Cruise lines and tour operators are sharing new updates as the conflict in the Middle East upends travel plans.

Several cruise ships with cruise lines well-known to the Canadian travel industry – Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, as well as MSC Euribia – are still awaiting passage out of the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict.

In a statement shared on March 4th morning, updating March 2nd cancellations, Celestyal Cruises says that subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery aim to reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled program in the Med.

The cruise line has cancelled the season’s 4 remaining departures in the Arabian Gulf onboard Celestyal Journey.

“Considering the current geopolitical situation in the region, we have taken the decision to cancel the following scheduled departures on Celestyal Journey: March 7 and March 14 from Doha, Qatar; and March 9 and March 16 from Dubai, UAE,” said Celestyal.

All Celestyal guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit. “We sincerely thank our guests and partners for their patience and understanding during this evolving situation,” said the cruise line.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises says it is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for passengers onboard MSC Euribia. MSC Euribia has been docked in the UAE since March 1.

MSC issued a statement this morning.

“We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date. In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat. In parallel, we are in constant contact with local authorities, Embassies and Foreign Offices to also support the safe return of our guests,” said MSC.

MSC added: “The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation. They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support.”

TTC Tour Brands Cancels Jordan Trips

More tour operators have updates, too.

As reported on March 3rd, G Adventures, Intrepid, and Globus family of brands have all made adjustments to their schedules, including some trip cancellations.

TTC Tour Brands shared the latest. The company says brands under the TTC Tour Brands umbrella – including Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and Costsaver – have suspended tours to Jordan for the month of March.

“We are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests and team members. As a result of ongoing airspace disruption and out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending departures to Jordan across all tour brands through the end of March. TTC Tour Brands is in contact with impacted guests and travel advisors who may be affected and is working to provide support and alternative arrangements as needed.”