Princess Cruises has re-routed two of its 2025 world cruises amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
- Following consultations with global security experts, the routes now avoid the Red Sea.
- The Island Princess and Crown Princess will introduce new stops in Africa and Europe.
- Revised itineraries ensure guest safety and maintain enriching travel experiences.
- The decision reflects current geopolitical challenges affecting the cruise industry.
Princess Cruises has decided to alter the planned routes for its two 2025 world cruise itineraries in response to the current Middle East conflict. This strategic decision was taken following extensive consultations with global security experts and government authorities. The decision underscores the cruise line’s commitment to passenger safety and its flexibility in responding to geopolitical developments.
As a result of these changes, the Island Princess and Crown Princess will bypass the Red Sea. Instead of visiting the Middle East and Asia, these vessels will introduce new, exciting stops in Africa and Europe. By rerouting these cruises, Princess Cruises aims to offer passengers a safe and rich experience, maintaining the allure and uniqueness of a world cruise.
The Island Princess, commencing its 116-day journey from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, will now follow a path between Australia and South Africa, before resuming its original itinerary from Malta on April 9. Passengers scheduled to board or depart in Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now do so four days earlier in Cape Town. As a gesture of goodwill, those affected will receive compensation equivalent to four days of the cruise fare, along with a $300 credit for use onboard.
Similarly, the Crown Princess is set to depart from Auckland on May 31, 2025, and from Sydney on June 4, 2025, embarking on a 113-day journey to 42 destinations across 22 countries on five continents. Avoiding the Red Sea, the revised itinerary is still under finalisation but will see the ship travel via Africa. The itinerary will soon be shared.
Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton remarked: “A Princess world cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration and guidance from experts and authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas.” He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to offering destination-rich journeys that retain splendid stops along the West African coast and the Mediterranean.
The re-routing of Princess Cruises’ 2025 itineraries underscores the impact of geopolitical factors on travel safety decisions.
