Royal Caribbean Reroutes 9-Month World Cruise Due to Red Sea Security Concerns

Royal Caribbean International has announced a rerouting of its highly anticipated 9-month Ultimate World Cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas, originally set to navigate through the Suez Canal in May. This decision comes in response to the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea, primarily due to Houthi rebel attacks in the region. To maintain the adventurous spirit of the voyage while ensuring the safety of its guests, Royal Caribbean is offering passengers the opportunity to vote on two alternative itineraries that promise equally epic adventures, this time towards Africa.

The cruise line’s proactive approach includes compensating travelers for the itinerary adjustment. Additionally, guests who prefer not to proceed with the updated route have the option to receive a full refund and assistance with their travel arrangements, underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.

This itinerary change reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry, with several other lines, including Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation, and Silversea Cruises, also modifying their routes away from the Red Sea due to the same concerns. Crystal Cruises, for instance, canceled a voyage set to depart on March 27 from Mumbai to Athens and rerouted part of its 126-day world cruise to avoid the region.

The adjustments come amid the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the Houthis, an Iranian-backed political and military group, targeting commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea since mid-November. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges and security considerations cruise lines must navigate to ensure the safety of their passengers while delivering memorable travel experiences.