Cruise lines are modifying cruise itineraries for ships calling in Egypt and Tunisia, canceling all port calls in these two countries. While unrest/chaos continues in the area, cruise lines are playing it safe by keeping ships and passengers out of harms way.
Costa Cruises told Gadling today that they have modified Red Sea sailings on the Costa Allegra and Costa Marina, the itinerary will now concentrate on calls at Jordan and Israel, with turnaround operations taking place at Aqaba, Jordan. To accommodate guests who have already booked these cruises, Costa Cruises will offer alternative itineraries and dates of departures.
Costa’s Mediterranean cruises with a one-day call at Alexandria will be diverted to a one day-call at Greece or Israel. On Mediterranean seven-day sailings normally going to Tunis, Tunisia, that call will be replaced by Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Malta, or Cagliari, Italy.
The port of Alexandria Egypt has been a favorite of cruise passengers. Here is what they might have seen.
It looks like cruise lines are clearing out itineraries for the next couple of weeks, with many more modified itineraries than were on the books just last weekend.
A travel warning issued by the U.S. Department of State “recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Egypt due to ongoing political and social unrest.” and goes on to add “demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage.”
The Department of State also offers specific safety tips for travelers and recommends enrollment in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , a free service that lets travelers advise the Department of State where they will be and helps them keep in touch in emergency situations.