Princess Cruises Alters Routes for 2025 World Cruises Amid Red Sea Conflict
In response to the ongoing missile assaults by Houthi insurgents in the Red Sea, Princess Cruises has decided to adjust the itineraries for both of its 2025 world cruises.
Rather than including stops in the Middle East or Asia, the cruises will now incorporate new destinations in Africa and Europe. This strategic shift was determined after extensive consultations with global security specialists and government authorities.
The world voyage aboard Island Princess will set sail on January 5, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale or on January 20, 2025, from Los Angeles. Spanning 116 days, the journey will cover over 36,700 nautical miles and encompass 46 destinations across 24 countries on six continents.
The revised segment of the cruise will occur from February 16 to April 9. Departing from Sydney, the ship will make stops in Melbourne and Perth before proceeding to South Africa, Namibia, and the Cape Verde Islands. Subsequently, travelers will visit Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro before rejoining the original itinerary in Malta.
Passengers originally slated to embark or disembark in Dubai on March 14 will now do so in Cape Town, South Africa, on March 9. Those disembarking early will receive a refund for the four missed days, while early joiners will not incur additional charges. All affected passengers will receive a $300 onboard credit.
The other 2025 world cruise, offered aboard Crown Princess, will depart from Auckland on May 31, 2025, and from Sydney on June 4, 2025. Spanning 113 days, this voyage will encompass 42 destinations across 22 countries on five continents. The ship will circumvent the Suez Canal and instead traverse around Africa. Princess is currently finalizing the specifics of this adjusted itinerary.
"We believe our patrons will appreciate and comprehend the alteration to our upcoming 2025 travel plans, which aims to bypass certain regions," states Terry Thornton, the chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. "While these global circumstances are beyond our influence, we are committed to preserving the essence of these world cruises by offering enriching itineraries with captivating stops along the West African coastline and the Mediterranean."
Princess Cruises is not the sole cruise line grappling with the repercussions of the missile strikes: Royal Caribbean also modified its 2024 world cruise route, and Holland America Line adjusted the itinerary for its 2025 world cruise, among others.