News

Updated: Celestyal, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises amend Israel itineraries

Celestyal will temporarily suspend all calls to Israel until the end of November. 

The situation will be monitored for any itineraries departing after this date, the line said.

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean have also announced changes to itineraries following attacks by Hamas at the weekend and reprisals from Israel.

Celestyal’s move affects seven-night Three Continents itineraries with departures on October 21, 28 and November 4, 11, 18, and 25. The line has replaced calls to Ashdod, Israel with Heraklion in Crete.

The company will contact all affected customers and agents directly in the coming days.

Celestyal said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with the Israeli authorities.

Chief executive Chris Theophilides said: “Firstly, as a business, our thoughts are with those touched by the events in Israel. We wish for the safety of everyone affected and a rapid return of peace to the country. 

“We are in close co-ordination with the authorities, and the safety, security, and comfort of our guests remains our upmost priority. 

“On the advice of our internal teams and the relevant authorities we have decided to temporarily remove Israel from our Three Continents itinerary until the end of November this year. 

“Our teams will be working alongside our travel agent partners to contact affected customers to advise them of the updates to their itineraries and the additional provisions that have been made to ensure their continued enjoyment.”

MSC Cruises has cancelled a call by MSC Musica at the port of Haifa on Thursday (October 12). 

Calls to Haifa on October 19 and 26 will be replaced by Rhodes and November 2 will be replaced with Marmaris, Turkey.

A call to Haifa by MSC Sinfonia planned on October 16 will be replaced with Bodrum.

Future calls are being reviewed.

MSC Cruises said: “The safety of our guests and crew is always our upmost priority and in an evolving situation such as this we will modify our itineraries as needed.”

A spokesperson for cruise trade body Clia said: “Our thoughts are with all who are impacted by the attacks on Israel. 

“As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are of the utmost importance for Clia and its members. 

“Our cruise line members are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting itineraries as needed in the best interest of passengers and crew. 

“We urge travellers who are considering or have current plans to sail to the region to check directly with their cruise line or travel agent for the current status of their sailings.”

MoreIsrael’s Ministry of Tourism offers support to UK visitors after attacks

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.