Six Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf

Six Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf

Six cruise ships remain stuck in the Arabian Gulf after their operations in the region were halted in late February.

With the Strait of Hormuz virtually closed to international maritime traffic, the vessels are unable to leave the area and start repositioning voyages to other parts of the world.

MSC Euribia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises

Current Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: May 2, 2026, from Kiel, Germany
Upcoming Itineraries: Northern Europe and Scandinavia

Docked at the port of Dubai since February 27, 2026, the MSC Euribia is scheduled to resume service in Northern Europe on May 2, 2026.

As the largest ship currently in the Arabian Gulf, the 5,400-passenger vessel is set to spend the summer offering seven-night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords departing from Germany and Denmark.

Celestyal Journey
Cruise Line: Celestyal Cruises
Current Location: Doha, Qatar
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: April 4, 2026, from Piraeus, Greece
Upcoming Itineraries: Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands

While all passengers were able to safely disembark the ship earlier this month, the Celestyal Journey remains docked in Doha, Qatar.

The 1993-built vessel is so far scheduled to embark on a repositioning voyage to Greece ahead of kicking off a series of itineraries to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands on April 4, 2026.

Celestyal Discovery
Cruise Line: Celestyal Cruises
Current Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: April 3, 2026, from Lavrion, Greece
Upcoming Itineraries: Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands

Set to spend the summer in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Celestyal Discovery is another ship currently docked at the port of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

After having four of its sailings in Europe cancelled due to the situation, the 1,360-passenger ship is currently scheduled to welcome guests back on April 3, 2026, in Lavrion, Greece.

Mein Schiff 4
Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
Current Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: April 11, 2026, from Cape Town, South Africa
Upcoming Itineraries: Repositioning voyage via Africa, followed by summer in the Eastern Mediterranean

The Mein Schiff 4 from TUI Cruises is currently docked at the port of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

While the first leg of its repositioning cruise was cancelled earlier this month, the vessel is still scheduled to offer the second segment of its voyage.

Sailing from South Africa to Spain, the 20-night cruise is set to depart from Cape Town on April 11, 2026, and will be followed by a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Mein Schiff 5
Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
Current Location: Doha, Qatar
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: April 17, 2026, from Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Upcoming Itineraries: Eastern Mediterranean, Greek Islands and Turkey

The Mein Schiff 5 is also stranded in the Arabian Gulf after the remainder of its season in the region was cancelled in late February.

Currently docked in Doha, the 2,500-passenger ship had its repositioning voyages cancelled and is now scheduled to welcome guests back in Spain on April 17, 2026.

Aroya
Cruise Line: Aroya Cruises
Current Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Next Scheduled Cruise Departure: May 14, 2026, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Upcoming Itineraries: Spring Season in the Red Sea followed by summer in the Eastern Mediterranean

Initially set to operate in the region between February and May, the Aroya completes the lineup of cruise ships in the Arabian Gulf.

Docked in Dubai, the Aroya Cruises vessel is slated to resume revenue service on May 14, kicking off a spring season in the Red Sea with itineraries departing from Saudi Arabia.

Aroya Announces Return to the Red Sea

Aroya Announces Return to the Red Sea

Aroya Cruises announced that it is returning to the Red Sea in September, with a new season of sailings departing from its homeport of Jeddah.

The company said that the new itineraries will take guests to some of the most captivating destinations in the region, including the private island of Jabal Al Sabaya and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

After debuting in the region in late June, Aroya is currently completing a summer deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sailing from Galataport Istanbul, Aroya offered a series of weeklong cruises to destinations in Türkiye, Greece and Egypt.

“Our first Mediterranean season has been a significant milestone for Aroya Cruises, attracting guests from across the region and internationally,” said Aroya’s President, Joerg Rudolph.

“As we return to the Red Sea, we are building on this success with new itineraries that highlight the region’s culture, stunning landscapes, and renowned Arabian hospitality. With the new season, we continue our commitment to creating memorable journeys for both first-time cruisers and returning guests.”

Aroya’s summer season in the Mediterranean ends with an eight-night repositioning voyage that will sail from Istanbul to Jeddah on Sep. 12, 2025.

Ahead of launching its new season in the Red Sea, the Aroya is set to visit Kuşadası, Bodrum, the Suez Canal and Sharm El Sheikh.

