Ships are skipping ports after
violence in Cairo and Libya and
warnings from other countries
in Africa and the Middle East.
CRUISE lines continue to keep a close watch
on anti-American protests around the world,
with several itineraries changed in order to
avoid problem areas in Egypt and Tunisia.
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas has
cancelled tomorrow’s scheduled call at
Alexandria, Egypt, and will instead dock at
Sicily, Italy, and Valletta, Malta.
The company said it altered the itinerary “in
an abundance of caution” and would contact
passengers or their travel agents in case of
additional modifications to other cruises.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth also skipped
Alexandria on the weekend and replaced it
with Rhodes, Greece.
On Friday, Holland America’s Ryndam called
at Sardinia, Italy, instead of La Goulette,
Tunisia.
This change was made due to “the potential
for continued protest activity there,” HAL said.
However, MSC Cruises issued a statement
overnight that the situation had “normalised”
and all operations, including shore excursions,
would take place as planned.
Norwegian Cruise Line also confirmed to
Cruise Weekly that no changes had been
made to any itineraries.
The disruptions follow the recent easing of
Government travel warnings to Egypt.
Earlier this month the Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
lowered its warning level for Egypt overall.
Travellers to Sharm el Sheikh, a popular
cruise port, “are strongly encouraged to travel
by air”, it said.
Yesterday, the Australian Government
updated its warning for Tunisia to “exercise a
high degree of caution” after violent protests
in front of the US Embassy in Tunis and “the
risk of further violence and civil unrest and
the threat of kidnapping and terrorist attack”.
Costa, Princess, Silversea, Pullmantur and
Thomson (UK) also have upcoming cruises
with ports of call in Egypt and Tunisia in
September.
For the latest advice, contact your travel
agent or cruise line and see
www.smarttraveller.gov.au.
