Several major cruise shipping companies have made operational changes to their itineraries, avoiding the Red Sea due to incidents of ship attacks by Houthi militia. Despite these alterations, the overall impact on the multi-billion dollar industry is anticipated to be minimal.
The Houthi militia, backed by Iran, has been responsible for attacks in the Red Sea since November 2023. These incidents have resulted in a slowdown of trade between Asia and Europe and raised concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
RCI-Royal Caribbean has canceled two voyages, one scheduled from Muscat to Dubai (January 16-26) and another from Dubai to Mumbai (January 26-February 11). Additionally, the itinerary of a cruise between Aqaba and Muscat was modified to disembark guests in a port city near Athens (Piraeus).
MSC took preventive measures by canceling three repositioning voyages in April from South Africa and the UAE to Europe due to the Red Sea crisis.
Costa has stated that its routes "remain unchanged." However, two of its cruises scheduled to transit through the Red Sea in March and April could potentially be affected, including the last leg of a round-the-world trip.
CCL-Carnival's global security team is actively collaborating with global security experts and governments to prioritize safety. This includes the possibility of adjusting itineraries if deemed necessary.