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Crystal cancels ports of call due to Gaza conflict
A cruise line has cut ports of call in the Middle East from its 2015 itinerary due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Crystal has announced that Serenity will no longer stop in Limassol in Cyprus and Ashdod and Haifa in Israel from September 2015.
Instead, it will call at Santorini in Greeze, Gozo and Valletta in Malta and Palermo in Sicily.
It said the changes had been made in response to early booking patterns.
The remaining schedule will continue as normal, with calls in Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey, Rhodes, Crete, Naples and Rome.
"Crystal Cruises is hopeful for a swift and peaceful resolution for the Israeli and Palestinian citizens who are affected by this ongoing situation," said president Edie Rodriguez.
"The decision to revise next year’s Holy Land and Mediterranean itinerary so far in advance is prudent and responsible based upon our early booking patterns.
"We are very fortunate to present a newly-designed itinerary that is equally as rich in culture, history and scenery."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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