Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Stops In Russia: Report

MIAMI, FL — Royal Caribbean is the latest cruise operator to cancel all stops at Russian ports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine due to safety concerns and to protest the war.

The Miami-based cruise line said its ships will bypass Russian ports, including St. Petersburg in the Baltic Sea, during voyages this summer, according to the Miami Herald.

The company’s website described St. Petersburg as “one of the most impressive cities in Russia, Europe and the world.” Other Russian ports visited by the cruise line include Petropavlovsk and Vladivostok.

“With the recent events, we have made the decision to cancel our visits to St. Petersburg, Russia on all Summer 2022 itineraries,” said Royal Caribbean in a statement. “We have planned alternative ports and will communicate itinerary changes in the next few days to our guests and travel partners.”

Customers are also invited to reschedule their cruises, the cruise line added.

At the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week, Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley addressed the matter, discussing its crew from both countries in a Facebook post on Feb. 26.

“We are receiving messages from guests asking about our crew who come from the Ukraine. We have over 500 Ukrainian crew onboard our ships today and understandably they are extremely concerned and anxious about their loved ones at home. We have made available all communication channels that we have so they can access their families. Have offered assistance getting them home or close to home if they wish to leave their ship and we are trying to expedite any Ukrainian crew who wishes to join any of our ships earlier than scheduled,” Bayley wrote. “Counseling has been made available to them and ships captains and management are obviously in daily communication with them to offer assistance as needed. We also have over 200 Russian crew who also are concerned and anxious over these events and we are offering them the same support. The Royal family is here for all our crew and our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by these events.”

While other cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Lines, previously canceled Russian port stops for its cruises, Royal Caribbean held off until now, according to reports.

On Feb. 24, Royal Caribbean told guests booked for upcoming cruises in the Baltic Sea that it had “secured alternate ports, should we feel that changing our itinerary is the best path forward,” according to the Royal Caribbean Blog.