The ongoing war in Iran continues to impact cruise operations in the Middle East, with one cruise line entirely scrapping its upcoming season from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
MSC World Europa was supposed to offer 7-night round-trip sailings throughout the Middle East this winter and next spring, according to Cruise Mapper. However, MSC Cruises' recent press release confirms that those plans have been tossed out the window.
Instead, the World Class ship will be moved to the Caribbean, offering 7- and 14-night voyages from Fort-de-France, Martinique; Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Bridgetown, Barbados.
As a result, MSC Seaview, which was originally scheduled to sail in the Caribbean, will be redeployed to Brazil and Argentina, where she will operate South American itineraries for the winter season.
MSC World Europa will take over Seaview's sailings, visiting ports of call like Castries, Saint Lucia; Saint George, Grenada; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda; Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Roseau, Dominica; and Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
"This adjustment offers guests a perfect winter-sun experience in one of the world’s most desirable warm-weather destinations, while offering all the innovative features and next-generation guest experiences for which MSC World Europa is known," the press release says.
Continuing, the release adds that passengers booked aboard MSC World Europa in the Middle East will be contacted directly and provided with information regarding their options, including the possibility to move to another voyage or receive a full refund.
Those on MSC Seaview will see no change to their itinerary, dates, and overall cruise experience. No action is required from guests, either.
Cruise lines continue to cancel sailings in the Middle East because of the Iran war
Celestyal Cruises has been forced to cancel another month of sailings due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The cruise line shared that all voyages aboard Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery scheduled through April 2026 have been cancelled, as the ships remain stuck in the Arabian Gulf.
"Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have been unable to reposition our ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, back to the Mediterranean. As a result, following careful consideration, all departures scheduled for April 2026 have been cancelled," reads a notice shared on the company's Facebook page.
Read more: Multiple Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf
MSC World Europa facts
MSC World Europa is the first ship built specifically for MSC's World Class. She debuted in 2022 and is one of the largest ships operated by the cruise line — and in the world — coming in at 205,700 gross tons.
She is about 1,093 feet long and can accommodate over 6,700 passengers, along with 2,138 international crew members, according to the cruise line.
Highlights include seven different pools, snazzy World Galleria promenade, an indoor Sportsplex with bumper car and roller skating sessions, the longest dry slide at sea, two arcades, an F1 simulator, and more.
MSC World Europa's sudden redeployment to the Caribbean marks its North American debut. Since her launch, she's primarily offered Western Mediterranean sailings.
Read more: I cruised on Royal Caribbean and MSC's biggest ships. Both were fun, but one was definitely the best
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
