MSC Cruises Issues New ‘Delta Tango’ Emergency Codes for Guests Stuck in Dubai
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Guests onboard MSC Euribia in Dubai should stay alert for two new emergency code announcements.
These “Delta Tango” blue and red codes indicate emergency situations for the ship’s safety.
MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai amid Middle East violence, but guests are gradually being flown home.
With MSC Euribia remaining docked in Dubai for the time being and violence unpredictable in the region, guests still onboard the Meraviglia Plus Class vessel are being advised of unique emergency procedures.
The new alerts go beyond standard safety procedures that guests always practice before setting sail. Those safety drills typically involve the need to assemble at muster stations in case an evacuation is necessary.
The new information, however, is special color-coded alerts guests may need to respond to if there is an immediate threat to the ship, such as with a drone or missile attack. This may seem extreme, but with the current tension in the region it is critical for everyone to be aware of updated safety procedures.
Letters delivered to guests’ staterooms outline the alert system and how guests will need to react in case of an emergency.
“Dubai’s port area continues to be considered secure. However, considering our prolonged stay in port, as a precaution, we have implemented additional safety procedures to ensure we are fully prepared should the situation change,” the letter explained.
The new emergency codes are “Delta Tango Blue Code” and “Delta Tango Red Code” respectively. Should guests hear those codes broadcast over the ship’s public address system, their immediate response is essential.
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The “Blue Code” is the more moderate emergency, should there be a potential threat near the ship. At that time, crew members will begin clearing any outer decks that are still open and guiding guests to designated safe zones onboard. Guests are asked to “kindly follow crew instructions promptly” in that situation.
Should the “Red Code” be announced, “this indicates an immediate emergency affecting the ship.”
At that time, guests will be directed to safe areas that may be onboard or ashore if necessary. They are asked to remain calm and follow crew instructions “immediately and without delay” indicating greater urgency to the situation.
The “Delta” code is normally reserved for damage to a ship’s hull, but different cruise lines may use it differently. As this situation is unprecedented, the new codes are necessary for clear communication.
MSC Euribia‘s Captain Paolo Benini is stressing that there is no change in the risk assessment for the ship at this time. The new codes are just to be sure everyone can stay safe and informed should new situations develop in the coming days.
“Our crew is fully trained and prepared, and we continue to closely monitor the situation in close coordination with the relevant authorities,” the letter stated.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on the missile-armed drone crash at the Port of Dubai, so close to TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 that the ship felt the blast. No damage to the ship or guest injuries were reported, but had the crash been just a bit closer, the outcome could have been very different.
Guests Now Being Flown Home from MSC Euribia
MSC Cruises has been working constantly to coordinate flights to return guests from the ship back to their home countries. This has been complicated by restricted and closed airspaces in the region, cancelled flights, plane size, and other safety factors.
Now, however, guests are starting to be able to make connections that will fly them safely out of Dubai.
Dubai International Airport (DBX) is located just five miles from Port Rashid, where MSC Euribia is docked. With the current situation, however, many flights are cancelled. At this time, only limited operations have resumed with select flights.
On Monday, March 2, the airport confirmed the reopening of the facilities.
“Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin later today, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC),” a Dubai Airports spokesperson said.
Al Maktoum International is 40 miles from the cruise terminal and generally offers far fewer flights for passengers as most traffic is cargo-based.
In comparison, Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, serving more than 92 million passengers annually (according to 2024 figures, the most recent statistics available).
That cruise guests are starting to be flown home is a positive step toward ensuring everyone’s safe return from MSC Euribia, though it may take several more days to completely evacuate the 6,327-guest cruise ship.
MSC Cruises Issues New ‘Delta Tango’ Emergency Codes for Guests Stuck in Dubai