TUI Cruises has initiated a large-scale evacuation operation for passengers aboard its Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 vessels, which remain docked in the Middle East amid escalating regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Mein Schiff 4 is positioned in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, while Mein Schiff 5 is in Doha, Qatar. The disruptions stem from airspace closures across the Gulf, the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and widespread flight cancellations following military strikes and retaliatory actions that began late February 2026.
The German-based cruise line, a joint venture involving TUI and Royal Caribbean Group, has cancelled multiple upcoming sailings due to persistent German Foreign Office travel warnings and safety advisories. For Mein Schiff 4, itineraries up to and including 16 March have been scrapped, while for Mein Schiff 5, cancellations extend to 12 March. More than 5,000 passengers across the two ships, along with crew members, have been affected, with operations on board continuing normally under the circumstances to ensure guest welfare, including provisions and entertainment.
Evacuation efforts for Mein Schiff 4 have progressed furthest, with TUI Cruises organising flights via Dubai. The line has already repatriated 840 guests to Germany on Emirates services, with an additional 660 planned for the same route in the immediate period. Over 2,000 passengers from this vessel have now departed or are en route home. For Mein Schiff 5 in Doha, arrangements are under way for special flights routed via Saudi Arabia to Germany, expected to commence from the coming weekend, though exact timings remain subject to final coordination with authorities.
TUI Cruises’ crisis management team continues to collaborate closely with the German Foreign Office, embassies, international security experts, and other stakeholders to monitor the fluid geopolitical situation and prioritise safe returns. Passengers are urged to stay aboard their vessels and await direct communication from the company, as the process may extend over several days given limited aviation options in the region
TUI Cruises kept Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 in position with guests onboard who received full care and normal operations.
The company cancelled six cruises including departures on Mein Schiff 4 on 1, 2, 8, and 9 March 2026 and on Mein Schiff 5 on 28 February and 5 March.
TUI Cruises is maintaining close contact with authorities, security experts, airlines, and shareholders for return trip planning. The cruise line informed affected guests directly and committed to proactive communication on further changes.
TUI Cruises says it is prioritising guest and crew safety with its crisis team coordinating measures amid unchanged travel advisories.
