Middle East Instability Spurs Major Reroute for Seabourn Encore in 2025
Seabourn Cruise Line has announced a significant alteration to its 2025 itinerary for the Seabourn Encore, prompted by ongoing instability in the Middle East. Originally scheduled to traverse the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the luxury cruise ship will now take an unconventional eastern route via the Panama Canal to Europe.
This new route marks a dramatic shift, covering over 20,000 nautical miles—approximately 23,000 standard miles—more than the original course. The decision to avoid the Red Sea comes as a precaution to ensure passenger safety amid regional tensions.
The revised itinerary spans from March to May 2025, affecting nearly three months of planned cruises. The updated schedule includes:
- March 2 to March 16: A 14-day Southeast Asia and Japan cruise from Singapore to Kobe.
- March 16 to April 9: A 25-day voyage from Kobe to Long Beach, California, including stops in Japan and the Hawaiian Islands.
- April 9 to April 28: A 19-day Panama Canal transit from Long Beach to Miami.
- April 28 to May 10: A 12-day Atlantic crossing from Miami to Lisbon.
- May 10 to May 18: An eight-day Western Mediterranean cruise from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy.
- May 18 to May 25: A seven-day journey from Civitavecchia to Dubrovnik, Croatia, covering the Amalfi Coast and Adriatic Sea.
The Seabourn Encore’s new route includes stops in Hawaii, California, and Florida, offering passengers a revised but captivating travel experience.