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MSC Cruises cancels all Red Sea sailings until April due to Israel conflict

MSC Cruises has cancelled all sailings scheduled to call at destinations in the Red Sea until April 17, 2024 due to the ongoing conflict in Israel.

The line has cancelled the full winter programmes of both MSC Orchestra (pictured) and MSC Sinfonia and made “minor changes” to the itineraries on the Grand Voyages of MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera and MSC Splendida.

Minor changes have also been made to two 11-night sailings on MSC Armonia.

MSC Cruises said it has made the alterations because of the proximity of some ships’ ports of call to Israel and as “restrictions in the bordering countries would have adversely affected the holiday experience for passengers”.

The line emphasised the safety of its passengers and crew is its “upmost priority” and it will continue to monitor the conflict and modify ship itineraries if necessary.

The company said: “Passengers affected by the changes can move their cruise of a similar length of travel to an alternative ship and itinerary or request a full refund.”


More: Israel’s Ministry of Tourism offers support to UK visitors after attacks

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