Silver Moon: Late Dec., Jan. Sailing Challenges/Questions??

[TLCOhio]

Interesting and very sad to see what is evolving and becoming uncertain and deadly for the various affected  Middle East people and countries.  This includes as how this current situation is impacting sailings for the Silver Moon.  Certain Israel and Egypt port stops are being scrubbed in December 2023 and for early January 2024 by Silversea and other cruise lines.  

 

Seeing and experiencing Jerusalem, as we did in late 2018, is amazing for its unique history, fascinating culture and architecture, significant religious connections, etc., etc.  

 

But what about for the Silver Moon sailing down the Suez Canal, doing Luxor and southern Jordan, etc.??  Can that still happen safely in the next few months?

 

In late December and January, the Silver Moon has a large number of stops in these Middle East ports for Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE?  Could an enlarged war there impact these various Silver Moon ports and Suez Canal transit?  See below a map showing some of the current stops planned for the Silver Moon in January.  

 

For us, we are scheduled to board the Silver Moon on Feb. 11, 2024, in Mumbai after, hopefully, this ship navigates all over these various Middle East ports.  We will be following with interest in the coming weeks to see that the Silver Moon and passengers can make it safely to India.   

 

Added insights, experiences, background, etc., for past sailings during previous, troubled, war-like times in Middle East?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,092 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[Kauaijim]

We are on the 1/6 trip zero from SS yet 

[TLCOhio]

On 10/20/2023 at 6:27 PM, Kauaijim said:

We are on the 1/6 trip zero from SS yet 

 

Appreciate this follow-up from our Chicago neighbor.  Yes, keep us posted as to what, if anything, you hear from Silversea about your Jan. 6, 2024, sailing from this key Jordan port.  The key date will be Thursday, Dec. 28 when the Silver Moon is scheduled to make its sailing down the Suez Canal.  Watching with interest and hoping for the best for all involved.  

 

From the Reuters news wire and MSN a few days ago, they had this headline: “Cancelled tours, empty hotels: Israeli, Palestinian tourism reels as conflict escalates” with these highlights: “Early this month, the main square and streets around Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity were bustling with tourists.   Now they are empty after a devastating attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7.  Cruise ships are avoiding Israel's once-bustling shores and major airlines have stopped flying to and from Israel, while governments have scrambled to get their citizens home.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/cancelled-tours-empty-hotels-israeli-palestinian-tourism-reels-as-conflict-escalates/ar-AA1iiVTl

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

From the CNBC financial cable network this morning, they had this headline: “Israel-Hamas war is affecting the financial outlooks of these large companies” with these highlights: “Some of the world’s most well-known companies are already seeing the Israel-Hamas war weighing on operations.  About 1.5% of Royal Caribbean capacity in the fourth quarter had planned to visit Israel, CEO Jason Liberty said on the cruise line’s call on Thursday. A few of the adjusted sailings that were previously expected have home ports in Haifa, a city in the northern region of the country.   The company also offered free use of its Rhapsody of the Seas vessel to the U.S. government to aid in the evacuation of Americans from Israel. Between the changed itineraries and use of the ship, the company estimated it would have an impact of 5 cents per share on its earnings.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/28/israel-hamas-war-is-affecting-financial-outlooks-of-these-companies.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,180 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

As a follow-up from Wednesday's quarterly stock analyst briefing by the Norwegian CEO, here below are more details as to the impact for this major cruise company scrubbing stops in Israel later this year and for all of next year.  Will Royal Caribbean and Silversea cancel ALL of its 2024 cruises stopping in Israel?  Below is the map just posted by Silversea as to how their 15-day,  Dec. 22-Jan. 6 cruise has changed so dramatically.  The stops have been adjusted with the skipping of planned/promised ports for Israel and Egypt.  Could future war events impact the finish of this cruise in the southern tip of Jordan?

 

From this business news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line cancels all Israel sailings for 2024” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled all calls in Israel ports in 2024, due to the Israel-Hamas war.   When asked why it was necessary to cancel sailings so far ahead, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer said, 'I think it will take time before people feel safe about returning to Israel and so we have canceled cruises to Israel in 2024, even if the conflict, as we hope, ends in a short time.'  The company said that 7% of its capacity in the fourth quarter was connected to the Middle East (including Cyprus) and about 4% of expected capacity in 2024.”

 

Also from this report: "Royal Caribbean has 14 cruises that call at Israel ports each year, Norwegian Cruise Line ten and Carnival only six."

