Royal Caribbean International has decided to remove calls to Russia from their cruise lines in response to recent sanctions. On the surface, it’s a business decision, but many are also wondering if this is because of an increase in Russian travelers boycotting US companies amid tensions between Washington and Moscow over Syria.
Royal Caribbean has decided to remove calls to Russia. The company is trying to avoid the government sanctions that are being enforced by Russia. Read more in detail here: royal caribbean stock price.
Royal Caribbean International has opted to eliminate calls to Russia due to the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine, and has completed schedule revisions for Voyager of the Seas’ planned trips. Despite the fact that the ship was scheduled to visit St. Petersburg, that port has been withdrawn from the itinerary, and other stops have been arranged.
Itineraries for St. Petersburg have been removed.
Though Royal Caribbean initially planned to maintain calls in St. Petersburg on upcoming “Scandinavia & Russia” cruise itineraries, the cruise line has now decided to remove the Russian port of call from Voyager of the Seas‘ sailings in the upcoming months. This is in line with other cruise lines canceling Russian ports of call, including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and many other cruise lines operating in the region.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our first concern,” Royal Caribbean stated in a statement. We keep a close eye on what’s going on across the globe, especially the situation in Ukraine. Due to recent events, we have decided to cancel all Summer 2022 itineraries that include trips to St. Petersburg, Russia. Alternative ports have been arranged, and we will notify our passengers and travel partners of any schedule adjustments.”
The schedule modifications, which include a replacement port of stop and a change to the dates of other port visits to suit the route alteration, were confirmed in emails to booked passengers. The emails outline the adjustments to individual reservations for passengers, which vary according on the sailing date and overall original itinerary.
Urri / Shutterstock / Urri / Shutterstock / Urri / Shutterstock
The 7-night ship starting on May 15, 2022, for example, will no longer stop in St. Petersburg on May 19, but would instead stop in Stockholm, Sweden on May 17. Because of the modification, the call on Tallinn, Estonia, that was scheduled for May 18 will instead take place on May 19, due to the distance between the ports.
The time spent in Tallinn has also changed somewhat, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 10 hours (9 hours). This allows visitors an additional hour to explore this fascinating harbor.
Other 7-night sailings are likely to undergo similar adjustments, and passengers will be informed when their specific sailings are amended.
Itineraries that are longer are more likely to be changed.
Longer sailings on the Voyager of the Seas, including as 10- and 11-night excursions, were also scheduled to visit St. Petersburg, but those plans have been scrapped.
To compensate, extra time will be given to the ship’s arrival in Stockholm, Sweden — the Voyager-class ship will now not depart until the day after visitors arrive, allowing guests to explore the city even before the ship sets sail. The stop in Riga, Latvia, has been expanded to include an overnight stay to allow guests additional time in port and more in-depth shore visits.
Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock / Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock / Joni Hanebutt / Sh
A stop at Aarhus, Denmark, has been added to the itinerary, while the call in Tallinn, Estonia, has been changed but is still on the cruise schedule, similar to the shorter cruises.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, and we hope you enjoy all these amazing locations have to offer!” After providing passengers with information on their new ports of call, the email continues.
Affecting Shore Tours
Any pre-paid St. Petersburg beach trips will be immediately reimbursed to the visitors’ original payment methods. Tallinn tours will be rescheduled to the new port day if needed, and passengers will get updated tour information via email.
As itineraries are finalized, passengers may use the online Cruise Planner to schedule and pre-book excursions in their new ports of call.
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There are refunds available.
Royal Caribbean is sympathetic of the schedule alterations, noting that for many tourists, St. Petersburg is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. “We recognize this was an unexpected adjustment and may not work for everyone,” says the email informing guests of the port cancellation.
Guests may seek a full refund of any amount of the cruise ticket paid, including non-refundable deposits, if they no longer desire to sail on an adjusted itinerary. Guests must decide before March 15, 2022, and may obtain a refund by emailing their travel adviser or by contacting Royal Caribbean.
Shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, and other pre-paid amenities will be reimbursed to the original source of payment within 30 business days.
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