by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:15 AM ET, Wed March 4, 2026
Update: March 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET
MSC Cruises is now chartering five flights to get guests home. The first flight is scheduled to depart March 5, with nearly 1,000 guests leaving the region by March 7.
In addition, the cruise line said it is "pursuing every available pathway" for the remaining guests, including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.
Update: March 4, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. ET
MSC Cruises unveiled plans to help get impacted travelers
back home safely, as the cruise line continues working with airline partners in
the region—particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways—to identify and secure
return flights.
To speed up repatriation, MSC Cruises is exploring other
options while several airlines remain grounded, including charter flights from
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat.
The cruise line has remained in constant contact with local
authorities, embassies, and foreign offices to support the safe return of travelers.
MSC is providing passengers with regular updates and access to all onboard
services and facilities.
Original Text
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is affecting the cruise industry.
At least two cruise lines—Celestyal Cruises and MSC Cruises—have cancelled sailings.
Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha, Qatar, until March 7, according to an update Celestyal Cruises shared on social media. Guests may choose to remain onboard until that date or disembark. The vessel’s cruise that was scheduled to depart
March 2 has been cancelled.
Meanwhile, Celestyal Discovery is alongside in Dubai. That vessel’s cruise scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on March 2 has also been cancelled. “At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests,” the cruise
line wrote. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted.”
All guests who were supposed to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered a full refund or a future cruise credit.
Similarly, the MSC Euribia will remain in port at Dubai. MSC Cruises has cancelled the vessel’s upcoming cruise departing Dubai on March 7, from Doha on March 8 and from Abu Dhabi on March 11.
"We are actively in contact with embassies and foreign offices to ensure they have the relevant information about their nationals on board and to understand any repatriation plans being developed," a spokesperson for MSC Cruises told Reuters. “Our highest
priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew. The situation on board is calm, and our guests and crew are comfortable and well cared for.”
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