Continued attacks in the Red Sea on merchant vessels have forced major cruise line, MSC Cruises, to cancel three more voyages, one originating in South Africa.
MSC listed the cancelled cruise itineraries in a statement last week, one of which is a 24-night cruise from Durban to Genoa in the MSC Splendida. Two other cruises from Dubai to Europe on the MSC Opera and the MSC Virtuosa were also cancelled.
MSC explored alternative routes to avoid the Red Sea altogether, but unfortunately, no viable options emerged.
“The three ships will transfer directly to Europe without any passengers on board and avoid transiting through the Red Sea. Instead, they will sail around the west coast of Africa with no ports of call on their journeys to their respective European homeports for the summer 2024 season,” the company said.
MSC has advised passengers that they will be contacted directly or through their travel agent and have the option of transferring their booking and receive a partial refund or make an additional payment for the price difference. MSC is also offering passengers a full refund with no cancellation fees.
To see the latest cruise cancellations caused by tensions in the Red Sea after MSC rerouted MSC Poesia and Silversea Cruises did the same for Silver Moon, click here earlier this month.
