MSC Cruises Cancels Two Winter Seasons, Alters Itineraries Due to Israel Conflict

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, November 10. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

MSC Cruises has revealed a new and expanded Young and Teen Program across its entire fleet, accompanied by a new MSC Cruises’ original teen music video dedicated to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Egypt tourism is facing cancellations from many American tourists due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Royal Caribbean Group is removing Israel from its 2024 itineraries due to the Israel-Hamas war, according to an email sent to travel agents on Thursday seen by Reuters, making it the second major U.S. cruise operator to alter its plans over the conflict.

After two pandemic-related delays, we were finally set to take a $34,309 Nile cruise with Viking, leaving Oct. 25 and including several days in Cairo and additional excursions to Jerusalem and Petra, in Jordan. But the war broke out, and the Middle East is very unstable. Viking canceled our excursion to Jerusalem, refunded that money and rebooked our flights for Oct. 29. But we don’t think Egypt or Jordan is particularly safe right now either, especially for Jews. We are older, and are heartsick at not seeing Jerusalem and terrified at the thought of being targeted as American Jewish tourists during this war. Viking still has $29,435 of our money. We only want a voucher to take the same trip in the future. Can you help?

Norwegian Cruise Line executives are optimistic about demand returning to the Middle East region in 2024 after cutting some trips in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Norwegian Cruise Line has removed Israel from its itineraries through 2024 due to the country’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.

It’s almost fondue season, and if you want a truly unique experience with the most scenic alpine backdrop, head to the Carlton Hotel St. Moritzto book lunch or dinner in one of their fondue gondolas. Starting this December 8, 2023 until the winter season ends, you can enjoy an intimate feast starring cheese plus a few other Swiss delicacies. Last year the gondolas were such a hit that the St Moritz hotel is bringing them back by popular demand. “Serving cheese fondue and other special menu items offers guests an experiential dining opportunity,” says Constanze Grossman, director of public relations at the Tschuggen Collection.

Holiday travel typically comes with crowded airports and delayed flights. That's why Insider spoke to expert Gilbert Ott about his top tips for avoiding the chaos this holiday season. 

As the war between Hamas and Israel intensifies in the Middle East, tensions are spilling over into Europe, where demonstrations and terrorist attacks are causing disruptions for locals and visitors alike.

Israel's war with the fundamentalist group Hamas continues to escalate after militants sprung a surprise attack on the country from Gaza on Saturday.

Royal Caribbean International is assisting the U.S. Embassy in Israel by helping to evacuate Americans in the wake of the ongoing war between the Middle Eastern country and Hamas.On Monday, Rhapsody of the Seas set sail from Haifa in northern Israel to Cyprus carrying U.S. citizens fleeing the country amid the turmoil."Royal Caribbean Group is actively supporting the U.S. Department of State in the assisted departure of American citizens," the cruise line said in a statement.The ship was operating on a first-come, first-served basis after canceling several itineraries last week due to the geopolitical situation."With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we’ve decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023, and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings," Royal Caribbean confirmed earlier this month.