GIVEN the centrality of the oil trade to the Gulf Cooperation Council states, tankers have rightfully received the most attention of any vessel class in the new conflict in the Gulf.
But cruising is increasingly popular in the region, and at least half a dozen cruise ships are in the affected area – including some which may be staying longer than expected due to ongoing Iranian strikes.
One of these vessels is newly homeported in the region. The Saudi cruise ship Aroya Manara (ex name World Dream) is currently moored in Dubai, and independent operator Aroya is deferring plans for a round-trip cruise through the Strait of Hormuz to visit Muscat.
Many others are temporarily based in the UAE or Qatar.
German firm TUI Cruises has two vessels berthed in the area – the Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi and the Mein Schiff 5 in Doha.
Abu Dhabi was attacked by Iran in a missile strike over the weekend, and passengers aboard Mein Schiff 4 were able to see Iranian drones hit the water from on board the vessel.
Mein Schiff 5 is scheduled to conduct a series of round-trip cruises in the Gulf and was slated to depart Doha on Saturday.
TUI has suspended sailings for both vessels, but it is unclear when passengers or crew will be able to depart: with airspace restrictions in place, travel in or out of the GCC is currently difficult.
Shipping giant MSC’s cruise division has one vessel currently moored at Doha, MSC Euribia.
The ship has about 5000 passengers on board from its previous voyage, but it will not be departing as planned for its next seven-night cruise in the Arabian Gulf. Instead, it will be staying in port “due to the current situation and the air space closure in the Middle East.”
