MSC Cruises has cancelled the full winter programme of the MSC Orchestra in the Red Sea from November through April because of the deteriorating security situation in the region.
MSC said that the safety of its passengers and crew is its upmost
priority and during an evolving situation it will continue to monitor
the situation and modify ships’ itineraries if necessary.
MSC Orchestra’s sailings were not planned to visit Israel but included ports of call in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Multiple travel restrictions in neighbouring countries “would have
adversely affected the holiday experience for passengers,” the statement
from MSC Cruises said.
The cruise line is also in the process of adjusting winter 2023-2024
deployment plans for MSC Sinfonia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera, MSC
Splendida, and MSC Armonia.
The winter programme for the MSC Sinfonia has already been cancelled as the ship was due to Haifa in Israel.
Passengers affected by the changes can move their cruise of a similar
length of travel to an alternative ship and itinerary or request a full
refund, MSC said.