Cruise lines are monitoring the situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion and say they may change itineraries if necessary.
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) warned commercial air routes could be “severely disrupted” on Thursday morning and all four flights scheduled to fly from the UK to Ukraine today were cancelled.
Prime minister Boris Johnson later announced that Russian airline Aeroflot will be banned from landing in the UK or flying in UK airspace as part of a series of new sanctions.
The Civil Aviation Authoriry then confirmed it “has suspended the foreign carrier permit held by Aeroflot Russia Airlines (Aeroflot) until further notice”, clarifying: “This means that Aeroflot will not be permitted to operate flights to or from the United Kingdom until further notice.”
The FCDO had already advised against all non-essential travel to Ukraine and today urged visitors to “leave immediately”.
Carnival UK brands P&O Cruises and Cunard both tweeted to say they may alter itineraries “as necessary”.
Both said: “In light of the current situation evolving in Ukraine we will continue to monitor very closely and will amend itineraries as necessary following guidance. The safety and wellbeing of guests and crew is of the highest priority and we will advise guests of any changes.”
Saga had already altered its upcoming cruise to the Black Sea, which was due to call at Odessa, following the FCDO’s update last week.
A spokeswoman said: “Guests are in the process of being contacted about the change, and the rest of the cruise remains unaffected.
“We are now looking at the impact of today’s developments on our Baltic cruises later this year which were due to call in at St Petersburg.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and if necessary make further alterations to our itineraries whilst still ensuring the best experience for our guests.”
Riviera Travel is scheduled to operate Russia cruises later this year. A spokesman said the company was “currently monitoring the situation and will provide updates when possible”.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has adjusted two late-summer 2022 Baltic itineraries as a result of the invasion.
Its World Navigator ship has dropped St Petersburg from both its Hamburg-Kiel itinerary, departing August 26, 2022, and Kiel-roundtrip itineraries, departing September 7.
The ship will now call at Kotka and Mariehamn, Finland, instead. Its September 7 departure will also add a call at Saaremaa, Estonia, where the ship will dock next to the medieval castle of Kuressaare.
“Atlas Ocean Voyages’ top priority is the safety and comfort of our guests and crew,” said the line’s president Alberto Aliberti. “With unrest in Eastern Europe, we have adjusted our voyages and replaced our Russia calls with equally exciting and charming destinations in Finland and Estonia.
“Guests will enjoy these unique and rarely visited destinations and immersive shore excursions to take in the rich cultures and breath-taking vistas of the Baltic.”
Picture credit: Maykova Galina / Shutterstock