Disruptions to Cruise Voyages Caused by Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea

Cruise companies are grappling with disruptions to their voyages amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea. Major operators such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation, and MSC Cruises have been compelled to either cancel or reroute their voyages to avoid the Red Sea due to heightened threats from the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.

Carnival Corporation recently joined the ranks of companies adjusting their itineraries, announcing that it will reroute 12 ships across seven of its brands in May to circumvent the Red Sea. The cruise operator emphasized its commitment to the safety of guests and crew, noting that it had been actively monitoring the situation in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. Although specific affected sailings were not disclosed, several Carnival Corporation brands, including Costa Cruises and Seabourn, have already communicated cancellations and alterations to their itineraries.

Costa Cruises, under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, recently canceled a repositioning voyage scheduled to traverse the Red Sea in March. The cruise line cited security concerns and uncertainties in the region, stating that the decision was made after consulting with global security experts and government authorities.

Princess Cruises, another Carnival Corporation brand, has rerouted world cruises on two of its ships, Island Princess and Coral Princess, due to the escalating situation in the Red Sea. Island Princess’ world cruise, which commenced on January 18, 2024, will no longer include stops in the Middle East and Asia. Instead, the revised itinerary includes visits to ports in Australia, South Africa, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and an Atlantic crossing. The itinerary for Coral Princess’s upcoming world cruise in April is also being reworked.

MSC Cruises took similar actions by canceling at least three repositioning voyages scheduled for April. Among the cancellations was a 24-night cruise on MSC Splendida from Durban, South Africa, to Genoa, Italy. Silversea, another cruise line operator, confirmed the cancellation of two upcoming voyages on board Silver Moon and adjustments to the itinerary of a sailing between Aqaba, Jordan, and Muscat, Oman.

The disruptions stem from a series of attacks by Houthi rebels on vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. In response to these threats, the US and UK conducted military strikes against Houthi targets earlier this month.

The cruise industry is grappling with the challenge of balancing travel plans with the safety and security of passengers and crew in regions marked by geopolitical tensions. The situation underscores the complexities faced by cruise operators as they navigate the dynamic landscape of global travel amid geopolitical uncertainties. Travelers are advised to stay informed about itinerary changes and security updates from cruise operators when planning voyages to sensitive regions.