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Explore Journeys has announced that it will be cancelling its Middle Eastern cruises for the winter 2026-2027 season due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Explora II, which was previously scheduled to sail in the Gulf, will now be sailing only in the Mediterranean this winter from November 2026 to March 2027.
“This decision has been taken well in advance, following careful consideration and reflecting Explora Journeys’ commitment to providing guests and travel advisors with clarity and confidence as they plan their future Journeys,” the company said in a notice sent to travel advisors and passengers with upcoming trips on impacted cruises.
The previous Middle Eastern Explora II itinerary would have included countries like Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Instead, the cruise line will offer a Western Mediterranean and North African programme, which will include new destinations highlighting the key coastal and cultural spots of each region.
These will include destinations like Casablanca, Funchal and Ibiza, in addition to its existing destinations like Santorini and Capri. Travellers will also be able to enjoy experiences like New Year’s Eve fireworks in Cannes and other festive moments at sea.
More details about these new itineraries are expected to be announced at the end of March.
Explora has highlighted that it will support passengers and travel advisors on impacted itineraries with appropriate alternative options where possible.
It is already offering a 10% discount until 30 April for passengers who have been affected and want to rebook on a new itinerary. This is in addition to a $500 (€433.7) excursion credit per traveller.
However, the Explora I and Explora V ships are still set to sail the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea in the winter of 2027-2028.
The Explora V is expected to launch in December 2027 and will start with specialised Mediterranean itineraries, before expanding to the Middle East. The ship will also use fuel cell technology.
Middle East crisis continues to impact cruise lines
Explora Journeys became the latest cruise line to announce a change in plans due to the Middle East war.
Celestyal Cruises has also been forced to cancel another four European cruises, due to its vessels still being stuck in Dubai and Doha and unable to reposition voyages back to Europe.
This includes the three-night and the four-night Greek island itineraries on the Celestyal Discovery, originally due to depart on 3 April and 6 April respectively. This included ports such as Heraklion, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini.
A seven-night Celestyal Journey cruise taking in Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy has also been cancelled, along with another 14-night Mediterranean itinerary, both originally due to depart on 4 April. Ports were supposed to include Dubrovnik, KOtor, Corfu, Bari, Katakolon and Argostoli.
This is in addition to the four cruises Celestyal already scrapped in March.
“Guests booked on these departures will be offered the choice of a full refund or a future cruise credit to use against a future sailing,” Celestyal said in a press release.
“Affected guests are kindly asked to contact their original travel provider to discuss the available options and next steps.”
Ships operated by Aroya Cruises, TUI Cruises and MSC Cruises remain stuck in ports across the Middle East.
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