An escape has begun from the Red Sea – cruise operators, who have already changed Mediterranean routes from Israel to Cyprus and Turkey, are also canceling “Red Sea” routes that did not even include calls to Israel. However, the reason is the same – the conflict in the Middle East, and tourists are afraid to take them there.
According to information from the Mirror, it is about two routes that were canceled by the cruise company MSC Cruises in the winter season of 2023-2024. “In light of the current geopolitical situation and to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew,” the cruise operator said, MSC Orchestra’s Red Sea itinerary from November 8, 2023, to April 17, 2024, has been canceled.
At the same time, it did not provide for visits to the ports of Israel – tourists were offered visits to Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. MSC Sinfonia’s winter program from November 12, 2023, to April 15, 2024, calling at the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Haifa in Israel, has also been canceled.
In addition, changes in the schedule will also be made to “grand voyages” on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera, and MSC Splendida liners. These cruises last more than 20 days, pass through different water areas, and must include Egypt and Jordan as destinations. However, it is not yet known what exactly these changes will be.
As for the canceled itineraries, tourists are offered to transfer their trip to a cruise of a similar duration on another liner or receive a full refund. As the representatives of the tour operator PAC Group, the general representative of the cruise company MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys stated, as an alternative to the passengers of the MSC Orchestra liner, an alternative cruise on the MSC Opera in the Persian Gulf is offered. Moreover, they will be given a bonus onboard credit for any additional services from €100 per cabin.
It is also possible to transfer the cruise to any other with a departure in May 2024 in the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe or the Caribbean. It is important that it is currently available for sale. If tourists are not satisfied with the proposed alternatives, they can cancel their cruise and receive a full refund of its cost and additional services provided by MSC Cruises.