The Mein Schiff 4 is stuck in Abu Dhabi because of the Middle East war. Here in a photo from July 2025 in the port of Kristiansand in Norway.Image: www.imago-images.de
German holiday guests on two cruise ships cannot leave the Middle East – nor can their ships. It is unclear when they will be able to return home.
Mar 2, 2026, 3:31 p.mMar 2, 2026, 3:31 p.m
Dorothea Meadows / t-online
For around 5,000 cruise passengers, a trip into the sun has become a horror trip. Around 2,500 people and 1,000 crew members are stuck in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Doha (Qatar) on board the “Mein Schiff 4” and “Mein Schiff 5” due to the escalation in the Middle East. You experience ups and downs of emotions.
After already on Sunday Impact of an Iranian drone in the immediate vicinity of “Mein Schiff 4” It was reported that fighting was said to have taken place again on Monday morning. A passenger reported on Facebook: “Almost 24 hours ago the captain opened the outside deck again, but only the covered part. Now there was 24 hours of calm and the first explosions again this morning.”
“Crew is in the same skin as us”
Another “Mein Schiff 4” passenger describes that “one of several drones that could not be intercepted hit a port building next to us” and posted a photo of the scene that the people on board could see.
The passengers also report that the crew of “Mein Schiff 4” is self-sacrificingly caring for everyone. “Despite the situation, they are giving it their all – and we are so grateful for this crew, the people are in the same shoes as us,” said a holidaymaker on Facebook.
A German passenger on the “Mein Schiff 4”, which is docked in Doha, has the same experience: “Congratulations to the crew. The crew is trying very hard,” he writes, and “we keep getting updates from the captain. Everyone is trying very hard. Nothing is missing.”
Flying out is currently impossible
“Hopefully cabin fever doesn’t come soon,” responds a Facebook user to the last entry. It is unclear how long the people will have to remain “trapped” and at the same time protected by the two cruise ships operated by Tui Cruises. The airspace is closed and, according to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, there is no chance of flying the passengers to Germany. He told “Bild” that a military evacuation “will not be possible” because the airspace is closed overall. The focus is on “information offers and consular support”.
Those responsible for “Mein Schiff” remain silent. t-online was unable to reach the cruise company’s press office. Only a statement on the “Mein Schiff” website provides information about the status of things. It says here: “Due to the continued dynamic situation in the region and limited flight connections, we are currently relying on the information from Airlines to clarify whether and when return flights can take place. As soon as we have reliable information, we will coordinate the next steps closely with our partners.”
Why the cruise ships set sail for the Middle East in the first place is the subject of heated debate on the Internet. The rival company Aida had ended the Oriental season early after there were increasing indications that there was an attack by Israel on the Iran could come. “They were mocked and laughed at, but they were right,” writes a man on the “Mein Schiff” Facebook page. Another is angry with Tui: “The shipping company is responsible. The route was continued to be offered out of greed for money.”
Sources used:
This map shows an overview of the attacks of the war in Iran after 48 hours
Video: Watson/Michael Shepherd