Celestyal said guests onboard Celestyal Journey in Doha and Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, who have been unable to disembark since Monday (2 March), will receive further information shortly. MSC Cruises' ship, MSC Euribia, is another stuck in Dubai.

In a statement, Celestyal said the delays owed to "operational constraints" and confirmed port arrangements while it works with local and international authorities and partners to manage guest departures.

Celestyal has also confirmed it has cancelled the remainder of its Arabian Gulf programme this winter. It said the move had been taken in light of the "current geopolitical situation" while stressing the safety and wellbeing of guests and crew remains its priority. MSC has done the same.

Guests affected by the cancelled sailings are being contacted via the channel through which they made their original booking, either directly with the cruise line or through their travel agent. Celestyal added those impacted are being offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

Celestyal thanks trade for 'patience and understanding'

Celestyal said its onboard teams were working to support passengers with onward travel arrangements once disembarkation plans are finalised, including assistance with transfers and accommodation where required. In its statement, issued at 5pm on Wednesday, Celestyal confirmed guests "will be advised of disembarkation plans within the next 24 to 48 hours".

Guests have also been advised to contact their airlines directly regarding flight arrangements and to register with their respective embassies for official updates or any repatriation support that may become available.

The UK government's first repatriation flight from Oman's capital Muscat, where airspace is open, had been due to take off on Wednesday evening, but was delayed owing to technical issues. It is now expected to depart on Thursday (5 March). The government has promised more in the coming days.

Elsewhere, in coordination with other Gulf countries, the United Arab Emirates has opened "safe air corridors" allowing up to 48 flights an hour to operate, including a number to London. Qatar Airways is also starting a limited rescue flight programme.

Celestyal said it remains in regular contact with embassies and foreign offices, as well as relevant authorities, to remain informed about any guidance or assistance available for onward travel.

Subject to operational conditions, both ships are eventually expected to reposition to Athens, where they are scheduled to begin their Mediterranean programmes later in the year.

The line said it would continue to monitor developments closely and thanked guests and trade partners for their "patience and understanding" while the situation evolves.

MSC Cruises launches charter flights for stranded guests

MSC Cruises, meanwhile, said it has launched a large-scale repatriation effort for guests currently onboard MSC Euribia in Dubai, including a dedicated charter flight operation. Like Celestyal, the line has also cancelled the remainder of its winter Arabian Gulf sailings, which were scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 March.

The charter programme currently comprises five flights, with the first scheduled to depart on Thursday (5 March). According to MSC, the initial wave of charter flights will allow nearly 1,000 guests to leave the region by Saturday (7 March).

MSC said it has also been working with airline partners, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for passengers via commercial routes.

The line said it has requested priority for its guests when allocating available seats, although airlines have indicated that passengers will generally be prioritised based on their original flight dates. MSC said it is also exploring additional charter flights and coordinated government-assisted solutions where possible.

Despite the disruption, the company said the situation onboard Euribia remains calm. Guests, it said, are receiving regular updates and continue to have access to all onboard services and facilities while repatriation plans are finalised.

MSC said it continues to provide what it described as a "high standard of care, comfort and support" to passengers as it works to arrange their onward travel.

Both cruise operators said their teams remain focused on ensuring guests can return home safely while the situation in the region continues to develop.