Yachts of Seabourn has changed Seabourn Legend’s winter 2010/11 itineraries to avoid cruising through ‘pirate alley’.
The nickname refers to the Gulf of Aden, where last year several cruise ships came close to being attacked by Somali pirates. In one incident, passengers on MSC Cruises’ MSC Melody reportedly fought off a pirate, who was boarding the ship, with deckchairs and tables.
Instead of cruising in the Indian Ocean, Seabourn Legend will go to the US for a winter season of seven-night Caribbean cruises between Fort Lauderdale and St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Yachts of Seabourn president and chief executive Pam Conover said the decision was necessary but regrettable.
She said: “While the shore-side destinations remain safe for visitors, the high seas routes between them are vulnerable to incidents of piracy that have not been adequately controlled.
“It makes me sad to have to cancel these cruises. We look forward to a time when the sea routes are controlled enough for us to cruise there for a season.”
Seabourn Spirit’s journey from the Mediterranean to the Far East and Australia for winter, which takes it through the Gulf of Aden, is unchanged.