Royal Caribbean, MSC cancel cruises due to Red Sea attacks

Some cruise operators have cancelled or adjusted their itineraries to avoid the Red Sea due to attacks on ships by Houthi militia, but the overall impact on the multi-billion dollar industry is not expected to be significant.
The attacks by the Iran-backed militia in Yemen since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and raised concerns about an escalation of the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
Royal Caribbean said in a statement on Thursday it had cancelled two voyages so far.
One from Muscat to Dubai was meant to take place Jan. 16-26, and another from Dubai to Mumbai was scheduled for Jan. 26-Feb. 11.
It also amended last week the itinerary of a cruise between Aqaba and Muscat to disembark guests in a port city near Athens.
“Our global security team continues to closely monitor the situation in the region and we will make additional changes if required,” Royal Caribbean said.