Crystal have announced they are cancelling or re-routing voyages to avoid the troubled Red Sea region in the Middle East.
“In light of the current situation in the Red Sea, Crystal remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our guests and crew.”
Crystal Press Statement.
Why is the Red Sea dangerous for shipping?
Shipping has come under considerable pressure as a result of pirate activities in the Red Sea. Houthi militants based in Yemen have launched multiple attacks against commercial ships. The most brazen of which involved the hijacking of a vessel by militants dropped on board from a helicopter.
Red Sea situation forces voyage cancellation
So Crystal have made the difficult decision to cancel their Crystal Symphony voyage from Mumbai, India to Athens, Greece which was to depart 27 March 2024.
Changes to Crystal’s 2024 World Cruise
What’s more, to avoid the area Crystal has been forced to re-route several segments of its 2024 World Cruise.
The Miami, USA round-trip voyage on Crystal Serenity is already underway and presently in idyllic French Polynesia. Soon it will sail for Australia and then on to South East Asia. However, the planned segments through the Red Sea in the Middle East will be re-routed. While the ultra-luxury cruise line have not confirmed details, presumably this will involve a journey around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
It’s worth noting these changes will not affect the overall duration of the 2024 World Cruise. It will still end in Miami on 8 June 2024.
Crystal tell this publication they are in the process of notifying all impacted guests on both ships.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
