Royal Caribbean Adjusts 2024 Itineraries, Excludes Israel Amid Regional Conflict

In a significant operational update, Royal Caribbean Group has announced the exclusion of Israel from its 2024 cruise itineraries. This decision, driven by the persisting conflict in the region, reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew.

As reported by Reuters.com, Royal Caribbean International has informed travel agents through an email that sailings scheduled to stop in Israel through October 2024 will be altered. The revised itineraries will feature alternative destinations, deemed safer for travel during these turbulent times.

Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted that the conflict in the Middle East affects only about 1.5 percent of the company’s planned sailings. Ships originally set to visit Israel in 2024 will now be redirected to embark from Boston, Massachusetts, a strategic shift in response to the uncertain duration of the conflict and potential shifts in consumer travel preferences.

This move by Royal Caribbean follows a similar trend in the cruise industry. In October, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced itinerary changes for 2024, canceling stops in Israel due to the ongoing war. Oceania Cruises, a subsidiary of the company, will now visit alternative ports, including Trieste, Italy, instead of Israeli destinations.

Windstar Cruises, another major player in the industry, has also responded to the regional instability by canceling its inaugural Middle East season. Furthermore, MSC Cruises has adapted its winter plans, replacing the Red Sea itineraries of MSC Orchestra with a new Mediterranean route. This change, effective from December 16, 2023, to April 19, 2024, is a proactive measure to steer clear of the conflict zones in Israel and Gaza.

Royal Caribbean’s itinerary adjustments underscore the cruise industry’s cautious approach to navigating geopolitical conflicts. By prioritizing safety and responding to evolving circumstances, these companies continue to adapt their offerings to ensure a seamless and secure travel experience for their customers.