Middle East conflict disrupts Arabian Gulf cruises

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The Celestyal Discovery was stuck in Dubai on Monday, and guests were not allowed to disembark.
The Celestyal Discovery was stuck in Dubai on Monday, and guests were not allowed to disembark. Photo Credit: Celestyal

Cruise ships are stalled in port with guests onboard in Dubai and Qatar amidst war in the Middle East.

The Celestyal Discovery, a Celestyal Cruises ship, is currently in Dubai, and guests may not disembark per instructions from local authorities. The cruise line plans to provide airport transfers once disembarkation is approved.

The MSC Euribia is also in Dubai's port with guests aboard, according to MSC Cruises.

The Celestyal Journey, meanwhile, is in Doha, Qatar. It will stay there until March 7. Guests may either stay on the ship until then or disembark in Doha, a Celestyal spokesperson said.

Celestyal has canceled two sailings that were scheduled to depart on Monday, one from Dubai on the Celestyal Journey and the other from Abu Dhabi on the Celestyal Discovery. Guests booked on the canceled sailings will receive a full refund or a future cruise credit.

Travel has been impacted across the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday. Iran responded with attacks on multiple targets, including the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to reports, a limited number of flights were able to leave the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

Dubai hotels sustained damage, including Jumeirah's Burj Al Arab and Fairmont The Palm, after debris fell from intercepted drones. 

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