MSC Plans To Use Cruise Ships Stuck In Persian Gulf To Move Crew Members To Safety

MSC Cruises is considering using cruise ships currently stuck in the Persian Gulf to move crew members already onboard these vessels out of the region, as uncertainty continues.

Speaking in Miami Beach, MSC Group’s Cruise Division Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the company is in talks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about the situation.

He said several cruise ships are unable to leave the Gulf for now, but they could help transport their own crew members once movement becomes possible.

Vago added that the situation is still changing and there is no clear timeline yet. The company is staying prepared so it can act quickly if conditions allow ships to depart.

At present, six cruise ships are in the region. These include MSC Euribia, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Discovery, and Cruise Saudi’s Aroya. Together, these ships have around 17,000 berths.

MSC has already reduced the crew on board MSC Euribia to minimum manning levels. The ship was earlier scheduled to operate in Northern Europe in May, but those sailings have now been cancelled.

According to a company spokesperson, MSC Euribia will remain in the region for at least the next two weeks as there is no certainty on when it can leave.

Sailings scheduled from Kiel on May 9 and May 16 have been cancelled. Passengers have been advised to either rebook another cruise or opt for a full refund.

Other cruise operators with ships in the Gulf are facing similar issues, with vessels unable to move due to the current situation. This has also affected cruise schedules beyond the region.

MSC is continuing discussions with maritime authorities to find a safe way to move crew members if conditions improve. For now, plans depend on how the situation develops and whether ships are able to leave the area.

References: cruiseindustrynews, travelandtourworld