Mein Schiff 4 travelers are stranded in Abu Dhabi as fighting in the Middle East disrupts cruises and flights.
Thousands of Americans are fleeing the Middle East amid wars, Rubio says.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 9,000 Americans have been evacuated from the Middle East since the outbreak of the US-Iran war.
- Cruise passengers in the Middle East are stranded due to regional conflicts.
- Several cruise lines, including TUI, MSC and Viking, have canceled or rescheduled their sailings.
- Airlines are working to repatriate stranded travelers, but a significant backlog remains.
Nicole Gruske was exploring Abu Dhabi with her boyfriend over the weekend as part of a Middle East cruise when they were called back from the ship.
The crew of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 told the 34-year-old and other passengers to stay indoors following the Feb. 28 attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, which sparked Iranian retaliation at U.S. military bases and other neighboring countries.
“They said we should stay indoors instead of going to outdoor pools or balconies,” a man from Wuppertal, Germany, told USA TODAY.
Gruske was originally scheduled to return to the country on March 1, but has been stranded in Abu Dhabi along with other guests since then. Although limited flights resumed in the United Arab Emirates, her flight was canceled and rebooked for March 6.
While much of the experience on the plane feels surprisingly normal, Gruske went to breakfast with Jim on March 4, and the day before he also heard a “very loud explosion” outside. Guests can leave and leave the ship by notifying the crew, but she remains on board.
She is one of many people stranded on cruises as travelers from across the region scramble to return home amid the Trump administration’s war with Iran.
Which cruise ships were affected?
In addition to the Main Schiff 4, TUI Cruises also looks after guests on another nearby ship, the Main Schif 5 (the latter is currently in Doha, Qatar, according to Cruise Mapper).
In an update on March 4, TUI said cruises on Mein Schiff 4 “until the start” of departures on March 9, and Mein Schiff 5 “no longer available” until cruises start on March 12.
“All affected guests have already been notified directly via text message,” the cruise line’s website states. “If further adjustments are needed, we will proactively contact guests with reservations immediately.”
Gruske said the Mein Schiff 4 crew was “very professional and cooperative.” Although she appreciates TUI’s consideration, there were problems. For example, she needs more contact lenses, but is reluctant to go to a medical center because some of the other passengers are elderly or have serious health conditions.
But, she said, “It’s not so bad even if you can’t see everything clearly.” “Guests on board will be supported by the provision of necessary medicines, toiletries, diapers, baby food and other daily necessities,” TUI said on its website. “Personal errands will be arranged by the crew through the Port Authority wherever possible.”
The State Department urged Americans to leave many countries early. This week they include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt due to “significant security risks”.
In another update on its website on March 3, TUI announced that Emirates had accommodated 218 Mein Schiff 4 passengers on a flight from Dubai to Munich.
“We understand that many of our guests and relatives are looking forward to further travel options back home,” the company said. “In cooperation with the relevant authorities and partner airlines, we continue to work intensively to organize additional reliable flight options. Further possibilities are under continuous review.”
Other cruise lines are also affected.
The remainder of MSC Eulivia’s recent Middle East voyage has been scrapped along with other voyages, MSC Cruises said. “The remaining three cruises scheduled for this winter season have now been canceled and all affected guests have been contacted and offered full refunds,” the emailed statement reads.
The cruise line said it was following guidance from regional military authorities to keep the ship in Dubai.
“Following the limited resumption of flights from the region, we are working closely with airlines to facilitate outbound travel for our customers,” the company continued. “Given the significant hold-up situation and the scale of the disruption, airlines are currently operating new flights in a systematic manner and this process will take time. We are working fully with our airline partners and are focused on ensuring the safe and orderly return of our customers.”
MSC is also in contact with embassies and foreign offices and all services and facilities on board are available. The cruise line said in a subsequent statement that the airline would prioritize departures by the original sailing date.
“We are working on other options, including charter flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, to expedite repatriation,” the cruise line added.
Meanwhile, Viking has canceled sailings to Egypt through March 31 “out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of new guidance from the U.S. Department of State,” the cruise line told USA TODAY. Guests whose reservations were affected and their travel advisors have been notified.
“At this time, there is no material impact to Viking operations, other itineraries, or guest travel plans,” the company said in an emailed statement. “Our global operations team remains in close contact with relevant authorities and security advisors and will continue to assess developments.”
What happens if my cruise is canceled or changed?
Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, previously told USA TODAY that the contracts passengers agree to when they buy tickets are “very cruise line friendly.” However, operating companies typically will always issue refunds if a cruise is canceled and will try to accommodate guests on another voyage.
Airlines typically cover some costs of a cruise purchase (such as flights booked through the airline), while other costs are usually the responsibility of the passenger (except in extreme circumstances such as last-minute cancellations).
That being said, cruise lines may offer additional compensation like future cruise credits. “It really varies and depends on the individual circumstances,” Feldman said at the time. “I think the closer you get to the departure date, the better the compensation will be.”
These agreements also give cruise lines significant flexibility to make minor itinerary changes, but passengers can typically expect refunds for port fees at destinations the ship ultimately does not visit. At the Cruise Line’s discretion, Guests may also receive other compensation, such as an onboard credit for inconvenience.
Travelers who choose to cancel their sailings typically get a percentage of their cruise price back, but the amount depends on how far in advance they make the change. Passengers should refer to their cruise line’s policies and can contact their cruise line or travel advisor with any questions.
Ms Gruske said she had received a refund for her originally canceled flight, but had not heard any updates from TUI regarding the possibility of a refund. However, she and her boyfriend will be able to remain on the ship until March 8 without any additional charges. She’s ready to go, but also nervous about disembarking from what was a temporary shelter.
“I want to go home, but I’m a little scared that something might happen outside,” Gruske said.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
