Missile Lands Near Cruise Ship in Abu Dhabi, Sparking Panic Among Passengers

Passengers aboard a cruise ship docked in Abu Dhabi experienced a frightening moment this week after a missile reportedly landed in the water just meters from the vessel, sending travelers scrambling for safety and highlighting the growing risks tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The incident occurred near Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, where the German-flagged Mein Schiff 4, operated by TUI Cruises, was docked with roughly 2,500 passengers onboard, most of them from Germany.

Sudden Blast Sparks Panic Onboard

According to passenger accounts and multiple media reports, travelers heard a loud explosion before realizing that a projectile had landed in the water close to the ship.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene in the minutes that followed. Guests who had been relaxing on deck or standing on their balconies were quickly ordered to move indoors.

Crew members rushed to clear open decks and instruct passengers to stay away from windows, while announcements directed travelers to remain inside their cabins until the situation was clearer.

Some passengers said the sudden blast and the uncertainty surrounding the situation caused panic among guests, with many running inside as crew members attempted to maintain order.

Despite the close call, the projectile did not strike the ship, and there were no immediate reports of injuries among passengers or crew.

Cruise Departures Put On Hold

The incident comes as tensions across the Gulf region intensify following U.S. and Israel-led airstrikes in Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions, which have expanded the conflict and raised security concerns across multiple countries.

In response to the evolving situation, sailings for Mein Schiff 4 and its sister ship, Mein Schiff 5, which is also docked in Abu Dhabi, have been temporarily put on hold.

Several other cruise ships are currently stuck in ports across the region as operators evaluate safety conditions.

Ships reported to be docked in nearby Gulf ports include:

• MSC Euribia
• Aroya Manara
• Two ships from Celestyal Cruises

The growing instability has already forced cruise lines to cancel voyages.

Celestyal Cruises confirmed that the March 2 departures of Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery from Dubai and Abu Dhabi were canceled, offering guests either full refunds or future cruise credits.

“We sincerely apologize to guests for the disruption to their travel plans and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding as we work through this evolving situation,” the company said in a statement.

Celestyal Journey is expected to remain docked in Doha until at least March 7, delaying its planned seven-night Desert Days itinerary through ports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain, and Doha.

Travel Disruptions Worsen for Cruise Guests

Beyond the cruise disruptions, travelers in the region are also facing major air travel challenges.

Key aviation hubs including Dubai and Doha temporarily shut down flights, while several countries closed their airspace due to security concerns. The closures left many cruise passengers struggling to find ways to fly home as the situation continues to evolve.

For now, cruise lines operating in the Gulf appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach, keeping ships in port while monitoring security developments.

The missile landing near Mein Schiff 4 serves as a stark reminder that the rapidly expanding conflict in the region is beginning to directly impact the cruise industry — and the thousands of travelers currently sailing or visiting ports in the area.