Stranded cruise ships finally pass through Strait of Hormuz

• Six cruise ships, including MSC Euribia and Celestyal Discovery, which were stranded in the Arabian Gulf following the US-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February, have successfully cleared the Strait of Hormuz.
• The vessels were in various UAE and Qatari ports, and one in Damman, when hostilities broke out, leading to the evacuation of most passengers and crew, with only essential personnel remaining onboard.
• Celestyal Discovery was the first to depart on 17 April, establishing a safe route through the Strait of Hormuz in collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams, followed by Celestyal Journey and other ships.
• All six ships sailed close to the Omani shore to avoid Iranian territory, with the final vessel, Aroya Menara, clearing the strait late on 19 April.
• The first five ships are now sailing around the Cape to resume scheduled sailings in Europe in May, while the Saudi-owned Aroya Menara is heading to Jeddah, with dozens of cruises having been cancelled during the stranding.

IN FULL

Cruise ships escape through Strait of Hormuz and will carry passengers within weeks