Middle East cruise nightmare deepens as Iran airstrikes leave passengers stranded

 (Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto )

“We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners.At present, airlines [that are] operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date,” MSC Cruises continued.

“In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat,” the cruise company added.

“Each evacuation presents a different problem set.”

Across seven major Middle East airports, the total cancellations exceeded 12,000 flights on Tuesday, according to TravelPirates.

“Right now, the biggest danger is direct fire or debris from Iranian missiles and drones.Iran has targeted the airports and prominent hotels,” Dale Buckner, a retiredU.S.

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“Each evacuation presents a different problem set,” Buckner continued.“One of the biggest challenges has been the chaos at the different UAE-Oman land crossings, where officials are overwhelmed by the influx.”   

At least six ships from four different companies were affected by the conflict in the region, accordingto Cruise Hive.

Celestyal Discovery passengers are not able to disembark in Dubai right now.(David Davies/PA Images)

“The situation on board remains calm.We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation,” MSC Cruises said.

“We are in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and foreign offices,” the group added.

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Celestyal Cruises, based in Athens, Greece, had two voyages scheduled to depart March 2.

“We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that, in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai on March 2, and the Celestyal Discovery cruise scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on March 2, have been [canceled],” Celestyal said in astatement shared with Cruise Critic.

At least six ships have been affected so far by the conflict in the region.(Giuseppe CACACE/AFP)

Celestyal Journey will stay in Doha until March 7, according to a statement made by the company on social media.Passengers have been told they can remain onboard or disembark.

Celestyal Discovery passengers are not permitted to disembark in Dubai as of now.

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“Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport,” the cruise line said.

Cruise passengers who were booked on the canceled voyages will receive a full refund or future credit.

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been plagued by numerous sudden changes. (Sawayasu Tsuji)

Norwegian Cruise Line has vessels that travel to the Middle East, but there are no current sailings.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving conflict in Iran andthe broader region,�

Dubai, which at one time was considereda safe havenin the region, has become a pressure point during a deepening conflict.

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“To date, the UAE has been targeted by around 1,000 Iranian munitions, including drones and ballistic missiles,” Buckner said.

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Kristy Ellmer of New Hampshire was stranded in Dubai with her husband for a period of time.She had flights canceled on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.(Kristy Ellmer)

Kristy Ellmer, a consultant from New Hampshire, had been traveling in Dubai with her husband, Matt Carwell. 

She was promoting her upcoming book, and taking time to relax with her husband.Everything changed Saturday.

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“We were justsitting on the beach,�“All of a sudden, we felt explosions.”

Ellmer was originally scheduled to leave Dubai Sunday night.She hadflights canceledfor Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

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She finally got onto a flight headed for Munich on Wednesday as part of her journey home. 

“It was very calm” at Dubai International Airport, she said.“It was clear where you needed to go.”

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