen on May 17, in line with its original schedule.
Meanwhile, TUI Cruises confirmed that Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 have departed Dubai and Doha respectively on the week-end. Both ships are now en route to the Mediterranean via Cape Town before returning to their regular itineraries.
As a result, previously canceled sailings from Trieste on May 17 (Mein Schiff 4) and Heraklion on May 15 (Mein Schiff 5) are back on track.
TUI Cruises CEO Wybcke Meier praised crews and staff for navigating the disruption with professionalism and care, noting the company is now able to fully restore its planned deployment.
Crew rotations will take place in Cape Town and Malta as the ships are readied for service, with guests expected to embark as scheduled in Trieste and Heraklion.
