Cruise lines have ships that travel world-wide which means they are always on alert to any issues that may affect the safety of its crew and passengers.
It is common in the cruise industry to have an itinerary adjusted and even canceled due to hurricanes and tropical storms. However, this weekend we have seen changes of itineraries, quick departures out of ports, and cancellations of cruises due to fighting and a declaration of war in the Middle East.
The attack on Israel over the weekend has brought reports of kidnapping, hundreds of lives lost and thousands injured.
At the time of the initial strike, Oceania Cruises’ Nautica and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam were docked in Haifa about 50 miles from the blasts. Both ships departed as soon as guests returned from their shore excursions.
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas currently homeports in Haifa, Israel and sails four- and five-day cruises to Greece. However, according to a travel alert on its website, the cruise line has canceled the October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 sailings from Haifa.
The travel alert reads, “We’ve been closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in Israel. With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we’ve decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings.”
“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news.”
Booked guests will receive a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, as well as any pre-purchased items and flights booked through Royal Caribbean.
Celebrity Apex canceled her call to Haifa on Sunday and is scheduled to make another call in the country during her October 16, 2023 sailing. Looking at the current situation it is likely that itinerary will also be changed. Other ships due to visit Israel in the coming days include Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Voyager, and more.
Cruise lines realize that a trip to Israel is a bucket list trip for most of its guests; however, the safety of those guests and the cruise line’s crew is always the priority. Keep in touch with your cruise line for any itinerary changes or cancellations if you are traveling in the area in the coming days and weeks.