Cruise giant P&O cancels Dubai season amid rising Gulf tensions
UK cruise line P&O Cruises has cancelled its Dubai and Arabian Gulf voyages this winter following rising tensions in the region.
The company – which carries a British flag on its ships – said the decision followed close monitoring of the situation within the Straits of Hormuz and advice from external authorities.
Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president, said: “The increased tension in the region highlighted by the attacks on tankers in the Straits and the detention of a British-flagged tanker by the Iranian authorities means, as a British company flying the Red Ensign, it is not advisable for us to maintain our planned Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme this winter season.
“We have therefore taken the unusual step of withdrawing Oceana from the region for the upcoming season. Whilst we appreciate our guests will be disappointed, the safety of our guests and crew is absolutely paramount and given our UK status, coupled with the uncertainty in the region, we have had to make this difficult decision.”
All bookings departing the UK from October to March next year will be cancelled and refunded.
Last weekend Iran claimed to have seized a third foreign oil tanker in the Gulf. It said the tanker was found in the Strait of Hormuz, where P&O ships pass on their route to the Emirate. Oceana was next due to stop in Dubai on October 30, 2019.
British passengers will still be travelling to Dubai via cruise this season, however, with a number of lines still sailing in the region. At the time of writing, this includes MSC Cruises, Marella and Seabourn.
A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said it closely monitors the public safety and security situation in each of the destinations it visits and sails through, consulting travel advisory bodies, local and international authorities and UK-based organisations.
It added: "While we’re aware of P&O Cruises’ decision – as a British flag carrier – to withdraw its operation from the Gulf for the coming season, we have not received any intelligence suggesting that there is reason for our plans to be altered. MSC Cruises’ upcoming winter season in the Gulf doesn’t start until the end of November. Guests and Crew can always be assured that their safety is our first priority."
The Foreign Office has not issued any specific cruise guidelines relating to Dubai, however, warns about the sensitive political situation in the region. It says: "You should consider how regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack."
P&O Cruises continues to list cruises in the region for 2020 to 2021 – guests whose trips have been cancelled this winter have been offered exclusive rates for the following Arabian Gulf season. The offer extends to this season’s Caribbean fly and cruise holidays.
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