MSC Cruises has cancelled the remaining cruises of the MSC Euribia in the Middle East as escalating tensions across the region continue to disrupt both maritime and aviation operations.
The cruise line confirmed that the final three departures of the ship’s winter programme from Dubai scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 March 2026 will no longer take place. The decision follows earlier cancellations of sailings due to depart on 28 February and 7 March, bringing the entire remainder of the season to an abrupt end.
“Following the sudden security events that began this Saturday in the Middle East, we must cancel your upcoming cruise,” MSC Cruises told booked guests in a letter. “Your safety and wellbeing are always our highest priority.”
Ship remains docked in Dubai
The MSC Euribia is currently docked in the port of Dubai, where it has remained since the conflict escalated across the region. According to a statement shared with Travel Tomorrow, the situation on board remains calm.
“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew, and we continue to follow the guidance of the regional military authorities for the ship to remain in the port of Dubai,” the company said in a statement.
Guests currently on board still have access to all ship facilities while the company coordinates onward travel.
“The situation on board remains calm. Guests have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to ensure a high standard of care, comfort and support for both guests and crew,” the statement added.
Disruptions across sea and air travel
The cancellations come amid wider disruption to travel across the Middle East following the escalation of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Airspace closures across several countries have severely affected regional aviation. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad and flydubai have begun cautiously resuming a limited number of services, primarily aimed at repatriating stranded passengers. However, the scale of disruption means hundreds of thousands of travellers remain affected.
MSC Cruises said it is working with airlines to help guests return home as flights gradually resume.
“Given the significant backlog and the scale of disruption, airlines are currently progressing with new flights in a methodical manner, and this process will take time,” the company noted.
The cruise line added that it remains in contact with embassies and foreign ministries to ensure they have up to date information about their nationals on board and to coordinate possible repatriation arrangements.
Full refunds for cancelled cruises
Passengers booked on the cancelled sailings will receive full refunds for the cruise fare paid to MSC Cruises. However, independently arranged travel costs such as flights or hotel bookings must be addressed directly with the relevant providers.
Other cruise operators have also been affected. German cruise line TUI Cruises has cancelled several Middle East sailings of Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, citing the same security concerns.
European season unchanged
Despite the disruptions in the Gulf, MSC Cruises says there are currently no changes to MSC Euribia’s upcoming European deployment.
The ship is scheduled to begin its summer season in northern Europe on 2 May 2026, departing from Kiel, Germany. The programme will include seven night itineraries from Kiel and Copenhagen visiting Norwegian fjord destinations such as Geiranger, Ålesund, Hellesylt and Flåm.
In October 2026, the vessel will reposition to Barcelona to begin Mediterranean sailings through early 2027, before returning to northern Europe the following spring.
At present, the ship is not scheduled to return to the Middle East before at least the end of 2027, highlighting the uncertainty facing cruise operations in the region as geopolitical tensions continue to affect international travel.
