Two cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises, have opted to transit their ships through the Suez Canal following departures from the Persian Gulf. This decision has been made amidst rising safety concerns in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb region.
MSC Cruises’ Transit Details
On April 26, MSC Cruises’ vessel, the MSC Euribia, undertook its first Suez Canal transit. The ship, which has a gross tonnage of 184,000, is registered under the Maltese flag. Due to the ongoing situation in the region, it was operating with a minimal crew of just 192, compared to its usual capacity of around 1,700.
Future Voyage Plans
After completing the transit, the MSC Euribia is now navigating towards Malta, scheduled to arrive on April 28. From Malta, the ship will continue to Kiel, Germany, where it will resume regular cruises on May 16, followed by departures from Copenhagen on May 17.
Impact on Suez Canal Traffic
The Suez Canal Authority reported that the MSC Euribia’s transit was part of a larger trend, as it was one of 45 vessels that crossed the canal that day, totaling about 1.7 million net tons. This statistic highlights a noticeable decline in traffic, as pre-Houthi attacks on shipping, the canal typically facilitated over 60 transits daily.
Celestyal Cruises’ Ships Transit
On April 27, Celestyal Cruises successfully completed the transit of both the Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey. The Celestyal Discovery recently made a stop in Turkey and is now heading to Greece, set to resume cruises on May 1. Conversely, the Celestyal Journey is en route to Turkey with plans to recommence service on May 2.
Other Notable Transits
- The Saudi-owned cruise ship Aroya also transited the Bab el-Mandeb, heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Aroya is scheduled to make another transit of the Suez Canal in June as part of its positioning from Turkey.
- It was noted as being the first cruise ship to transit the Suez Canal following disruptions caused by the Houthi attacks.
Suez Canal Authority’s Revenue Insights
To reinvigorate cruise traffic, the Suez Canal Authority aims to attract more vessels. It reported that from 2021 to 2024, 69 cruise ships transited the canal with around 38,000 passengers, generating approximately $15.8 million in revenue.
Mein Schiff’s Alternative Route
In contrast, German cruise line Mein Schiff chose a different course. The Mein Schiff 5 will arrive in Cape Town on April 28, with plans to launch cruises from Turkey on May 15. Mein Schiff 4 is set to reach Cape Town on April 29, resuming its service on May 17 from Italy.
