MSC Cruises has confirmed MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe.
The passage from the Persian Gulf and onward to Europe was completed in close coordination with relevant authorities to ensure safe passage.
Transit complete as fleet repositions
The clearance through the Strait of Hormuz ends weeks of uncertainty for MSC Euribia, one of six cruise ships disrupted by security concerns in the Persian Gulf region. The ships were operating out of Dubai and Doha when the military situation developed, leaving passengers, agents and cruise lines in a holding pattern. Before MSC Euribia could safely proceed, the line organised seven flights to evacuate more than 1,500 guests from on board.
Other ships are also moving through troubled waters and resuming cruise schedules. Mein Schiff 5 is following MSC Euribia through the Strait, while Aroya Manara remains the last vessel departing Dubai. Celestyal Discovery was berthed in Dubai and Celestyal Journey in Doha when operations were disrupted due to Middle East safety concerns. Celestyal has since cancelled all its April 2026 departures and is working with disrupted passengers to secure other options.
Northern Europe season back on track
With MSC Euribia safely through the Strait of Hormuz and returning to Europe, the ship’s Northern Europe season is set to resume. Confirmed departures are:
- 16 May: Kiel
- 17 May: Copenhagen
What agents need to know
For Australian travel agents, the immediate priority is communicating confirmed dates to affected clients. The MSC Euribia May departures from Kiel and Copenhagen give agents something concrete to put in front of clients who held bookings on cancelled sailings, or who were monitoring the situation before committing to a Northern Europe itinerary this season.
The situation across the Strait of Hormuz appears to be moving towards resolution, with cruise lines working closely with the relevant authorities to move remaining vessels through safely. Further itinerary updates are expected as ships complete their repositioning to European waters over the coming weeks.
