Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled the farewell cruise of the Norwegian Sky, which was scheduled to depart from Piraeus, Greece, on September 9, 2026, and sail to Muscat, Oman. The voyage was planned to last 19 nights, transiting the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
Updated Itinerary Details and Route
The sailing’s itinerary had been revised in July 2026, reducing the original 21-night duration to 19 nights. The final destination was changed from Dubai to Muscat. The planned stops included Rhodes, Alexandria, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Jeddah, and Aqaba.
Security Concerns Prompt Cancellation
Norwegian Cruise Line attributed the cancellation to ongoing security issues in the Middle East,
primarily linked to the US-Iran conflict. The company stated it lacks sufficient confidence to operate the voyage safely amid the regional uncertainty.
Passenger Compensation and Flight Policies
Passengers booked on the cancelled cruise will receive a full refund to their original form of payment. In addition, they will be granted a Future Cruise Credit equal to 50% of the current voyage fare, which is added to a previously issued 15% credit. These credits are valid for use on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings departing by December 31, 2027.
For guests who booked flights through Norwegian Cruise Line, airfare will be automatically cancelled and refunded. Those who
arranged flights independently may claim reimbursement of up to US$300 per person for eligible airline change or cancellation fees not reimbursed by airlines or travel insurance.
The Norwegian Sky is scheduled to leave the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in October 2026, following its sale to Cordelia Cruises, an Indian company, announced in 2025.
Norwegian Cruise Line said in an official statement: “After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing.” The statement added, “Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we
no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”
The cancellation reflects broader operational adjustments within the cruise industry, as multiple lines reconsider Middle East deployments amid security risks around the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
