British-flagged lines P&O Cruises and Cunard have pledged to continue to review the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of scheduled cruise calls in the Middle East next year.
Fears P&O Cruises’ Oceana may be targeted by Iran while sailing in the region prompted the line to pull its 49-departure Dubai and Arabian Gulf 2019-20 winter programme last week.
The line, which sails under the British Red Ensign, revealed it sought advice from “external authorities” over concerns for the safety of passengers and crew.
Its decision came nearly a month after a UK-registered oil tanker was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in the key shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz.
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P&O Cruises pulls Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme
Despite this, Cunard and P&O Cruises have stated two voyages scheduled to call at Dubai in 2020 will go ahead as planned.
Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to call at Dubai on January 30 before sailing south to Muscat, Oman, via the Strait of Hormuz, on a 113-night sailing. P&O’s 99-night world cruise will overnight in Dubai on March 24 before travelling to Muscat. Both ships fly the the Red Ensign.
A Cunard spokesperson said: “We will continue to review the situation and if we need to adjust the itinerary we will.”
A P&O Cruises spokesperson added: “The world cruise stays scheduled at the moment. Obviously, if we get advice to the contrary, we will let guests know.”