by Cruise lines moved quickly to pull ships out of the Red Sea and Israel last year, but planning for spring, when the Suez Canal vessels transit on their way back from world cruises, seemed a long way off. Now that those trips are underway, spring is just around the corner and the situation in the Red Sea has just entered a more dangerous phase.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the conflict with Houthi rebels in the Red Sea area could affect your upcoming cruise.
What is happening in the Red Sea?
Shipping companies including cargo arm MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and AP Moller-Maersk halted Suez transits in December after missile and drone attacks on their ships by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen. Similarly BP suspended canal transits, and instead sent tankers to the Med around Africa, adding two weeks to the journey time.
Overnight on January 11, the US and Britain fought back, launching airstrikes on military bases in Yemen. More than 60 goals were achieved in 16 venues. The Houthis vowed to retaliate.
Which cruise ships operate in this area?
Variety Cruises of Greece was to operate winter sun cruises between Ashdod in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan which transited the Suez Canal. They were destroyed in October when war broke out between Israel and Gaza.
Silversea’s Silver Moon is in the final days of what should have been a 10-night cruise from Aqaba in Jordan to Muscat in Oman. Instead, it has been changed to the Aqaba Cruise round trip, still 10 nights and still ending on January 16, and the following sailing, from Muscat to Dubai, has been cancelled.
Peter Shanks, Silversea’s UK and Ireland managing director, said the company is rescheduling flights for guests on the altered cruise. Each is receiving a US$500 cruise credit as well as 50 percent off a future cruise. “Our guests are very understanding,” he said.
Have the itineraries changed, given the growing conflict?
Like Variety, MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises pulled all cruises last October that were scheduled to call in Israel.
MSC has also canceled the Suez transit at the start of its 121-day eastbound world tour in January 2024. Its ship, MSC Poesia, is going around Africa instead. A spokesperson said they have kept the same number of destinations (50), as well as the original travel highlights.
Now the spotlight falls on cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line and Azamara, all of which have ships on world cruises scheduled to carry Suez in March or April as the vessels return to the Mediterranean.
A P&O Cruises spokesperson confirmed that they are monitoring the situation daily with the relevant authorities. “We will advise guests if any changes to the itinerary are required. The safety, security and well-being of our guests and staff is our top priority.”
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said it has made no changes to its global cruise program including a scheduled sailing through the Suez Canal in early April. “We are in regular communication with the relevant authorities and assess all risks. In the event of an increased risk, we will of course implement our contingency program.”
Cunard and Holland America also said they are monitoring the situation. HAL said it will inform guests of any updates “as soon as possible”.
Will I get a refund if I want to cancel?
In the current situation it will be a case of canceling the cruise line before you have a chance.
If you decide to cancel a cruise for any reason, you will be subject to the normal cancellation charges. However, if the FCDO recommends against all travel to the region, companies should offer alternative holidays or receive a full refund.
Shanks said guests on a canceled Silver Moon cruise can choose a full refund or transfer to another cruise for 2024. “We are always very reasonable and believe in compensating guests when things don’t go as expected them,” he said.
Global cruisers who get their ships diverted around Africa instead of carrying Suez might not be so lucky. None of the lines contacted would comment on possible refunds or compensation should guests not want that extra trip and choose to leave their ship early.
P&O said: “If we decide to change the itinerary based on our own assessment of the situation or on the basis of advice given by authorities such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), we will inform guests of the revised itinerary and any other impact on the cruise, as appropriate.”
Is it safe to book a Red cruise later in the year?
No one has any idea how long this conflict will last, or if it will escalate further. Cruise lines are not risk takers, so unless this goes away faster than many expect, there may not be any Red Sea cruises for the foreseeable future.
