Cruise ships cancel stops at Egypt ports as protests heat up

Cruise ships cancel stops at Egypt ports as protests heat up
Cruise ships cancel stops at Egypt ports as protests heat up

Azamara Quest sails through the Suez canal in Egypt in 2010. PA




The recent protests in Egypt are forcing cruise companies to change their routes.

According to Gadling, cruise lines and tour operators are making alternative plans with stops in Egypt being cancelled.

A notice sent to travel agents on Thursday read: 'In an abundance of caution, Royal Caribbean International has decided to cancel Mariner of the Seas' next port call to Egypt.'

'Mariner of the Seas, which departs Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on Saturday, September 15, will no longer call on Alexandria, Egypt, on Tuesday, September 18. Instead, the ship will now call to Sicily (Messina), Italy, on, Sunday, September 16, and Valletta, Malta, on Monday, September 17.'

The caution applies to sister lines Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Often called 'floating resorts', cruise ships have the advantage of simply sailing to another destination when trouble arises.

Princess Cruises, which was the first to return to Egypt after the 2011 uprising, says it is continuing its journey to Egypt.

Princess Spokesperson Karen Candy told Gadling: 'We haven't made any changes yet to our upcoming calls to Egypt.

'We're closely monitoring the situation and will of course make any changes we feel necessary in order to ensure our passengers are safe.'

Cruise Critic reported on Saturday that Cunard's Queen Elizabeth skipped the scheduled 15 September call in Alexandria and replaced it with a visit to Rhodes on 16 September.

A spokeswoman for Oceania, whose Marina is due to visit the Egyptian city on 3 October, told Cruise Critic the safety of its passengers are a 'number one' priority and they are closely assessing the situation.

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