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HAL scraps Red Sea region for 2025 world cruise
Holland America Line has revised its 2025 world cruise itinerary due to the uncertain security situation in the Red Sea region.
Still a year away, HAL says the move is to prioritize safety and give travelers adequate time to plan.
The refreshed itinerary for its 2025 Grand World Voyage sailing aboard Zuiderdam affects just the last 43 days of the 124-day voyage.
The updated itinerary includes portions to replace the previously announced route through the Red Sea, while adding new ports in Africa and Europe as well as a call in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The updated voyage will now visit one more port than originally planned, calling at 49 unique ports in 34 countries and territories.
It concludes as planned on May 9, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“For the safety of our guests and crew, we have made the decision to avoid the Red Sea after close consultation with global security experts and government authorities,” said Beth Bodensteiner, HAL chief commercial officer.
“Making this change now allows us to provide certainty for our guests.”
Following the originally planned visit to Cape Town, South Africa, the new itinerary has been updated to include a call to Walvis Bay, Namibia, before heading north toward Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde.
The ship will then explore the Mediterranean, calling at originally scheduled ports in Gibraltar, Alexandria, Egypt; Athens, Rome, Naples, Lisbonand Barcelona.
Newly added ports include Valletta, Malta; Tangier, Arrecife, Alicante, Cartagena, Tenerife, Olbia and Kusadasi, Turkey.
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