Image: MSC Euribia

MSC Cruises has organized flights for more than 1,500 guests who were on board the MSC Euribia in Dubai, as the cruise line works to repatriate passengers amid the military conflict in the Middle East.

The ship has been docked in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates since March 1 due to regional airspace closures. MSC started launching repatriation flights from the region on March 5.

According to the cruise line, a total of seven flights carrying guests from MSC Euribia had departed the region as of the morning of March 6.

The flights include dedicated charter services arranged and paid for by the cruise line, as well as seats secured through partnerships with Emirates and Fly Dubai on scheduled commercial services. Some guests have also been able to leave the region on government-organized flights.

Passengers have been repatriated to several destinations worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States and Brazil.

“I am immensely proud of how the whole company is coming together with this highly complex repatriation operation,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.

“Our Ship Command and crew have worked tirelessly to ensure our guests are well cared for and our teams across the globe have worked round the clock to get our guests home safely and in a timely manner. We have received unparalleled support from our airline partner Emirates, as well as the regional and national governments who are supporting us to facilitate the necessary operational logistics and authorization for the flights. 

“We still have some guests on the ship, but we are working hard to secure their safe passage from the region.”

Celestyal Update & More Cancellations

Celestyal continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and remains in regular contact with the relevant authorities in the region.

Celestyal says it is working towards disembarking the last remaining guests on Celestyal Journey, currently alongside in Doha, over the next 24 hours. As reported earlier all guests have already safely disembarked Celestyal Discovery in Dubai.

Celestyal says both vessels remain fully operational and ready to sail. Their departure from the region will take place in line with guidance from the relevant authorities.

Celestyal had already cancelled the four remaining Arabian Gulf departures (March 7, 9, 14 and 16) onboard Celestyal Journey

“Given the current situation, we have taken the decision to cancel the March 20 (3-night Iconic Aegean) and March 23 (4-night Iconic Aegean) sailings operated by Celestyal Discovery, while we finalize operational arrangements for the ship’s repositioning to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer season,” says Celestyal.

All guests booked on these departures will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

Source: Travelweek