Movement is picking up again in the Gulf as more cruise ships prepare to pass through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints.

After the successful transit of the Celestyal Discovery, two additional cruise ships are now heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a potential turning point after weeks of disruption in the region.

According to AIS tracking data, the 2,700-passenger Mein Schiff 5, operated by TUI Cruises, along with Celestyal Journey, have departed from Doha, Qatar, and are now sailing toward the strait. Their movements come after a prolonged pause in traffic through the strait, which had effectively shut down since late February.

On February 28, Iranian forces issued warnings that ships should not transit the area, bringing cruise operations to a standstill. As a result, several cruise ships were left stranded across Gulf ports. 

Three major cruise ships remain in the region but are expected to follow soon. Aroya Manara is currently docked in Dammam, while Mein Schiff 4 remains in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, MSC Euribia is in Dubai and has just turned on its AIS transponder. They are expected to cross the strait this weekend.

For now, all eyes remain on the Strait of Hormuz as cruise ships cautiously make their way through one of the most geopolitically sensitive waterways in the world.