- Cruise ship association lowers forecast for violence in Red Sea
The international cruise industry association CLIA expects significantly fewer port calls in the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean this season compared to initial forecasts. A forecast of port calls was reduced by 72 percent in the summer, the association said in response to a query. Shipping companies canceled trips and changed routes. The association did not provide absolute numbers.
This development is linked to the security situation in the region. The Houthis, who are hostile to Israel in Yemen, have been attacking commercial ships passing by the coast of Yemen since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. The Houthis aim to force an end to Israel's military operations. Threats of attacks in the Mediterranean have also been made.
CLIA: Long-term economic consequences
The CLIA director for Germany, Georg Ehrmann, told the German Press Agency that the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority for cruise companies. Companies consider the geopolitical situation in trip planning. Customers understand the safety measures, Ehrmann said.
Missed port calls would have long-term economic consequences, Ehrmann said. "This particularly affects people on site who are heavily dependent on tourism and port activities." There are significantly fewer port calls in Egypt and Cyprus, for example.
Known providers react
After the Hamas attack, Aida Cruises from Rostock did not call at Israeli ports. At the beginning of the year, the Carnival subsidiary canceled trips through the Red Sea. Currently, Aida is not sailing through the region, a spokeswoman confirmed. New routes have been developed for some ships in the fleet for security reasons. Aida did not provide information on how many trips have been canceled or rescheduled in total due to the war.
Tui Cruises from Hamburg also did not provide a specific figure on request. Like the competitor from Rostock, the joint venture of the Tui and Royal Caribbean groups adjusted routes with stops in Israel after the Hamas attack. A spokeswoman said that no "Mein Schiff" ship of the fleet has sailed through the Suez Canal since spring. Routes have also been changed. Tui Cruises is closely monitoring the situation in the Red Sea.
The reduced number of port calls in the Mediterranean has resulted in shipping companies altering their routes and canceling trips, as mentioned by CLIA. This change in itinerary has potential economic implications, particularly for locations heavily dependent on tourism and port activities, such as Egypt and Cyprus.
