by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:25 PM ET, Thu April 4, 2024
Amid ongoing missile strikes in the Red Sea, Holland America Line is changing the itinerary for its 2025 world cruise.
The 124-day Grand World Voyage, offered aboard the ship Zuiderdam, was supposed to sail through the Red Sea next year. But as Houthi rebels continue to attack vessels in the region, the cruise line decided it was best to re-route the ship.
“The safety of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance, and we have made the decision to avoid the Red Sea after close consultation with global security experts and government authorities,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.
Instead, the cruise line has added new ports in Africa, Europe and Costa Rica, but the changes only affect the final 43 days of the sailing. The voyage begins January 4 and ends May 9; it’s a roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale.
The new itinerary has the ship visiting 49 ports in 34 countries and territories on six continents—one more port than originally planned.
“Making this change now allows us to provide certainty for our guests in preparing for this 124-day trip around the world,” said Bodensteiner. “The new itinerary was built with guest experience top of mind and maintains exciting European and African destinations with even more ports to explore in the Mediterranean.”
New port calls in Africa include Walvis Bay, Namibia. and Praia, Cape Verde. In the Mediterranean, new additions include Valletta, Malta; Tangier, Morocco; Arrecife, Alicante, Cartagena and Tenerife, Spain; Olbia and Sardinia, Italy; and Kusadasi, Turkey.
“Not only will added calls to destinations like Kusadasi grant access to the wonders of Ephesus, but originally scheduled destinations such as Alexandria will allow guests to take in the sights of both the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara, as well as give them a chance to answer the riddle of the Sphinx,” Bodensteiner added.
The world cruise still has spots available, with fares starting at $24,999 per person based on double occupancy. Guests who book by June 3 can get extra perks worth up to $8,500 per person, including free Wi-Fi, a $500 air credit, airport transfers, luggage delivery services and laundry.
Holland America Line is the latest cruise company to adjust itineraries because of the ongoing Houthi rebel strikes. Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation, Crystal Cruises and others have also canceled or rerouted some ships.
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