Carnival Corp Avoids Red Sea Due to Security Concerns

Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, has decided to steer clear of the Red Sea for the next few months, due to the escalating tensions and violence in the region. The company has rerouted 12 ships across seven brands, affecting more than 40 itineraries through May 2024.

Why Carnival Corp is Skipping the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is a popular destination for cruise ships, as it offers access to various ports and attractions in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. However, the region has also been plagued by instability and conflict, especially in Yemen, where a civil war has been raging since 2015.

In recent weeks, the situation has worsened, as the Houthi rebels, who control most of northern Yemen, have launched several attacks on Saudi Arabia and its allies, using drones, missiles and boats. Some of these attacks have targeted ships and oil facilities in the Red Sea, posing a serious threat to maritime security and navigation.

Carnival Corp, which operates brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn, has decided to avoid the risk and cancel or modify its sailings in the Red Sea. The company said that it has consulted with global security experts and taken into account the safety and well-being of its guests and crew.

How Carnival Corp is Handling the Changes?

Carnival Corp said that it will take charge of the changes and communicate with its guests and travel partners. The company said that it will offer alternative itineraries, compensation and refunds, depending on the situation and the brand.

Some of the changes that Carnival Corp has made are:

• Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled its 12-day cruise from Dubai to Barcelona, scheduled for April 2024, and replaced it with a 14-day cruise from Dubai to Athens, via Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus.
• Princess Cruises has cancelled its 49-day cruise from Sydney to Dubai, scheduled for March 2024, and replaced it with a 51-day cruise from Sydney to Southampton, via Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, France and Spain.
• Holland America Line has cancelled its 28-day cruise from Singapore to Rome, scheduled for March 2024, and replaced it with a 30-day cruise from Singapore to Barcelona, via Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy and Spain.
• Seabourn has cancelled its 21-day cruise from Dubai to Athens, scheduled for April 2024, and replaced it with a 22-day cruise from Dubai to Venice, via Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia and Italy.

Carnival Corp said that it will monitor the situation in the Red Sea and resume its sailings when it is safe and appropriate. The company said that it hopes to return to the region soon and offer its guests the opportunity to explore its rich history and culture.

What are the Implications of the Decision?

The decision of Carnival Corp to avoid the Red Sea will have some financial and operational implications for the company and the industry. The company said that the changes will cost it $0.07 to $0.08 per share in 2024, with the second quarter taking the biggest hit.

The decision will also affect the cruise demand and supply in the region, as well as the tourism and economy of the countries involved. The Red Sea is a key market for the cruise industry, especially in the winter season, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The region attracts millions of tourists every year, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, shops and excursions.

The decision will also have some geopolitical and environmental implications, as it will send a message to the parties involved in the conflict and the international community. The decision will show that the cruise industry is concerned about the security and stability of the region, and that it expects the authorities to take action to protect the maritime interests and rights. The decision will also show that the cruise industry is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and avoiding the pollution and damage caused by the attacks.

Carnival Corp is not the only cruise operator that has decided to steer clear of the Red Sea. Other companies, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, have also cancelled or modified their sailings in the region, citing similar reasons. The cruise industry hopes that the situation in the Red Sea will improve soon, and that it will be able to resume its operations and offer its guests the best possible experience.