 

Full story at:

https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-norwegian-cruise-line-cancels-all-israel-sailings-for-2024-1001461614

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 59,465 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

With the major changes to Middle East cruises, how are the various lines treating their customers, including for those affecting by Silversea?  

 

From USA Today and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Stuck with a $20,000 bill? Oceania guests struggle for refunds amid major cruise changes” with these highlights: “Janet and Joe Sherwood's bucket list trip became a burden.  The couple booked a Nov. 29 cruise from Istanbul to Dubai with Oceania Cruises, but in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, the cruise line – like many others – adjusted its plans, altering the itinerary dramatically. The roughly three-week sailing aboard the Riviera ship, set to visit Haifa, Luxor, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, only retains about half of its original ports, including the start and end points.”

 

Here is more: "The couple is among several Oceania guests who have struggled to get refunds or compensation in the wake of drastic changes to planned sailings. Multiple guests said they felt locked into cruises they wouldn’t have chosen to take.  After appealing their case, the line's Vice President, Global Guest Services, Carlos Ortega told the Sherwoods Oceania would not issue any compensation or future cruise credits for canceled reservations.  The couple also bought travel insurance through Oceania but said their policy would not cover those kinds of itinerary changes."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/stuck-with-a-20000-bill-oceania-guests-struggle-for-refunds-amid-major-cruise-changes/ar-AA1jiv5f

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,164 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

Breaking News this afternoon:  From the Wall Street Journal, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Adjusts 2024 Cruise Schedule to Avoid Israel” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean has adjusted its cruise itineraries for 2024 to avoid calls to Israel, the second major cruise line to do so.  A Royal Caribbean spokesman said. "Due to the continued uncertainty in the area, we're adjusting several itineraries in 2024."  Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was canceling its planned calls to Israel for 2024.  Royal Caribbean is redeploying its Jewel of the Seas ship from Haifa, Israel, to Boston for 2024. Its Grandeur of the Seas ship will be redeployed from Haifa to Tampa, Fla. The Celebrity Cruises brand canceled all calls to Israel for its Celebrity Infinity ship for 2024.   Voyages that were scheduled to visit Israel in 2024 accounted for less than 1.5% of Royal Caribbean's total capacity for the year, Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz said last week on a conference call with analysts.”

 

Silversea's changes/impact was not announced as a part of this news release, but I assume this means no Silversea stops will happen for Israel in 2024.  Any other insights or background to share?  Reactions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/royal-caribbean-adjusts-2024-cruise-schedule-to-avoid-israel-522cc80f

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 34,066 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[Kauaijim]

It would seem they need to get the Moon to Dubai which is probably why they are waiting? One wonders how many ports will be canceled or changed from our 1/6 trip from Aquba to

Dubai ? 

[TLCOhio]

On 11/3/2023 at 4:18 PM, Kauaijim said:

It would seem they need to get the Moon to Dubai which is probably why they are waiting? One wonders how many ports will be canceled or changed from our 1/6 trip from Aquba to

Dubai ? 

 

Yes, there are key questions as to . . . how widely will things go in the Middle East?  Will it affect ships navigating the Suez Canal such as the Silver Moon in late December?  Appreciate this follow-up from our Midwest neighbor in Chicago.  Good luck for your Jan. 6 sailing from Jordan to Dubai. 

 

From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Travelers put off holiday trips to Middle East as Israel-Hamas war rages” with these highlights: “Travelers are canceling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and canceled flights.  Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkey.  'We are seeing clients cancel cruises like an Egypt Nile river cruise as far out as December 2024 due to concerns with the war,' said Todd Elliott, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Cruise Vacation Outlet, a travel agency.”

 

From one booking platform cited in this news report, they have "seen a 70% decline in new bookings for countries in the region. Over 40% of trips to Egypt in November and December have already been canceled on the platform.  Cancellation rates in Turkey and Cyprus have doubled for November and December."

 

Also cited:  " 'While the conflict in Israel is very geographically limited so far, we suspect some cruise bookers are hesitant to book a European visit, even to the western Mediterranean,' said Truist analyst Patrick Scholes."

