Move FM Global News

ABU DHABI, UAE – Abu Dhabi has closed its ports to visiting cruise ships. The decision was taken by the Abu Dhabi government on Tuesday night.

Cruises en-route to the UAE capital have been told they will not be allowed to disembark in the emirate.

The Royal Caribbean ship Jewel of the Seas was due to arrive in Abu Dhabi capital’s Port Zayed at 8:00am on Wednesday. The ship was advised around 10:00pm on Tuesday night it would be denied access. The ship turned around and has sailed back to Dubai.

The ship as well was due to spend a day at Sir Bani Yas, an island in the Abu Dhabi emirate, on Saturday. However the ports closure has forced the cancellation of this visit as well.

Guests on board the Jewel of the Seas who had a farewell party as the 7 day Gulf cruise departed Dubai late on Tuesday afternoon, awoke on Wednesday morning to see their ship docked back in Dubai again.

An announcement at 8:00am by the ship’s captain advised passengers and crew of the grim news. Also the ship was advised there are two passengers on board with respiratory illnesses, however both have been diagnosed with non Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms.

The ship at present is stranded with Royal Caribbean having already taken the decision to remove Muscat, the Oman capital, from the itinerary, due to its open border with Iran.

Passengers have been advised they will receive a full refund regardless of whether the cruise continues or not, and they will receive assistance with their air fares if they decide to return home early, or they will be able to use the cruise ship as their hotel for the duration of the cruise, if it does not continue.

The ship is awaiting news from the Dubai authorities, who have ordered additional screening of the ill passengers. The best that could be hoped for is likely a cruise to nowhere, or a visit to Qatar, which the Jewel of the Seas regularly visits and is in the proximity.