Luxury cruise lines ‘closely monitoring’ Middle East crisis

Luxury cruise lines have said they are “closely monitoring” the evolving situation in the Middle East as the conflict continues between the US, Israel and Iran.

 

The crisis has raised safety concerns and caused thousands of cancelled flights as airspace over the region remains largely closed, leading to widespread disruption for those travelling to and from the Middle East and beyond.

 

Itineraries are “operating as scheduled” for the many lines without ships in the region, with accommodations being made for guests unable to reach their departure destination due to global flight disruption.

 

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said guests who were “unable to reach their embarkation port” as a result of airline-cancelled flights would be eligible for future cruise credit.

 

The company added: “While there have been heightened travel advisories issued for parts of the Middle East, we are not currently operating in the affected areas and thus there are no impacts to our scheduled itineraries.

 

“The safety and security of our guests and crew members remain our top priority. We recognise that broader regional disruptions, including airline cancellations and airspace restrictions, may impact some guests’ ability to travel.”

 

Azamara Cruises said its four-ship fleet would “continue to operate as scheduled”. Guests booked through Azamara Air will be “contacted directly should any adjustments be required”.

 

The line’s chief international sales officer, David Siewers, added: “We also advise that guests whose flights were not booked through Azamara Air remain in contact with their airline regarding any routing changes.

 

“Guests who booked air through a travel advisor should connect directly with their advisor for personalised assistance.”

 

Scenic Group, which reported it had no ships operating in the region, published a similar statement: “As the situation remains fluid, guests should review their airline’s disruption policies and travel waivers, which are currently being assessed and updated.

 

“Our dedicated Flights Team is actively contacting Scenic and Emerald Cruises guests with impacted bookings in order of departure date.”

 

Explora Journeys confirmed it had no ships operating in the region and that all planned sailings, including those in the Middle East due to depart in December this year, remain scheduled.

 

The line said: “Should any changes become necessary, booked guests and travel advisors will be informed directly and in a timely manner.”