Earthquake's Tsunamis Affect Cruise Itineraries

The tragedy in South Asia and Africa from the massive earthquake and resulting tsunamis severely effected land-based tourism in the area. Now, less than a week later, the damage is beginning to also impact the cruise industry, and cruise lines are announcing itinerary changes for ships sailing the Indian Ocean this winter. Although many of the major cities in South Asia were not damaged, popular ports of call, most notably Phuket, Thailand, were devastated. Other coastal areas where ships traditionally call such as India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Malaysia also have severe damage. Cruise lines are modifying itineraries as the status of the horrific devastation becomes clearer.

The first cruise line to be effected was Malaysia-based Star Cruises. Their SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Virgo both sail in the region. Star Cruises immediately sent out a press release announcing that all cruises to Phuket will be routed elsewhere until further notice. At the time of the earthquake, both Star Cruises' ships were in Singapore and were undamaged. The SuperStar Gemini will substitute Langkawi and Penang as ports of call and the SuperStar Virgo will visit Langkawi instead of Phuket.

Star Clippers is the second cruise line to announce itinerary changes resulting from the tsunamis. The tall ship line will move the Star Flyer, which is homeported in Phuket, to Singapore for next five sailings. Star Clippers expects to return to Phuket, Thailand in the middle of February 2005. Fortunately, the Star Flyer was at Pangkor Island in Malaysia, destined for Singapore, so was not in the area affected by the devastating December 26 tsunami.

Star Flyer's new 7-night itinerary from Singapore will feature the highlights of Malaysia, including Pangkor Island, Langkawi, Penang and Malacca. All of these ports experienced almost no impact from the tsunami. Plus, Singapore's outstanding harbor facilities and its wide selection of airline flights create an exceptionally convenient homeport alternative to Phuket, Thailand. A detailed revised itinerary for the next five sailings will be available from Star Clippers by January 3, 2005.

Swan Hellenic's Minerva II is in the Indian Ocean, sailing towards the Seychelles. At this point, no changes in itineraries are expected. The ship is slated to call at Colombo, Sri Lanka on January 9, and at Phuket, on February 20.

Seabourn Spirit is currently in the South China Sea and the ship was located in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at the time of the earthquake. The voyage disembarks in Hong Kong, with another departing from there on January 2 and heading southbound through Vietnam and Thailand to Singapore. The Seabourn Spirit's January 16 itinerary, which was scheduled to stop in Phuket and in Yangon, Myanmar, may be effected.

Several other cruise lines have world cruises starting in January. Most of those voyages include stopovers in ports of call such as Malaysia, Phuket, India, and the Maldives. At this time, it is too soon to know whether those voyages will be impacted.

Passengers booked on any cruise sailing in South Asia or the Indian Ocean this winter should contact their travel agent or cruise line to determine the exact status of their cruise itinerary.

Dateline: December 31, 2004