Five cruise ships make it through Strait of Hormuz before reclosure

Five cruise ships stranded in the Arabian Gulf since the start of the Iran war have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday (April 17), Iran announced the strait was open to commercial vessels, finally creating a window for the movement of ships following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on April 7.

However, on Saturday Iran said it was closing the strait again in response to a decision by the US government to maintain its blockade on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.

Celestyal Discovery was the first to make it through the strait, on Friday evening, with sister ship Celestyal Journey and MSC Euribia leaving Gulf ports in an attempt to follow along with Tui Cruises vessels Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5.

According to the Marine Traffic app, all five ships made it through the strait before it re-closed and are now continuing with their repositioning.

Celestyal said: “Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant operational milestone and demonstrating leadership across the cruise industry during a period of heightened regional sensitivity.

“On Friday, April 17, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf, executing a carefully coordinated voyage plan developed in close collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams.

“This pioneering movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow.”

It added: “Building on this, on Saturday, April 18, Celestyal Journey, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos, successfully navigated the same passage, heading a wider convoy of cruise vessels departing the region using the established corridor.

“The voyage plans were developed through extensive coordination with key authorities and security stakeholders, ensuring that all movements were conducted with the highest levels of safety, precision and situational awareness.

“Safety remained the absolute priority throughout the operation, with outstanding leadership, expertise and calm command demonstrated by both Captain Vasileiou and Captain Vasilakos, alongside onboard and shoreside teams.

“Their efforts in navigating complex and sensitive conditions were instrumental in ensuring the safety of all crew and the successful passage of both ships.”

The statement continued: “Celestyal also recognises the close collaboration with regional authorities and partners, whose support enabled a coordinated and responsible approach for the wider cruise industry.

“Following their successful transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they will commence the upcoming summer season as planned.

“Celestyal can confirm that all future sailings currently on sale will operate as scheduled, providing guests and travel partners with confidence and continuity as the company transitions into its Mediterranean deployment.”

Earlier this month, Celestyal confirmed it was aiming to resume operations in the Mediterranean from May.

The line’s next planned departures are a three-night Iconic Greek Islands sailing on board Celestyal Discovery from May 1, and a seven-night Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia sailing on board Celestyal Journey from May 2.

MSC Cruises said in a statement: “MSC Cruises confirms that MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with relevant authorities.”

The line confirmed Euribia would be able to resume its planned Northern Europe season earlier than anticipated, starting with a cruise departing Kiel on May 16.

Guests with bookings on cancelled sailings are being offered the chance to join the May 16 departure.