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Royal Caribbean suspends tours of active volcanoes after White Island tragedy

Royal Caribbean International has suspended land tours of active volcanoes following an eruption on White Island in New Zealand which killed at least 18 people.

The majority of the 47 people on the island at the time on December 9 were passengers sailing on Ovation of the Seas and were visiting during an excursion.

Sixteen deaths have been confirmed while two bodies are missing, believed to be in the water off the island.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said: “After the tragic incident in New Zealand, we are suspending tours of active volcanoes.”

The line has reportedly informed passengers of its decision to pull tours and has credited them for their purchases.


More:  Minute’s silence observed week after White Island eruption

New Zealand tragedy: Cruise passengers in hospitals after White Island eruption


The country’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to the victims in a Instagram post on Monday.

She said: “Those who have been lost are now forever linked to New Zealand, and we will hold them close.”

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