Can you still book Middle East cruises – and is it safe?

Passenger interest in Arabian Gulf sailings is dropping as questions remain about when cruise ships can return to the region amid the Iran conflict.

Six cruise ships stranded in region escaped through the Strait of Hormuz on 17 April. All passengers and most of the crew were evacuated and flown home before this point, although some had to stay on board for several days. Only the essential crew for navigation remained.

It is unclear when most cruise ships will return to the region.

Prior to the outbreak of war, destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai were becoming popular with passengers. Cruise lines such as Celestyal and MSC Cruises had even begun home-porting ships there during the winter.

The idea was that cruise guests could get some winter sun in an alternative destination to the Mediterranean without having to go as far as the Caribbean.

But as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, many passengers may query if booking a future cruise to the region is wise.

Some cruise lines are still taking bookings that stop in the Gulf next winter, while Nile River cruises in Egypt are continuing to operate with no issues.

Here is what you need to know about booking a Middle East cruise.

Can you book a Middle East cruise?

Passengers hoping for a winter sun Gulf ocean cruise may have to put their plans on hold or prepare for last-minute changes.

MSC Cruises and its luxury brand Explora Journeys have already cancelled their winter sailings for 2026/27 but there are no updates yet for 2027/28.

A sailing from Seabourn that stopped in Dubai has also been removed from its website.

Some cruise lines will still allow passengers to book sailings that list Arabian Gulf and Middle East destinations but the risk is that passengers may find that routes are changed or ports are missed if it is unsafe to dock.

Celestyal Cruises is still showing Gulf sailings to book next winter on its website.

A Celestyal spokesperson said that the cruise line is currently reviewing its plans for the next winter season and will provide an update in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has a Middle East and Africa cruise that departs from Greece in September 2026 and includes stops in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

An NCL spokesperson said the sailing is currently still going ahead.

It is unclear if these will go ahead or be cancelled or re-routed closer to the time.

Another complication is Foreign Office travel advice. Currently, Brits are advised against travelling to the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region.

This means that if you travel against the advice and need medical support or help to get home, your insurance is unlikely to cover you.

Read more: The most popular destinations for UK cruise passengers

Is it safe to book a Nile river cruise?

Conversely, Nile river cruises are continuing as usual.

Flights to Egypt haven’t been affected by airspace restrictions in the Gulf and river cruise lines are reporting that bookings remain high on the Nile.

River cruise line Travelmarvel has a new ship,Travelmarvel Sirius, that is launching in region in September and is 80 per cent full with no cancellations.

Its managing director Paul Melinis said: “While there may be concern around travel to the wider Middle East, it’s important to understand the geography and reality on the ground. The Nile is hundreds of miles away from any areas of concern and sits within tightly managed tourist corridors, it's a very different picture to what people may be imagining.

“At Travelmarvel we also offer our book with confidence promise, giving travellers the peace of mind to amend their holiday free of charge up to 100 days before departure, so they can book with confidence and look forward to an extraordinary experience.”

Other cruise lines are also continuing on the Nile.

Jamie Loizou, a managing director at AmaWaterways, said: “Our operations in the region have been consistently successful and have continued safely as scheduled. Egypt continues to be a safe and rewarding destination, particularly when explored through a structured river cruise with established routes and trusted local partners.”

Read more: The best river cruises around the world

What happens if your cruise is cancelled?

Passengers will typically be offered a refund or credit if a cruise is cancelled so that should provide some support.

Travel insurance is also important to cover other costs such as delays or if you can’t get a refund for excursions.

If you are still worried about booking a cruise, Chris Pitchford, chief executive of World of Cruising, highlights that cruise lines are experienced at adapting to changing situations.

He said: “Unlike land-based travel, ships are not tied to a single destination and can reroute mid-voyage if required.

“For anyone anxious about a holiday they've worked hard to plan and look forward to, we want to be clear: the cruise industry does not take that lightly. The systems, the experience, and the commitment to passenger safety are all there — and right now, they are being put to work."

Read more: Passenger rights if your cruise is cancelled