Cruise ships stranded in the Arabian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in Iran have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.
On April 17, Iranian authorities announced the strait had reopened, creating a limited window for vessel movements after a two-week ceasefire declared on April 7. However, Iran stated on April 18 that it would close the strait again in response to a decision by the U.S. government to maintain its blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
MSC Euribia Exits Strait, Resumes Schedule
In a statement, MSC Cruises confirmed that MSC Euribia departed Dubai and “safely transited the Strait of Hormuz,” and is now en route to Northern Europe. The cruise line noted that the passage was completed in close coordination with authorities.
As a result, MSC Euribia is expected to resume its Northern Europe season earlier than previously anticipated. Guests impacted by cancellations will have the option to transfer their bookings to the ship’s May departures and will be contacted directly with further details.
Celestyal Vessels Complete Transit
Celestyal Cruises also confirmed the safe transit of both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the company, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf on April 17. The sailing followed a coordinated voyage plan developed in collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams.
“This movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow,” the company said in a statement.
Celestyal Journey, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos, completed the same passage on April 18 under similarly coordinated conditions involving key authorities and security stakeholders.
Following their transit, both Celestyal vessels are repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they are scheduled to begin their summer deployment. The cruise line confirmed that all future sailings currently on sale will operate as scheduled, providing continuity for guests and travel advisors as operations shift to the region.
