MSC Euribia Held in Dubai as MSC Cancels Remaining Arabian Gulf 2026–2027 Cruises – 3 March 2026

On 3 March 2026, MSC Cruises announced the cancellation of the final three sailings of its 2026–2027 Arabian Gulf winter program due to ongoing regional conflict affecting maritime operations in the Persian Gulf. The cruise ship MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai awaiting clearance from authorities to depart, with all passengers continuing to receive full onboard services while the situation is monitored.

MSC is coordinating with airline partners, embassies, and foreign ministries to arrange return travel for affected passengers. The vessel is expected to depart the region in April on a repositioning voyage without passengers, with subsequent deployment to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

MSC Cruises removed the final three departures of its Arabian Gulf winter season, which were scheduled to operate from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. The decision reflects the impact of regional security conditions on safe maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf. Air travel across the region is operating at reduced capacity, creating a backlog of travelers awaiting repatriation.

Vessel

• Name: MSC Euribia
• Operator: MSC Cruises
• Current Location: Dubai, UAE
• Status: Docked, awaiting clearance for departure

Planned deployment

• April 2026: Repositioning voyage (without passengers)
• Summer 2026: Northern Europe itineraries
• October 2026 onwards: Mediterranean itineraries

Passengers onboard

• Passengers continue to have access to all shipboard amenities, including dining venues, entertainment areas, and public lounges while the vessel remains docked.

Travel arrangements

• MSC is coordinating with airline partners to arrange return travel; flight availability remains limited due to regional capacity constraints and a backlog of travelers awaiting repatriation.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable — no emergency evacuation.

MSC Euribia remains alongside in Dubai awaiting clearance from authorities to depart. Hotel services and normal onboard routines remain operational. MSC is maintaining communication with embassies and foreign ministries regarding passengers onboard and is monitoring potential government-led repatriation initiatives. The vessel is expected to depart the region in April on a repositioning voyage without passengers, with subsequent deployment to Northern Europe for the summer season and Mediterranean itineraries beginning in October.