Cruise ships are once again setting sail from the Arabian Gulf after weeks of disruption. The Celestyal Discovery has led the way, marking a gradual return to normalcy through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a prolonged closure due to regional conflict. On 17th April, the 1,360-guest vessel departed from Port Rashid in Dubai at 11:36 am local time. It became the first cruise ship to navigate out of the strait since late February. The ship is now en route to Muscat, Oman, with an expected arrival on 18th April at 4 pm.
Impact on the Cruise Industry
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone for the cruise industry. The sector had been effectively shut out of this crucial shipping lane. This was after Iran issued a warning on 28th February, advising vessels against entering the waterway amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. The warning halted traffic through the narrow channel, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. This left numerous cruise ships stranded in regional ports, leading to widespread cancellations and itinerary changes.
Celestyal Discovery’s Journey
At the time of the closure, Celestyal Discovery was operating its ‘Iconic Arabia’ itinerary. This included visits to ports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Khasab. Its sister ship, Celestyal Journey, was also affected. It had been sailing similar ‘Desert Days’ cruises but was forced to remain in Doha as the situation unfolded.
More Ships on the Move
Following Celestyal Discovery’s departure, other cruise ships have begun repositioning voyages out of the region. This signals cautious optimism that transit through the strait is once again feasible. MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, one of the largest vessels impacted, has left Dubai. It is currently sailing towards Muscat at a reduced speed, with an expected arrival late on 18th April. The 184,000-gross-ton LNG-powered ship was due to start its European summer season in Kiel, Germany. However, multiple sailings have already been cancelled due to the delay. Whether it can meet its planned 23rd May departure from Germany depends on how quickly it can complete the journey to Europe.
Celestyal Journey and Other Ships
Celestyal Journey has also departed Doha and is heading towards Khasab, near the northern tip of Oman within the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is expected to arrive late morning on 18th April, likely for refuelling or resupply before continuing towards its Mediterranean deployment. It is scheduled to operate 7-night Greek Isles sailings from Greece through to November. TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5 is similarly underway from Doha, also bound for Khasab, with an arrival expected early afternoon on 18th April. The ship is due to spend the summer season in the Mediterranean, sailing from Heraklion before later repositioning to the Caribbean.
Tracking the Resumption
Cruise lines have not yet issued formal statements confirming a full reopening of the strait. However, ship tracking data indicates a steady resumption of movements. For those interested in tracking cruise ships or keeping a record of past cruises, this data provides valuable insights into the current state of the industry.
Leave a Reply