Cruise Passengers in Abu Dhabi Describe Sheltering as Iran War Erupts
Cruise passengers stranded in Abu Dhabi have shared harrowing accounts of being ordered to shelter onboard as war erupted between the US, Israel, and Iran over the weekend. The conflict has triggered widespread panic across the Middle East, with previously safe havens like Dubai and Abu Dhabi coming under fire, leading to major travel disruptions as tourists scramble to return home.
Terrifying Moments on Board
Nicole Gurske, a 34-year-old from Wuppertal, Germany, was exploring the Middle East on TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 4 with her boyfriend when the crisis unfolded. The couple was visiting Abu Dhabi on the weekend when crew urgently called them back to the ship. On Saturday, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with continued bombardments since. US president Donald Trump has warned that the worst is yet to come.
In retaliation, Tehran has struck back with attacks against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Speaking to USA TODAY, Ms Gurske described the moment the strikes began: "They said we have to stay inside, not go [to] the pool, outside or on the balcony." She reported hearing a "very big explosion" outside on Tuesday, adding to the fear and uncertainty.
Travel Chaos and Flight Cancellations
The conflict has caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, leaving tourists like Ms Gurske stranded. She was supposed to travel home on Sunday, but her flight was cancelled, and she has rebooked for Friday. While some commercial flights are operating from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the vast majority are cancelled due to airspace restrictions. Ms Gurske has been stuck in Abu Dhabi for days, attempting to continue as normally as possible onboard the ship, attending the gym and breakfast, though guests are allowed to leave if they notify crew—a risk she has chosen not to take.
TUI Cruises has stated that its Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 ships in the region are operating as normally as possible, with about 5,000 guests safe and cared for. The company has cancelled several cruises set to begin between Saturday and Thursday and is working closely with airlines and authorities to organise reliable return arrangements. TUI Cruises is among the major travel operators announcing significant disruptions to their Middle East itineraries.
Regional Impact and Evacuation Efforts
The German travel association (DRV) reported on Sunday that about 30,000 holidaymakers from German tour operators were affected by the situation. In response, some countries are organising government-chartered flights to bring their citizens back safely. The first UK government-chartered flight to repatriate stranded Britons was delayed from Oman on Wednesday due to technical issues but is due to depart later on Thursday. The UK Foreign Office is working with airlines to assist the approximately 130,000 Britons who have registered their presence in the Middle East.
As smoke billowed from Zayed port after an Iranian attack in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, the region faces ongoing instability. The conflict underscores the rapid escalation of tensions and the profound impact on tourism and travel, with passengers like Ms Gurske caught in the crossfire, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated evacuation efforts amid the chaos.
