Princess Cruises passengers have expressed their frustration over changes to upcoming cruises due to ongoing global conflicts.
Two world cruises set to go ahead later this year have been rerouted, with customers given non-refundable future cruise and on board credits as compensation.
The Island Princess’ World Cruise, which departed from Los Angeles on January 18, is no longer visiting the Middle East or Asia while the Coral Princess, scheduled to depart Sydney on April 30, will no longer visit Asia, the Middle East or the Mediterranean.
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Instead, the Island Princess’ World Cruise will visit ports of call in Australia, then travel on to Africa, Western Europe and the Mediterranean. The Coral Princess will now head to Western Australia before travelling on to Africa.
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m so upset that my long awaited world cruise has lost at least 10 ports, and been replaced with a month of cold weather and an additional five sea days,” one passenger shared on Facebook.
“It is no longer a world cruise but a half world cruise.
“I understand about the need for changes due to the current unrest in the world, but it’s very disappointing.”
Other social media users sympathised with the user.
“Of course safety and well-being is important, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing for you all your hours of planning and excitement over the last months,” one person said. “I hope you still have a nice time.”
“I have no interest in all those sea days in cold weather, and the loss of all the ports,” another person said.
“I think it’s unreasonable to not give a refund option, as it’s so far from what was originally booked.
“Sure, I don’t want to venture into the Red Sea right now, but I also don’t want to stress over pirate drills either.”
“Africa was not on my wish list and I wouldn’t have picked a cruise with it,” another user said.
“We are OK with it, but cancelling should have been an option.”
Some took issue with the use-by dates on their credits, with one customer labelling it “appalling”.
Another labelled it a “pathetic offer”.
But not everyone was on board with the negative sentiment.
“Your cruise contract allows for changes to the itinerary, especially to keep you safe,” one person said.
“The cruise hasn’t been cancelled, so not sure why a full refund would be expected.
“They are adjusting the itinerary and cruising to … Africa to avoid cruise ships having missiles directed at them.
“If not within the cancellation window, then that is what insurance is for exactly.”
Another person simply said: “When you book a world cruise, you are subject to the problems of the world.”
Princess Cruises responds
Princess Cruises confirmed that security concerns and future uncertainties in the Red Sea and surrounding region, including transit of the Suez Canal, have contributed to the “difficult decision to reroute itineraries”.
“A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and we are disappointed that global events beyond our control have necessitated these changes,” Princess Cruises said.
“But as always, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our foremost priority, and we sincerely appreciate our guests understanding.”