Cruise passengers stranded in Middle East as Iran war escalates

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, many Cruise passengers Stranded in the region, looking for ways to get home.

Celestial Journey, Celestial Discovery and MSC Euribia were all grounded in the past few days.

Thousands of passengers were on board ships in the affected areas during the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Fox News Digital has learned that several vessels have been ordered to cease all activity.

“MSC Cruises is continuously working with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests,” MSC Cruises said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

extremely Limited number of flights Creating another layer of chaos.

The Celestial Journey, which was shown at Doha Port, will remain in Doha until March 7, Fox News Digital reported. (Noushad Thekkail/NoorPhoto)

“We are requesting our partners to prioritize our guests. Currently, airlines (those) operating flights have indicated that they will follow the priority based on the original flight date,” MSC Cruises added.

“We are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat to expedite the return home,” the cruise company added.

“Each evacuation presents a different problem set.”

Across seven major Middle East airports, the total canceled flights on Tuesday exceeded 12,000, according to TravelPirates.

“Right now, the biggest threat is direct fire or debris from Iranian missiles and drones. Iran has targeted airports and major hotels,” Dale Buckner, ret. US Army Col and CEO of security firm Global Guardian, told Fox News Digital.

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“Each evacuation presents a different set of issues,” Buckner added. “The biggest challenge is the chaos at the various UAE-Oman land crossings, where officials are overwhelmed by the influx.”

Accordingly, at least six ships belonging to four different companies were affected by the conflict in the region To nest cruise.

Celestial Discovery passengers cannot currently disembark in Dubai. (David Davis/PA Image)

“The situation on board is calm. We are providing regular updates to the guests on the situation,” MSC Cruises said.

“We are in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and foreign offices,” the group added.

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The two passengers of the Celestial Cruise, which was in Athens, Greece, were scheduled to depart on March 2.

“We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that, in view of the current situation in the Middle East, the Celestial Journey cruise departing from Dubai on March 2 and the Celestial Discovery cruise departing from Abu Dhabi on March 2 have been (cancelled),” Celestial said in a letter. A statement shared with Cruise Critic.

At least six ships have been affected by the conflict in the region so far. (Giuseppe CACACE/AFP)

Celestial Journey will remain in Doha until March 7, the company said in a statement on social media. Passengers are told they can stay on board or disembark.

Passengers of Celestial Discovery are currently not allowed to disembark in Dubai.

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“Once approved for disembarkation, we will assist guests in transferring from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport,” the cruise line said.

Cruise passengers booked on canceled voyages will receive a full refund or future credit.

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been hit by numerous sudden changes. (Sawaisu Tsuji)

Norwegian Cruise Line has ships to the Middle East, but currently no ships.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving conflict in Iran and wide area“, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told Fox News Digital.

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“We recognize that widespread regional disruptions, including airline cancellations and airspace restrictions, may affect some guests’ ability to travel,” the spokesperson added.

“Guests who are unable to arrive at their port of embarkation due to airline-cancelled flights related to this event will be eligible for future cruise credits,” the company added.

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Dubai, which was once considered A safe haven In the region, it has become a pressure point amid the intensifying conflict.

“To date, the UAE has been targeted by nearly 1,000 Iranian warheads, including drones and ballistic missiles,” Buckner said.

Christy Elmer of New Hampshire was stranded in Dubai with her husband for a while. She had canceled flights on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. (Christy Elmer)

Christy Elmer, a consultant from New Hampshire, was traveling in Dubai with her husband, Matt Carvel.

She was promoting her upcoming book and taking time to relax with her husband. Everything changed on Saturday.

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“We just were Sitting on the beach“Elmer told Fox News Digital in an interview. “All of a sudden, we felt an explosion.”

Elmer was originally scheduled to leave Dubai on Sunday night. She had Canceled flights For Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

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She finally boarded a flight to Munich on Wednesday as part of her journey home.

“It was very quiet” at Dubai International Airport, she said. “It’s clear where you want to go.”

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