Reuters reported on Monday that more than 1,110 people had been killed in the conflict that erupted on Saturday. rear Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired rockets from Gaza as militants broke through the barrier surrounding the Gaza Strip and entered Israel, opening fire and taking hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes and deployed thousands of soldiers around Gaza.
Cruise passengers land
“We just disembarked 2,200 Israelis from the Rhapsody of the Seas,” said Zohar Rom, head of cruise and tourism at Haifa Port. “The Israelis on MSC Musica are scheduled to disembark here later this week.
“Next week’s cruise port call has been cancelled.”
The Holland America Line ship was in Haifa on the day of the violence but has withdrawn from Israel until further notice. The Azamara, which is scheduled to call at Haifa in the coming weeks, has also amended its itinerary.
Revised itinerary
update information: Oceania Cruises’ Nautica left Israel a day earlier than scheduled. The line said all guests and crew members are safe and sound. Sirena’s October 14 cruise was scheduled for three days in Israel. Instead, she said the ship will set sail on October 17 and will call at Santorini (October 18), Heraklion (October 19) and Mykonos (October 20).
Marina’s Nov. 1 voyage will include a two-day stop in Israel. Oceania Cruises said it was considering options for her itinerary.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises replaced Seven Seas Voyager’s Israeli port calls on its October 3 and October 15 itineraries. On the current cruise, instead of visiting Haifa on October 14th and 15th, the ship will head to Istanbul and the cruise will end on October 15th.
For the October 15th departure, Seven Seas Voyager will descend from Ashdod on October 16th and 17th and head directly to Egypt, arriving on October 18th.
Record number of cruises predicted
Homeport operations have increased this season, with multiple lines including Costa Cruises, Mano Maritime, MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn and Windstar. Operations have begun.
Haifa and Ashdod are both predicting record seasons, with some It is expected that 700,000 cruisers will come to Haifa this year.
Haifa is developing what will be Israel’s first dedicated cruise terminal, with the complex expected to be operational by 2027 and with 760 meters of berths in the port already in operation and capable of accommodating the largest number of cruise ships. The company plans to provide services to
eastern mediterranean impact
Ioannis Blas, CEO of Five Senses Consulting & Development, expressed his sadness at the situation and his sympathy for those who have lost loved ones.
“At this time, itineraries are being adjusted within the wider Eastern Mediterranean area taking into account the current situation. If the conflict continues or intensifies, there may be changes to next year’s sailing plans, and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region may also be subject to changes.” However, it is too early to determine the long-term impact on future travel.”
Blass assured that the industry will find ways to adapt and continue to provide safe holidays amid the changing circumstances.
“While the entire Eastern Mediterranean is a vast area and we can support cruise activities, our main focus, thoughts and hearts are currently with the people of Israel and we wish them a speedy return to security and peace.” ” said SeaTrade Ambassador Brass. He has over 24 years experience in the industry.
