by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:40 AM ET, Tue February 20, 2024
The ongoing Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted another cruise: Royal Caribbean International’s viral 9-month world voyage.
Serenade of the Seas was scheduled to sail through the Suez Canal in May. But, instead, passengers on the Ultimate World Cruise will get to choose an alternate route.
Royal Caribbean is giving travelers the chance to vote on two possible options, reports USA Today.
“In keeping with the adventurous spirit of our guests, we are engaging them for their thoughts and preference between two alternative itineraries that will take them on an epic adventure to Africa,” according to a Royal Caribbean statement shared with USA Today. “They will receive compensation for the adjustment, and guests who prefer to not sail on the updated itinerary will receive a full refund and support for their travel arrangements.”
Other cruise lines have adjusted their plans as well. Last week, Crystal Cruises canceled a voyage aboard the Crystal Symphony that was set to depart March 27 and would have sailed from Mumbai to Athens; the line also rerouted part of its 126-day world cruise away from the Red Sea.
MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation, Silversea Cruises and several other lines have also adjusted their itineraries because of the ongoing attacks.
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed political and military group, have been firing missiles at commercial and naval vessels amid the Israel-Hamas conflict since mid-November.
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