Major cruise lines cancel next winter’s sailings amid Iran war

Passengers are facing more cruise cancellations due to the Iran war, even into next winter.

The winter Arabian Gulf cruise season ended early this year due to the latest Middle East conflict and while guests have managed to return home, the fallout is causing reverberations for other sailings in the coming months.

Celestyal, which was sailing in the region at the beginning of 2026, has this week cancelled Greek island cruises that were due to depart in April as its two ships, Discovery and Journey remain in Dubai and Doha respectively. They will not be able to leave until the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens and is safe to pass through.

All impacted guests have been offered a full refund or a future cruise credit.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Our priority remains the safety and confidence of our guests, crew and partners. While we know this will be disappointing, taking this decision now provides greater clarity and flexibility for those affected.

“Our teams are working closely with guests and travel partners to support rebooking options and ensure a smooth transition, and we remain focused on returning to service in the Mediterranean as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises, whose Euribia ship remains in the region, is taking precautions for next winter. The line has already cancelled itineraries scheduled aboard MSC World Europa around the Middle East from November 2026 until April 2027.

Instead, the cruise ship will operate seven and 14-night routes around the French Antilles, departing from Martinique and visiting Caribbean islands including Antigua, Grenada and Saint Lucia.

This will mark MSC World Europa’s first season in the region and it will replace MSC Seaview, which will be redeployed to Brazil and Argentina.

Guests booked on the MSC Seaview sailings will automatically be switched to MSC World Europa.

Passengers who were due to sail to the Middle East on MSC World Europa in 2026/27 can move their booking to another sailing or request a full refund.

The cruise line said MSC World Europa will return to the Gulf region for the winter 2027/28 season calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Bahrain and Doha.

Other cruise lines have also cancelled their winter 2026/27 Middle East sailings including MSC Cruises’ luxury line Explora Journeys, along with Carnival brands Aida and Costa Cruises.

Read more: Your rights as Middle East cruises disrupted by Iran war