MSC Cruises has launched a major repatriation operation for passengers stranded aboard its flagship MSC Euribia, which remains docked at Port Rashid in Dubai following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The vessel, capable of carrying over six thousand passengers, has been held in port since late February 2026 due to widespread airspace closures across the region, restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing security concerns that have prevented normal departures and embarkations.
The cruise line has cancelled all remaining Arabian Gulf sailings for the winter season, including departures from Dubai scheduled for 7 March, 14 March, 21 March, and 28 March 2026, as well as related itineraries from Doha and Abu Dhabi. This follows earlier cancellations, such as the 1 March sailing from Doha and others impacted by the initial airspace shutdown. Passengers and crew on the MSC Euribia have remained on board, with the company maintaining full services including meals, entertainment, and medical support to ensure comfort during the wait, though some guests have reported hearing distant explosions and experiencing heightened anxiety amid alerts about potential missile threats.
MSC Cruises has taken proactive steps by chartering dedicated flights and securing blocks of seats on commercial services through partners such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai. As of early March 2026, more than 1,500 passengers have been repatriated via seven flights departing Dubai, with operations covering destinations including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States, and Brazil. The line continues to coordinate additional charter options, commercial bookings, and government-assisted flights to accelerate returns for the remaining guests, prioritising safety in collaboration with regional authorities, embassies, and military guidance.
The company has emphasised that the situation remains fluid, urging affected passengers to await direct updates rather than attempting independent travel amid limited aviation availability.
A spokesperson for MSC Cruises shared “MSC Cruises has currently organised flights for more than 1,500 guests who were on board MSC Euribia in Dubai to enable them to leave the region. As of this morning, a total of seven flights carrying MSC Cruises’ guests have departed the region.”
