- Company
- MSC
- Ship
- MSC Euribia
Crew members aboard MSC Euribia, currently docked in Dubai, say uncertainty and frustration are growing after a town hall meeting with senior ship officers regarding the ongoing situation in the region.
A crew member who asked to remain anonymous said the ship has been effectively stranded in Dubai since cruise operations in the Persian Gulf were cancelled on February 28, 2026, following escalating military tensions in the region.
According to the crew member, management stated that the vessel is not currently considered to be in a war risk zone as long as guests remain onboard, citing guidance linked to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
This explanation has caused confusion among crew.
Crew members point out that drone and missile activity has reportedly been visible from the port of Dubai, raising questions about how a war risk zone is defined.
“Every day and night we can see drones and missiles flying,” the crew member said. “How can this not be considered a war zone area?”
Adding to the confusion, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has already officially designated the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman as a High Risk Area. Under agreements negotiated through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), seafarers sailing through these waters are entitled to additional compensation due to the increased security risks.
Some crew members therefore questioned whether the presence of passengers onboard should determine eligibility for war risk compensation, especially while the vessel remains in the region.
The original cruise itinerary had already been cancelled on March 1, and passengers have reportedly received full refunds, while food, drinks, and services onboard are being provided as guests wait to return home.
According to the crew member, most of the remaining passengers are expected to disembark by March 11 once flight arrangements are secured.
Current plans indicate that crew members with contracts ending will begin disembarking around March 15, while the remaining crew will stay onboard until the company announces the next operational plan for the vessel.
Many crew members feel the situation should be reviewed and clarified under ITF and IMO regulations, especially considering the security concerns in the region.
For now, the ship remains in Dubai while both crew await further developments.
If you are currently onboard MSC Euribia or another ship in the region, we invite you to share your experience and updates in the box bellow.
A crew member who asked to remain anonymous said the ship has been effectively stranded in Dubai since cruise operations in the Persian Gulf were cancelled on February 28, 2026, following escalating military tensions in the region.
War Risk Compensation Concerns
One of the main concerns raised by crew members relates to war risk area compensation.According to the crew member, management stated that the vessel is not currently considered to be in a war risk zone as long as guests remain onboard, citing guidance linked to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
This explanation has caused confusion among crew.
Crew members point out that drone and missile activity has reportedly been visible from the port of Dubai, raising questions about how a war risk zone is defined.
“Every day and night we can see drones and missiles flying,” the crew member said. “How can this not be considered a war zone area?”
Adding to the confusion, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has already officially designated the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman as a High Risk Area. Under agreements negotiated through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), seafarers sailing through these waters are entitled to additional compensation due to the increased security risks.
Some crew members therefore questioned whether the presence of passengers onboard should determine eligibility for war risk compensation, especially while the vessel remains in the region.
Guests Still Waiting for Flights
At the moment, approximately 1,200 passengers remain onboard MSC Euribia, waiting for available flights out of the region.The original cruise itinerary had already been cancelled on March 1, and passengers have reportedly received full refunds, while food, drinks, and services onboard are being provided as guests wait to return home.
According to the crew member, most of the remaining passengers are expected to disembark by March 11 once flight arrangements are secured.
Crew Rotation Plans
The crew onboard remains at full capacity, with no emergency crew disembarkations reported so far related to the regional tensions.Current plans indicate that crew members with contracts ending will begin disembarking around March 15, while the remaining crew will stay onboard until the company announces the next operational plan for the vessel.
Crew Morale
The crew member described the overall mood onboard as disappointed, particularly regarding the question of war risk compensation.Many crew members feel the situation should be reviewed and clarified under ITF and IMO regulations, especially considering the security concerns in the region.
For now, the ship remains in Dubai while both crew await further developments.
If you are currently onboard MSC Euribia or another ship in the region, we invite you to share your experience and updates in the box bellow.
