In a major win for travelers and maritime logistics, the MSC Euribia has officially cleared the Arabian Gulf. After being effectively sidelined in Dubai for 47 days due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the ship successfully transited the critical waterway on April 18, and is now full-speed ahead for Northern Europe.
The breakthrough comes as a surprise relief for thousands of passengers. Just days ago, MSC Cruises had officially cancelled the ship’s first two season-opening departures (May 16 from Kiel and May 17 from Copenhagen) because there was no clear window for the ship to leave Dubai.
However, in a rare “reverse-course” move, the cruise line has now reinstated those sailings. Because the ship cleared the strait sooner than anticipated, it is expected to complete its roughly 8,300-mile journey to Germany in time to resume its original schedule.
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“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe,” the cruise line confirmed in a statement. “The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities.”
For those whose vacations were recently tossed into limbo, the news is a welcome turnaround. MSC has confirmed that guests who previously received cancellation notices will have the option to transfer their bookings back to these original sailings. The line will be contacting affected travelers directly starting tomorrow to sort out the logistics of reinstating their plans.
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“MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.”
The MSC Euribia is one of the fleet’s most technologically advanced vessels, featuring a striking hull designed by artist Alex Flämig that symbolizes the line’s commitment to marine conservation. Once it arrives in Kiel, the ship will begin its highly anticipated summer season, cruising through the iconic fjords of Norway—including stops in Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flam—before transitioning to the Mediterranean this winter.
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