Rhapsody of the Seas chartered by US for Citizen Evac from Haifa to Cyprus.

[kitkat343]

Rhapsody is evacuating Americans with valid documents out of Israel

 

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/10/16/royal-caribbean-helping-the-united-states-evacuate-americans-israel

[CruiseMrB]

Great explanation from this video.

 

TL;DW: US Government chartering Vision Class Rhapsody of the Seas with RCI crew on board for evacuation of US citizens and dependents from Haifa to Cypress starting at 08:00 local time today. Not the first time this type of evacuation has taken place. Limited to no flights out of Israel at this point, so hopping to Cypress, then commercial air transport from there.

 

[hoosier sailor]

It was sort of funny hearing the CNN newscaster saying that an extremely large cruise ship was ferrying people to Cypress. Here and everywhere else they say Rhapsody is a smaller ship!

[EllieinNJ]

I also heard MSC Musica was also evacuating people to Cypress.

[firefly333]

It's also being discussed in the thread about israel being cancelled. Good link there. 

 

There is a link to the information, how pax are signing a promissory note to board.

 

• Each traveler must be a U.S. national or the immediate family member (spouse/partner, children under age 21) of a U.S. national and have a valid passport.
  • If you do not currently have your valid U.S. passport in your possession, please immediately reply to this email so that we may assist you in making an appointment in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to obtain one.
• Immediate family members who are not U.S. citizens must be eligible for entry to the destination.
  • Entry requirements can be found here: https://mfa.gov.cy/visa-information.html
• Each traveler may bring one bag up to 50 lbs./22 kg plus one small carry-on bag.
• Travelers cannot bring pets.
• Before boarding the ship, you will be asked to sign a promissory note (agreement to repay the U.S. government) for the cost (available

Edited October 16, 2023 by firefly333

[Saab4444]

30 minutes ago, hoosier sailor said:

It was sort of funny hearing the CNN newscaster saying that an extremely large cruise ship was ferrying people to Cypress. Here and everywhere else they say Rhapsody is a smaller ship!

Small cruise ships and ferries carry max. a few hundred passengers but not 2.400.

[smokeybandit]

I wonder what they're charging. I can't imagine it's cheap. Then you're stranded again in Cyprus.

[broberts]

Had to smile when the CNN reporter referred to "Rhapsody On The Sea". She was standing at the bow, in front of the actual name. 🙂

[Saab4444]

5 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I wonder what they're charging. I can't imagine it's cheap. Then you're stranded again in Cyprus.

This should be free and paid by the US Government.

[Jetdriver787]

1 hour ago, Saab4444 said:

This should be free and paid by the US Government.

What sort of socialist thinking is that? 🤣

[Genghis Khan]

1 hour ago, broberts said:

Had to smile when the CNN reporter referred to "Rhapsody On The Sea". She was standing at the bow, in front of the actual name. 🙂

 

He also said Norwegian's Rhapsody....

[Genghis Khan]

1 hour ago, Saab4444 said:

This should be free and paid by the US Government.

 

A complimentary cocktail should be enough.

[firefly333]

2 minutes ago, Genghis Khan said:

 

A complimentary cocktail should be enough.

I did read wifi is included lol. 

[voyager70]

1 hour ago, Saab4444 said:

This should be free and paid by the US Government.

There’s no rhyme or reason what the US government will or won’t pay for. I say this as an American.

 

[Wolf 8]

I consider it RCL's finest moment that they have Rhapsody evacuating America citizens.  I'll make it a point to say so in person to the officers of Celebrity Beyond when we're on her month after next. 

[hoosier sailor]

2 hours ago, Saab4444 said:

Small cruise ships and ferries carry max. a few hundred passengers but not 2.400.

chill out you know people can find humor in things. I bet you have been making a lot of comments today haven't you?

 

Edited October 16, 2023 by hoosier sailor

[mugtech]

38 minutes ago, voyager70 said:

There’s no rhyme or reason what the US government will or won’t pay for. I say this as an American.

 

House of Representatives should get right on this urgent question.  I say this as an American

[BND]

They're charging them because those are people that chose to go there or live there.  People who are assigned there for jobs by the Gov will have theirs paid for by the Gov.  

[pcur]

1 hour ago, Wolf 8 said:

I consider it RCL's finest moment that they have Rhapsody evacuating America citizens.  I'll make it a point to say so in person to the officers of Celebrity Beyond when we're on her month after next. 

RCCL has done these types of things for as long as I have sailed with them: officially 50 years now.

 

They are huge on bringing supplies to at-risk areas they sail to, and have on many occasions helped stranded people from all over.  They just don't publicize it, or want attention for it.

[kathy49]

Paid or unpaid....I think RCCL is great for doing this work. It is almost in a war zone and the risk is high. Glad to see this happening.

[smokeybandit]

37 minutes ago, kathy49 said:

Paid or unpaid....I think RCCL is great for doing this work. It is almost in a war zone and the risk is high. Glad to see this happening.

They better be getting paid.  This IS a war zone.

[Luckynana]

Thank you for this article.

[jwlane]

8 hours ago, Saab4444 said:

This should be free and paid by the US Government.

US law requires the repayment.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/for-evacuated-citizens.html#:~:text=Procedures for Evacuation%3A&text=U.S. law requires that departure,the cost of their transportation.

 

[Lane Hog]

Taxpayers are already footing part of the bill for chartering planes or now cruise ships......

What actually gets assessed back to the evacuee (or their employer / insurer) is the market rate of a full fare airfare or ferry ticket prior to the need for an evacuation. 

Most people who can afford to be tourists or live overseas can figure out a way to pay for that.  If they can't, then perhaps they shouldn't be living in a potential war zone...

[smokeybandit]

26 minutes ago, jwlane said:

US law requires the repayment.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/for-evacuated-citizens.html#:~:text=Procedures for Evacuation%3A&text=U.S. law requires that departure,the cost of their transportation.

 

That doesn't mean they can't waive that fee.