Explora Journeys, a company specializing in cruises, has announced the cancellation of all its planned trips to the Middle East for the winter season of 2026-2027, due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The ship Explora II, which was designated to sail in the Gulf, will now head to the Mediterranean only from November 2026 to March 2027.
In an official statement, the company confirmed that this decision came after careful consideration and reflects Explora Journeys' commitment to providing clarity and confidence to guests and travel agencies as they plan their future trips. Previous itineraries included countries such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, but the company has decided to change its course to offer new programs in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Details of the New Programs
The new programs will include destinations such as Casablanca, Funchal, and Ibiza, in addition to current destinations like Santorini and Capri. Travelers will also be able to enjoy festive experiences such as fireworks in Cannes and other celebratory moments at sea. The company is expected to announce more details about these new programs at the end of March.
Explora Journeys aims to support travelers and travel agencies affected by the canceled trips by offering suitable alternative options wherever possible. The company is also providing a 10% discount until April 30 for affected travelers who wish to rebook new trips, along with a credit of $500 per traveler.
Background & Context
This move comes at a sensitive time when the region is witnessing an escalation in conflicts, which has significantly impacted the tourism and cruise industry. Other companies, such as Celestial Cruises, have been forced to cancel four other European cruises due to their ships remaining in Dubai and Doha and their inability to reroute trips to Europe. These events indicate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on global tourism flows.
Despite the cancellation of current trips, the ships Explora I and Explora V are still scheduled to sail in the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea in the winter of 2027-2028. Explora V is expected to launch in December 2027, starting with specialized trips in the Mediterranean before expanding to the Middle East.
Impact & Consequences
The cruise industry is considered one of the most affected sectors by regional conflicts, as crises lead to a decline in bookings and changes in travel plans. The cancellation of cruises in the Middle East may negatively impact the local economy, especially in countries that rely on tourism as a primary source of revenue. This situation may also affect the region's reputation as a safe tourist destination.
Concerns are growing that the ongoing conflict could lead to a further decline in tourist numbers, negatively impacting tourism investments and infrastructure in the region. Governments need to take urgent steps to enhance security and stability to attract tourists back.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are significantly affected by ongoing conflicts, as tourism is one of the vital sectors contributing to economic growth. The cancellation of cruises reflects the challenges the region faces in attracting tourists, necessitating new strategies to promote tourist destinations.
In light of these circumstances, Arab countries must work to enhance regional cooperation and improve security conditions to attract tourists and restore confidence in the region as a safe tourist destination. Current challenges may present an opportunity to rethink and develop tourism strategies in line with global changes.