THE outbreak of hostilities near Israel’s border with Gaza over the weekend has seen cruise lines rapidly rearrange itineraries to avoid the conflict. It’s understood that Oceania Cruises’ Nautica and Holland America Line’s Niew Statendam were docked in Haifa (pictured), about 80km from some of the blasts near Tel Aviv,...
THE outbreak of hostilities near Israel’s border with Gaza over the weekend has seen cruise lines rapidly rearrange itineraries to avoid the conflict.
It’s understood that Oceania Cruises’ Nautica and Holland America Line’s Niew Statendam were docked in Haifa (pictured), about 80km from some of the blasts near Tel Aviv, and left the port rapidly after guests returned from shore excursions.
Royal Caribbean is expected to be the most impacted cruise line because its Rhapsody of the Seas is currently undertaking a Haifa homeport season, with the company advising guests of the cancellation of sailings scheduled for today and 13 Oct.
Rhapsody of the Seas is currently sailing in the Greek isles and it’s unclear what her future deployment will be, with impacted guests advised they will receive a full refund including all taxes, fees, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions.
Other ships forced to cancel upcoming calls in Israel include Celebrity Apex which will replace Israel ports with calls in Mkyonos, Rhodes and Santorini.
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, which is about half-way through a 13-night cruise out of Rome, will adjust itineraries and instead operate a Bodrum, Turkey and Cyprus itinerary.
Other cruise lines with upcoming calls in Israel are believed to include MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, all of whom are expected to alter their planned programs. BP
