Princess Cruises recently announced revisions to its world cruise itineraries for the Island Princess and the Crown Princess in response to the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. The original plans for these cruises, scheduled for 2025, included visits to the Middle East and Asia. However, due to safety concerns caused by attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the region, the cruise line has decided to make significant changes. The new itineraries will now focus on port calls in Africa and Europe, avoiding the conflict-ridden areas.
The Island Princess, which was set to sail roundtrip from North America on a 116-day voyage, will now include stops at Melbourne and Perth (Fremantle) in Australia; Port Louis, Mauritius; Cape Town and Walvis Bay in Africa; Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands; as well as various ports in Europe including Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; Gibraltar; Siracusa, Italy; and Kusadasi, Turkey, among others. The ship will resume its original itinerary after the European leg of the voyage. Guests originally scheduled to depart or join the cruise from Dubai will now embark or disembark in Cape Town, receiving compensation for the missed days.
Guests onboard the affected cruises will receive a $300 onboard credit as compensation for the changes in itinerary. Those disembarking in Cape Town will also receive a refund for the four days of the cruise that were eliminated. However, guests joining the cruise earlier will not incur any additional costs due to the alterations. These adjustments aim to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers while maintaining the overall cruise experience.
The Crown Princess, another vessel impacted by the conflict in the Red Sea, will also steer clear of the region on its upcoming cruise. Instead of the planned route through the Red Sea and Asia, the ship will chart a course to Africa. Departing from Auckland and Sydney, the 113-day cruise will offer passengers an alternative route that avoids the potential risks associated with the conflict zone. Princess Cruises’ decision reflects a commitment to passenger safety and ensuring an enjoyable travel experience amidst challenging global circumstances.
The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has necessitated significant adjustments to Princess Cruises’ itineraries. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of their guests, the cruise line has made the difficult but necessary decision to alter routes and provide compensation to affected passengers. These changes underscore the complex considerations faced by the travel industry in navigating volatile geopolitical environments.