Cruise Ship Becomes Shelter Amid Middle East Conflict

Travelers on Mein Schiff 4 stranded in Abu Dhabi as fighting disrupts cruises and flights

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A number of travelers have been stranded during cruises in the Middle East, as the Trump administration's war with Iran has disrupted travel in the region. Passengers on the TUI Cruises' ship Mein Schiff 4, including Nicole Gurske, have been stuck in Abu Dhabi since February 28 after the crew told them to stay onboard following U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. While the onboard experience has remained relatively normal, guests can hear explosions outside and have limited options to leave the ship.

Why it matters

The disruption to cruise travel in the Middle East highlights the broader challenges facing travelers in the region amid the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Cruise lines are working to accommodate and repatriate stranded passengers, but the situation underscores the unpredictability and risks of travel during times of geopolitical tension.

The details

On February 28, the crew of the Mein Schiff 4 told passengers, including Nicole Gurske, that they had to stay inside the ship and could not go to the pool or balcony due to U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. Gurske, who was originally supposed to fly home on March 1, has been stuck in Abu Dhabi with her fellow guests since then. While the onboard experience has remained relatively normal, with Gurske able to use the gym and have breakfast, she could also hear a 'very big explosion' outside the day before. Guests can come and go from the ship as long as they notify the crew, but Gurske has remained onboard.

  • On February 28, the crew told passengers they had to stay inside the ship.
  • Gurske was originally supposed to fly home on March 1.
  • As of March 4, Gurske has been stuck in Abu Dhabi with her fellow guests since February 28.

The players

Nicole Gurske

A 34-year-old resident of Wuppertal, Germany who was on a Middle East cruise with her boyfriend when the ship called them back onboard.

Mein Schiff 4

A cruise ship operated by TUI Cruises that is currently sheltering passengers in Abu Dhabi.

TUI Cruises

The cruise company operating Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, which have been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“They said, we have to stay inside, not go (to) the pool outside or on the balcony.”

— Nicole Gurske (USA TODAY)

“It's not so bad if I can't see everything clearly.”

— Nicole Gurske (USA TODAY)

“I want to go home, but I'm a little bit scared that something will happen outside.”

— Nicole Gurske (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Gurske has rebooked her flight to return home on March 6, but is waiting to see if that flight will be canceled as well. TUI Cruises is working to organize additional reliable flight options for the stranded passengers.

The takeaway

The disruption to cruise travel in the Middle East underscores the broader challenges facing travelers in the region amid the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Cruise lines are working to accommodate and repatriate stranded passengers, but the situation highlights the unpredictability and risks of travel during times of geopolitical tension.