War in the Gulf Paralyzes Cruise Fleets, Scrambling Greece's Summer Tourism Season

The escalating war in the Middle East and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have paralyzed the global cruise industry’s crucial spring repositioning, stranding vessels and forcing Greek operators to urgently slash their 2026 Mediterranean summer itineraries. As U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran enter their sixth day, major cruise lines have anchored ships in Doha, Dubai, and the Seychelles. Greek-owned Celestyal Cruises’ vessels, the Journey and the Discovery, currently sit docked while rattl...

By ANTHEE CARASSAVA