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Cruise Ships Escape Strait of Hormuz After 47 Days

4/18/2026

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Cruise Ships Depart

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has enabled six cruise ships, stranded for 47 days, to exit the Persian Gulf.
The Celestyal Discovery was the first to transit the strait, followed by the Celestyal Journey, both aiming to resume operations in the Greek Islands by early May.
MSC Cruises plans to reposition its ships due to safety concerns, with MSC World Europa sailing to the Caribbean.
TUI's Mein Schiff 5 is heading to Oman, while two other ships remain docked.

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Hormuz Reopened Shipping

The Strait of Hormuz reopened for shipping on April 17, 2026, after an Iran–United States agreement.
Celestyal Discovery became first vessel to pass since the war began, departing from Dubai.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait is open under a route approved by Iran's military.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reopening would be permanent.
The Israel–Lebanon cease-fire is set for ten days, with ongoing U.S.–Iran peace talks.

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Cruise Ships Depart

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has enabled six cruise ships, stranded for 47 days, to exit the Persian Gulf.
The Celestyal Discovery was the first to transit the strait, followed by the Celestyal Journey, both aiming to resume operations in the Greek Islands by early May.
MSC Cruises plans to reposition its ships due to safety concerns, with MSC World Europa sailing to the Caribbean.
TUI's Mein Schiff 5 is heading to Oman, while two other ships remain docked.

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