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Princess pulls St Petersburg calls from 24 cruises

Princess Cruises is the latest major line to stop calls into St Petersburg this summer.

The Carnival Corporation brand said the decision to pull the city from 24 cruises in favour of alternative ports had been made “in light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine”.

Replacement ports will vary by itinerary, including popular destinations such as Stockholm for overnight calla; Visby and Gdansk in Poland.

Princess will protect travel agent commission on bookings that were paid in full “in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success”.

The company added: “Guests can remain booked on their long-awaited cruises, and have the opportunity to visit medieval architecture, world famous landmarks and natural beauty on these Northern Europe cruises.  

“The safety and security of guests and crew is the company’s highest priority. Princess will continue updating impacted guests and travel agents as more information is available.” 

Fellow lines P&O Cruises and Cunard have already amended itineraries to avoid St Petersburg together with the likes of MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Viking Cruises.    

German line Aida also confirmed that four ships due to call in St Petersburg this summer will instead visit Riga, Copenhagen, Oslo and Visby.

The Carnival Corporation-owned company said: “Aida Cruises observes the dramatic events in Ukraine with great concern.

“The sympathy and thoughts of all members of the AIDA family, which unites employees from a wide range of nations, are with the people in the affected regions.”

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