NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line canceled 5 sailings in response to the new COVID Omicron, while other cruise shipping companies said they were monitoring the situation.
According to an NCL spokesperson, they canceled 5 South Africa-visiting voyages on Norwegian Jade scheduled from December 3, 2021, through January 26, 2022.
A number of countries, including the USA, have implemented varying degrees of restrictions on South Africa and other African nations.
The spokesperson said the safety of their guests, crew, and communities they visited remained the highest priority.
"Accordingly, we continue to closely monitor the evolving global public health environment and are ready to adapt as needed."
The travel restrictions due to the new Omicron variant have otherwise not impacted itineraries because most companies don't have schedules in Southern Africa until January 2022, at the earliest.
According to MSC, its South Africa sailings were not impacted because they were open only to residents.
"They will operate under the protection of our health and safety protocol and in line with health guidelines as issued by local authorities as they apply to the population for all activities in that country."
Azamara, which plans to launch Southern Africa voyages in January, said they were reviewing the announcement made regarding the new travel limits to South Africa.
"Should anything change, we will contact booked guests and travel partners immediately."
Crystal and Silversea, which are launching African voyages in February 2022, said they were monitoring the situation but had not made any itinerary changes.