Because of the close proximity of some of the ship’s ports of call to Israel and the numerous restrictions in neighboring countries that would have negatively impacted the vacation experience for passengers, MSC Cruises has decided to cancel the entire winter program of MSC Orchestra in the Red Sea, which was scheduled to run from November 8, 2023, to April 17, 2024.
The airline is also changing some of its other itineraries due to the current geopolitical climate and to ensure the safety of its personnel and customers. Additionally, MSC Cruises announced that several national governments have issued travel advisories and that local authorities in particular destinations have placed travel restrictions.
The winter itinerary of MSC Sinfonia, which ran from November 12, 2023, to April 15, 2024, has also been canceled because Haifa, Israel, was the ship’s primary port of call. The grand voyage itineraries for MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera, and MSC Splendida have undergone some minor modifications, and MSC Armonia will now be sailing two 11-night voyages.
Those impacted by the changes have the option of requesting a complete refund or transferring their similar-length trip to a different ship and itinerary.
The safety of its guests and employees is MSC Cruises’ first concern, the company said. In the event of an evolving crisis, it will continue to monitor the situation and, if necessary, adjust ship itineraries.
Source- Travel daily
Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/msc-cruises-updates-northern-winter-2023-24-itineraries/