Swiss Italian luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, a sub-brand of MSC Cruises, has cancelled all its Explora II winter 2026-27 sailings in the Gulf, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict, and will switch the ship’s itineraries to Mediterranean-only destinations.
The announcement means that Explora cruises planned for Bahrain, Egypt. Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE between November 2026 and March 2027 will now not take place. Instead, passengers will be offered new Western Mediterranean and North African sailings, calling at iconic ports such as Casablanca, sought-after islands like Madeira and Ibiza, as well as some of the Med’s most picturesque settings on Santorini and Capri. Though further details are yet to be confirmed, one season highlight will be the chance to see New Year’s Eve fireworks in Cannes.
Full refunds can be claimed for the cancelled itineraries, or to make up for any potential disappointment, Explora is offering a 10% discount until 30 April for passengers already booked on the cancelled departures who wish to take up a reservation on a new Mediterranean sailing. They will also each benefit from a €433.70 credit to treat themselves to an excursion.
Alternatively affected guests have the option to postpone their Gulf voyages to the winter 2027-28 season, when Exploras I and V are scheduled sail the Middle East and Red Sea. For the Explora V, boasting fuel cell technology, 2027 will be the maiden season, with launch in December of that year.
“This decision has been taken well in advance, following careful consideration and reflecting Explora Journeys’ commitment to providing guests and travel advisors with clarity and confidence as they plan their future Journeys,” Explora said in a notice to guests.
As the statement points out, the move reflects one of the longest-term cancellations yet among a cruise sector already forced by the current conflict to cut short, divert, or cancel dozens of sailings. For some firms, vessels are stuck sheltering in place in Gulf ports, effectively under siege by the tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. That includes Celestyal Cruises whose ships remain in Doha and Dubai, and so are unable to fulfill European operations.
Explora’s owner MSC Cruises also wrote off five sailings after the outbreak of hostilities in the region, including the final three departures of the ship’s winter programme from Dubai scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 March 2026, ending its current winter season early and telling guests: “Your safety and wellbeing are always our highest priority.”
