A number of cruise lines have cancelled their voyages in the Middle East this week following the Israeli-United States strikes on Iran.
Celestyal Cruises’ two ships, Celestyal Discovery (pictured) and Celestyal Journey, are currently in the midst of their Arabian Gulf season, with both ships’ voyages this week cancelled.
Both vessels were set to depart later today, with Discovery sailing from Abu Dhabi and Journey departing from Dubai.
Discovery is currently unable to disembark guests, Celestyal told media in a statement, due to instructions from local authorities, following retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran over the weekend.
Celestyal will transfer passengers to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, once their disembarkation is approved.
Meanwhile, Journey is currently stuck in Doha, where she will remain alongside until Sat.
Celestyal plans to resume Journey’s Arabian Gulf season from this weekend, if possible.
The ship’s current guests have been given the option to disembark in Doha or to remain on board until Sat.
“All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit,” a Celestyal statement said.
“We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements.”
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises cancelled its sailing aboard MSC Euribia, which was set to depart from Doha over the weekend.
The vessel was to sail on a seven-day Arabian Gulf itinerary, but will instead now stay alongside in Dubai.
The cruise line said in a statement it is reviewing and monitoring all of its operations in the region.
Other cruise lines currently affected include TUI Cruises and Aroya Cruises. MS
