Viking Cruises has cancelled all 2022 departures on its Kiev, Black Sea & Bucharest itinerary in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The line said it was also evaluating 2022 itineraries that call in Russia with the view to modifying them where necessary.
Viking’s move follows announcements from other cruise operators saying they are monitoring the situation, with Saga and Atlas voyages among those to have altered sailings.
Russia has banned UK airlines from its airspace in response to the UK doing the same for Russian carriers as part of a raft of sanctions slapped on Russia in response to its aggression in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, sporting events were moved from Russia. Uefa moved football’s Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris and Formula One cancelled the Russian grand prix, which is reportedly potentially set to move to Turkey.
A Viking spokesperson said: “The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority.
“Given recent events and the developing conflict in Ukraine, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all 2022 departures of our Kiev, Black Sea & Bucharest itinerary.
“Guests and their travel agents on impacted departures have been notified directly by Viking Guest Services.
“Our team is actively monitoring the situation and is in close contact with our field offices in the region.
“We are currently evaluating itineraries that call in Russia in 2022, which will require modifications. When necessary changes are made, Viking Guest Services will notify all impacted guests and their travel agents.”
Meanwhile, Scenic Group, parent of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruise, confirmed it has cancelled all 2022 Russia river cruises. Its Black Sea river cruises do not resume until the spring but are so far unaffected.
“The health and safety of all guests and crew at The Scenic Group continues to be at the forefront of all decisions,” a spokesperson said.
“We have made the decision to cancel all 2022 Russia river cruises. Our river cruise itineraries to the Black Sea do not resume until spring 2022 and at this point there is no change to these scheduled sailings.
“Emerald Azzurra is scheduled to sail to the Black Sea in 2023 and there are currently no changes to this schedule. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and our thoughts are with those affected.”