TORONTO — MSC Cruises has issued an update on MSC Euribia.
The 6,334-passenger vessel is one of several cruise ships in the Persian Gulf impacted by the Middle East conflict.
With no end in sight MSC has taken “decisive action” to start repatriating passengers with charter flights.
“MSC Cruises has been working on the safest and quickest way to repatriate our guests and has taken decisive action to accelerate this by launching a dedicated flight operation that currently includes five charter flights with the first flight planned to depart today, Thursday March 5,” said the cruise line.
These flights would see close to 1,000 passengers leave the region by this Saturday, March 7.
MSC Euribia has been docked in UAE since March 1. Yesterday’s statement from MSC noted that the situation onboard MSC Euribia remains calm. “We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation. They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support.”
Meanwhile MSC Cruises says it is pursuing “every available pathway” for the remaining guests, including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.
CELESTYAL DISCOVERY PASSENGERS HAVE DISEMBARKED
There’s also an update from Celestyal Cruises.
Yesterday Celestyal announced it had cancelled the season’s 4 remaining Arabian Gulf departures (March 7, 9, 14 and 16) onboard Celestyal Journey. Both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are in the region. All impacted guests are being contacted by the channel through which they made their original booking – either their travel provider or Celestyal directly. The cruise line is offering the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.
A rep tells Travelweek that passengers on Celestyal Discovery were disembarked this morning (March 5) in Dubai and given hotels through the scheduled sailing end of Saturday.
A statement issued yesterday afternoon by Celestyal noted that passengers currently onboard Celestyal Journey in Doha would be advised of disembarkation plans within 24 to 48 hours.
