The Euribias is reportedly anchored in Dubai and unable to depart the Strait of Hormuz until the waterway becomes navigable again

MSC Cruises is encouraging the use of its six cruise ships, which have been anchored in the Persian Gulf since the end of February due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, to rescue the thousands of seafarers stranded on merchant ships in the area. MSC Cruises' executives stated that the situation is constantly evolving: 'The reality is that we currently have ships stuck in the Gulf. We are in discussions with the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) regarding the transfer of seafarers from other vessels to these cruise ships."

The Euribia is currently in Dubai

The Euribia (IMO 9901544, MMSI 256281000 - sailing under the flag of Malta.) is currently in Dubai, and the Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 of Tui Cruises are also in the Persian Gulf, along with the Celestyal Journey, the Discovery, and the Aroya of Cruise Saudi. The latter is expected in Italy in August to operate as a floating hotel during the Mediterranean Games scheduled for Taranto at the end of August. These six ships represent approximately 17,000 berths that are currently unavailable. For Tui Cruises, having two ships stranded in the Persian Gulf means that 25% of their fleet is unavailable.

Related : Cruises to the Middle East are set to be suspended for two years

 Meanwhile, Pierfrancesco Vago, president of the Geneva-based cruise company, revealed this while delivering a speech on the state of the market at the opening conference of Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami Beach.

Criticise MSC Cruises

On the other hand, the consumer protection association Codici has issued a statement. In it, they criticise MSC Cruises. The company is accused of continuing to sell tourist packages for the MSC Euribia. They are also accused of not adequately informing travellers. This is about the extremely high probability of cancellation. It also covers travellers' rights in the event of a cancellation. Codici considers this behaviour to be serious and has decided to send a formal notice to MSC to protect consumers. 

The ship's current situation.

At the time, the association censured the company for failing to provide any information about the ship's current situation. The vessel is reportedly anchored in Dubai and unable to depart the Strait of Hormuz until the waterway becomes navigable again. The risk of cancellation for upcoming May cruises is extremely high. They add that omitting such information, in our opinion, constitutes misleading information regarding the actual availability of the tourist product sold and constitutes an unfair commercial practice'. For this reason, we have sent a formal notice to MSC and hope that they will finally change course.'

Related : MSC Cruises' Explora IV launched in Genoa

#The Euribia #Aroya of Cruise Saudi #Pierfrancesco Vago #MSC Cruises #Persian Gulf  #Iran ans US  # Tui Cruises  #  Israel # Dubai