Starting on September 20, 2025, the company offers three-, four-, and five-night cruises to the private island of Jabal Al Sabaya, as well as the Egyptian ports of Safaga (Hurghada) and Sharm El-Sheikh.

The Aroya is also set to make visits to Marsa Alam, which will be part of a newly launched itinerary. Other highlights of the season include a new interporting operation in Safaga, available on select departures.

According to the company, the new embarkation port provides added flexibility for travellers and creates new opportunities to experience Aroya’s Red Sea offering directly from Egypt’s coast.

Aroya added that its cruises in the region are designed for both regional guests seeking short escapes and international guests looking to discover the Red Sea.

“The itineraries showcase the diversity of the region’s coastlines and cultural landmarks, delivered with Saudi Arabia’s renowned Hafawa hospitality and the distinctive onboard experience that defines an Aroya journey,” the company stated.

Aroya also confirmed its return to Türkiye in 2026 and 2027 for extended seasons in the Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Aroya Set For First Season in the Mediterranean

Aroya Cruises is ready to begin its inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean later this month.

The Aroya recently arrived at the company’s new homeport in Istanbul after embarking on a repositioning voyage from Jeddah.

The 3,400-guest ship is now set to undergo some routine maintenance before kicking off its inaugural cruise from the Galataport on June 28, 2025.

“We’re excited to be bringing Aroya to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer,” said Dr. Joerg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises.

“Aroya Cruises first set sail just six months ago, and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season,” he added.

As part of its inaugural season in the region, the Aroya will offer a series of six- and seven-night cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Extending through September, the season includes two itineraries to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, such as Kas, Bodrum, Marmaris, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Alexandria and Souda Bay.

According to Aroya, the product blends iconic destinations with its Arabian-inspired onboard experience.

“The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for Aroya Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe,” the company stated in a press release.

Aroya also celebrated the successful completion of its maiden season in the Red Sea, which started in December 2024.

Sailing from Jeddah, the company welcomed more than 70,000 guests onboard for sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach.

Originally in service for Dream Cruises, the Aroya was acquired by the company in late 2023 and underwent a year-long refurbishment before launching service for its new owners.

AROYA and Cruise Saudi Reveal Rendering of Cruise Ship

AROYA and Cruise Saudi Reveal Rendering of Cruise Ship

AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has unveiled the renderings for the first cruise ship in its fleet, which was the former World Dream.

The 335-meter-long ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor the ship to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers, the company said in a statement.

Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are delighted to sail into the new year with the unveiling of our first AROYA Cruises ship. This marks an exciting milestone for Cruise Saudi in creating a world-class cruise industry in Saudi, whilst offering a new way to holiday in the Kingdom for locals. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers onboard.”

AROYA Cruises will set sail from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024.

The company said the ship will offer “exceptional onboard service, an eclectic culinary offering, and a sensational activities program, guests aboard AROYA Cruises’ will enjoy a unique remarkably Arabian hospitality experience that reflects the warm and welcoming values of Saudi culture.”

Cruise Saudi Launches Arabian Cruise Experience: Aroya Cruises

Cruise Saudi Launches Arabian Cruise Experience: Aroya Cruises

Cruise Saudi, a 100 per cent Public Investment Fund-owned business, has announced the launch of its own cruise line, AROYA Cruises.

Combining the words “Arabian” & “roya” (meaning vision or dream), AROYA Cruises will offer Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Saudi from the sea, the company said.

The line is expected to start operating with the former 3,500-guest Genting World Dream, which it purchased at auction late last year.

With a commitment to showcasing Arabian experiences, AROYA Cruises will reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, providing an immersive journey, designed and tailored to reflect its brand values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity and respect.

AROYA Cruises is committed to an exceptional passenger experience and will offer the highest standard of service, facilities and shore excursion program culminating in a unique offering in the region.

“This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030,” said Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi. “AROYA Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.”

The launch of AROYA Cruises’ will be led by Ghassan Khan. The brand will be managed as a separate business unit supporting the fulfilment of Cruise Saudi’s strategic goals of welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035 and providing 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Ghassan Khan added: “This is an extremely exciting time. It is a privilege to bring this cruise line to launch as a core element of Saudi’s development as an international cruising destination.”

AROYA Cruises itineraries and packages are currently under development and will be announced at its commercial launch to be held in the coming months.