 

Full story at:

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/travelers-put-off-holiday-trips-middle-east-israel-hamas-war-rages-2023-11-06/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,477 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[Colleen Higginson]

Are the cruises still going ahead through the Red Sea/Suez with all the missile attacks 

[TLCOhio]

 

Appreciate this great follow-up question from our travel friend in Australia.  So far nothing has come up as to Silversea or any other cruise ship lines stopping their sailing in the southern part of the Red Sea and around in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen.  The good news is that "things" seem relatively stable for the Suez Canal passages.  BUT, conditions appear to be getting much more challenges farther south near where the rebels in Yemen are creating real danger and risk.    

 

5 hours ago, Colleen Higginson said:

Are the cruises still going ahead through the Red Sea/Suez with all the missile attacks 

From the BBC and MSN News late yesterday, they had this headline: “More shipping firms stop Red Sea routes over Houthi attacks” with these highlights: “The world's largest shipping group, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has announced it is diverting its ships away from the Read Sea after an increased threat of attacks.  French company CMA CGM took a similar step a day after Danish shipping giant Maersk and German transport company Hapag-Lloyd suspended Red Sea journeys.”

 

This report also detailed: "The Red Sea is one the world's most important routes for oil and fuel shipments.   But the Houthis have been stepping up their attacks, using drones and rockets against foreign-owned vessels.  Avoiding it means vessels must take much longer routes, for example navigating around southern Africa.  About 17,000 ships and 10% of global trade pass through it every year. "

 

For the Silver Moon, if this cruise ship and others would have to be re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, it would cause major scheduling challenges and disruptions.  If all of these major shipping companies are now taking this step to avoid this location, when does Silversea make such a decision and notify scheduled passengers?  The clock is ticketing!!!  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/more-shipping-firms-stop-red-sea-routes-over-houthi-attacks/ar-AA1lBumW

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,277 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Associated Press/AP newswire late yesterday, they had this headline: “US and Britain say their navies shot down 15 attack drones over the Red Sea” with these highlights: “A U.S. warship shot down 14 suspected attack drones over the Red Sea on Saturday, and a Royal Navy destroyer downed another drone that was targeting commercial ships, the British and American militaries said.  Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.  The threat to trade has grown as container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia have been attacked or drawn missile fire while traversing the waterway between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.”

 

From the DC-based publication Politico late yesterday, they had this headline: “US weighs strike options to deter Houthis from more Red Sea attacks" with this sub-headline: "The Biden administration has been reluctant to respond militarily against the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in recent weeks for fear of provoking Iran.”   Here are some of their story highlights: “Top Biden administration officials are actively weighing options to strike back at Houthis in Yemen after the Iran-backed group launched new attacks on naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea on Saturday.  The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential U.S. response to attacks.”

 

There are reports that Oman is trying to work out a "deal" in order better limit what attacks against ships will be done by these Yemen rebels in this critical shipping/sailing area.  Clearly, this narrow passage way is a "hot button" that is making decisions very challenging for cruise ship executives such as at Silversea.  How do you decide now as to how the Silver Moon gets from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea in early to mid January?  

 

Full stories at:

https://apnews.com/article/royal-navy-shot-down-drone-red-sea-38940c6d0f653f7a6a53920c47b19097

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/16/us-strike-options-houthi-red-sea-00132160

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 20,329 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[9stilton]

I suspect it may be that decisions shortly make themselves in this respect.   Even without any further escalation it would seem likely that to take cruise ships through the Red Sea now would be putting both passengers and crew at risk.  Surely that is something that no reputable cruise line could even contemplate, irrespective of the cost.

Silverseas, after many weeks of prevarication, finally communicated to all that Egyptian ports of call in the coming months were cancelled and now have even an bigger call to consider.

I just hope going forward the decisions that they make along with communication are handled much better than in the recent past, where different people were clearly told different stories.   

[Colleen Higginson]

Yes I agree 

[Kauaijim]

I Agree. We had the hard deadline of dec 8 and had to take our fully paid for trip to another cruise in 25 which was noticably more money. 

[Colleen Higginson]

Oh at least you will be safe. The the cruise company offer the credit or did you just use your insurance?

[Kauaijim]

Insurance would not pay. War not covered but they did switch  coverage to new cruise. . No credit just transferred what’s we paid for the silver suite to new cruise . And at that no assigned suite as silver is $19 k more 

[texanaust]

Marine insurance would have to come into consideration for the cruise lines too.  At some point it will be cheaper just to re-route around Africa rather than pay the Suez transit fees, the exorbitant insurance premiums and possibly the armed mercenaries that are often onboard.

