Six cruise vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz during a short window of reduced tensions, marking the first significant passenger ship movements after weeks of near standstill in the region.
Among them was the Saudi-owned cruise ship Aroya, which became the last vessel to exit the Persian Gulf. The 151,000 gt, Malta-flagged ship departed after an extended delay, following earlier transits by vessels operated by MSC Cruises, TUI Group, and Celestyal Cruises.
The first breakthrough came on April 17, when the Celestyal Discovery departed Dubai after being stranded for approximately 47 days. It was followed by Celestyal Journey, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, and MSC Euribia, which transited in close succession, in some cases sailing in coordinated convoys.
The Aroya’s transit was closely watched given regional tensions, but the vessel proceeded along coastal routes near the UAE and Oman and is now heading toward Jeddah. It is expected to resume operations in May, before repositioning to the Mediterranean later in the season.
The transits were made possible by a temporary easing of hostilities linked to a ceasefire, which allowed limited movement through the waterway after nearly seven weeks of severe disruption. During that period, multiple cruise ships remained idle in ports across the Gulf, while commercial shipping traffic dropped sharply.
Despite this brief reopening, uncertainty remains high. Cruise operators have already begun revising deployment plans, with some vessels being redirected away from the Persian Gulf. MSC Cruises has confirmed adjustments to future itineraries, while Celestyal Cruises and TUI Group are repositioning ships toward safer regions, including the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The window for safe passage appears narrow. The ceasefire enabling these movements is set to expire, and both Iran and the United States have indicated that restrictions could be reimposed. Iranian authorities have reiterated that any transit will remain subject to strict control and prior authorization.
