By GMM News | 2024-01-15 | International Shipping News

The cruise ship “SILVER MOON” is among the latest vessels diverting from the Red Sea route due to the escalating geopolitical tensions in the area. Many cruise lines are opting to avoid the Red Sea altogether.

Initially, the ship’s itinerary included passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait on January 11th, part of a journey commencing in Jordan and concluding in Oman. The captain of the SILVER MOON reports that the security team of their operator, Silversea Cruises, is continuously monitoring the Red Sea situation, and has recommended that the ship remain on its northern edge of the Red Sea.

Originally scheduled to depart on January 6th, the SILVER MOON was set to make stops in Saudi Arabia, proceeding through the southern Red Sea from January 10th to 12th, en route to Salalah and Muscat in Oman, with the voyage concluding on January 16th. However, on January 10th, the ship altered its course northward from Saudi Arabia, heading towards Sharm El Sheikh at the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula, then to Ain Sukhna and Safaga in Egypt, ultimately set to disembark all its passengers on January 16th in Aqaba. Forward flights from Aqaba have been arranged for affected passengers, who will receive various compensations, including a refund for the canceled cruise portion and Future Cruise Credits.

The following cruise, originally set to embark from Oman, has been canceled, as confirmed by a Silversea spokesperson. The SILVER MOON will now return to Dubai with only the crew onboard, traversing the Red Sea. Upon reaching Dubai, the ship will resume its published itineraries.