[TLCOhio]

5 hours ago, 9stilton said:

I suspect it may be that decisions shortly make themselves in this respect.   Even without any further escalation it would seem likely that to take cruise ships through the Red Sea now would be putting both passengers and crew at risk.  Surely that is something that no reputable cruise line could even contemplate, irrespective of the cost.

 

YES, agree that these decisions need to be made very soon.  My speculation is that Silversea will need to cut short the upcoming Silver Moon cruise, Athens to Aqaba, Dec. 22-Jan. 6.  Maybe shorten it to Dec. 30, disembarking in Athens to allow more flight out options for the passengers.  

 

As a distance of approximately 10,000 miles from a Med passenger drop-off location such as Athens, to then sail west and down around to South Africa and go up to Muscat or Dubai would take about 22 days at roughly 16 knots or 19 mph in speed??  Maybe a little more time?   

 

And then have passengers start their return or boarding to the ship on Jan. 26 from Dubai in the scheduled sailings to Doha and Muscat.  Then, they complete the rest of the Middle East sailings before arriving on Feb. 11 in Mumbai.  Reactions?  This would be terrible for those who have booked earlier, made various air and ground schedules, etc.  But, what are the alternatives to avoid the highly-dangerous area near to Yemen?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

[Musumeci7]

I think the best option would be to sail around Africa for this they would need 25 days non stop. If you put in say 10 stops for fuel and supplies, say Casablanca, Dakar. Capetown, Seychelles, Mauriatus, Dubai, Mumbai, they only need to change 2  cruises in both directions, I think these cruises would be more appealing than trying to sail through Red Sea at moment.

[Colleen Higginson]

Oh that sounds interesting - hope they look at your opinions 👏

[highplanesdrifters]

22 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

How do you decide now as to how the Silver Moon gets from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea in early to mid January?  

 

Glad I'm not making that decision. 

[gypsyjennifer1]

has anyone on the 22 Dec and 06 January sailings phoned Silversea.

 

 

[TLCOhio]

11 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Glad I'm not making that decision. 

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and the agreed wisdom that fortunately we do not have to make these challenging choices as are now facing cruise lines and shipping companies.  

 

From the AFP/Agence France-Presse newswire and Barron's business publication earlier today, they had this headline: “Red Sea Attacks Disrupt Sea Shipping” with these highlights: “Following attacks by Yemeni rebels, several shipping firms have said they will avoid the key Red Sea shipping route, which is likely to disrupt global trade by increasing delays and increasing costs.  In recent weeks, Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea's strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a narrow passage at the southern tip of the Red Sea that they must navigate when travelling to or from the Suez Canal.  Five of the world's six top shipping companies have announced they will not send ships through the Red Sea -- MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and Evergreen.  On Monday, Britain's BP said it would suspend transit of oil through the Red Sea.   Cosco, the world's fourth-largest shipping firm, has yet to announce its plans.”

 

If five of the six largest shipping firms are now saying "NO!", what are the others to do?  Or not??

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/news/red-sea-attacks-disrupt-sea-shipping-cff31580

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times late this morning, they had this headline: “Red Sea Attacks Add Another Snarl to Global Shipping" with this sub-headline:  "Already hampered by problems at the Panama Canal, shipping companies are now steering clear of the Suez Canal to avoid being attacked in the Red Sea.” 

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The war between Israel and Hamas has so far not had a major impact on the global economy. But a wave of attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea could change that in a big way.  The Houthis have been using drones and missiles to target ships. That has forced some shipping giants and oil companies to avoid the Suez Canal, a development that could hamper global trade and push up the cost of imported goods.  The Suez is a vital artery for container ships and fuel tankers. Goods and fuel from Asia and the Middle East have made their way to Europe and the United States through the passage since it opened in 1869.”

 

Additionally in this story of interest:  "U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Monday announced a new multinational force that would seek 'to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.'  The joint effort, which will include the armed forces of the United States, Britain, Bahrain, Canada and France, was announced after a U.S. warship on Saturday brought down 14 drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory.  Maersk said on Tuesday that all of its ships bound for the Red Sea would be rerouted around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope 'to ensure the safety of our crew, vessels and customers’ cargo onboard.' "

 

Maersk is among the biggest of the BIG shippers.  If it is not safe for their cargo ships, how would passengers on a cruise ship value their own safety during this challenging period through this zone?  Per Wikipedia, Maersk is one of the largest shipping companies with the world's largest fleet capacity, handling 18% of worldwide capacity.

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/business/red-sea-suez-canal-shipping.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,711 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/