Crystal has cancelled its 2024 Red Sea sailing due to ongoing tensions, prioritising safety.
- The affected cruise from Mumbai to Athens was scheduled for late March to mid-April on Crystal Symphony.
- Segments of the World Cruise on Crystal Serenity will also be re-routed to ensure passenger security.
- Carnival Corporation had earlier adjusted routes of 12 ships for similar reasons.
- MSC Cruises similarly cancelled voyages due to regional risks.
Amidst escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Crystal has announced the cancellation of its scheduled cruise between Mumbai and Piraeus, originally planned from 27 March to 13 April 2024 on the Crystal Symphony. The decision underscores the cruise line’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of its guests and crew members. A representative from Crystal stated, ‘In light of the current situation in the Red Sea, Crystal remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of our guests and crew.’
In addition to this specific sailing, numerous segments of the World Cruise on the Crystal Serenity have been re-routed to circumvent the volatile region. This adjustment, however, will not affect the overall duration of the voyage, with the ship set to arrive in Miami as initially planned on 8 June 2024.
The situation mirrors similar actions taken by other major cruise lines in response to the conflict. Last month, Carnival Corporation adjusted the itineraries of 12 vessels across seven of its brands, including well-known names such as Cunard and Holland America Line. These changes are anticipated to influence the company’s financial results for the second quarter.
Likewise, MSC Cruises has opted to cancel three repositioning voyages scheduled in April, citing the potential dangers associated with navigating the contested waters. These journeys were intended to ferry passengers from South Africa and the UAE to Europe.
The adjustments and cancellations highlight a broader trend within the cruise industry, where operational decisions are increasingly influenced by geopolitical developments to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
The cruise industry faces significant operational shifts due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.
