marine link image
REGISTER NOW FOR the Port of the Future Conference • 2 Days, 50 Ports • Houston, TX • March 24–25, 2026

P&O Cancels Dubai, Gulf Voyages amid Iran Tensions

August 8, 2019

File Image: AdobeStock / © JJAVA
File Image: AdobeStock / © JJAVA

P&O Cruises has cancelled cruises around Dubai and the Arabian Gulf after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the region.

Citing increased tensions, the company said it has cancelled its planned programme in the region from October until at least March next year and all guests be issued a full refund.

Last month, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a British tanker, Stena Impero, near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations. That came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accusing it of violating sanctions on Syria.

"As a British company flying the Red Ensign it is not advisable for us to maintain our planned Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme this winter season," said Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president.

"We have therefore taken the unusual step of withdrawing Oceana from the region for the upcoming season."

Reporting by Andrew MacAskill

Logistics News

Port of Oakland: Exports Continue to Outperform Imports

Port of Oakland: Exports Continue to Outperform Imports

Aker Solutions Wins FEED Contract for Lithuania CO₂ Terminal

Aker Solutions Wins FEED Contract for Lithuania CO₂ Terminal

Argentina Grain Exports Rise From Strong Harvest

Argentina Grain Exports Rise From Strong Harvest

Tanker Bound for Cuba with Fuel Cargo Diverts to Trinidad

Tanker Bound for Cuba with Fuel Cargo Diverts to Trinidad

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News

US airline CEOs call on Congress to resolve the standoff and pay airport security personnel
Chemical smell causes DC airports to stop flights
Honda's $15,7 billion writedown on EVs is painful but China problems loom in the future