Oceania Cancels Libya On May 21 Cruise

Oceania Cruises has changed the itinerary for Insignia's May 21 cruise, citing continuing political problems between the U.S. and Libya. Oceania will eliminate Tripoli and Benghazi on that cruise and replace those Libyan ports with Rome, Sorrento and Amalfi in Italy and Taormina in Sicily. Del Rio said in a letter to preferred travel partners that if Oceania had proceeded with the original itinerary, "We have every reason to believe that all U.S. guests would be denied clearance to proceed ashore in Libyan ports." Guests who pre-purchased Discovery and Explorer shore excursion packages will be issued full refunds, and new shore options based on the new ports of call are available at OceaniaCruises.com. All guests who have already purchased individual shore excursions in Benghazi and Tripoli will receive refunds. Guests booked on Insignia's May 21 voyage may also cancel their cruise and receive a full refund as long as written notice of cancellation is received by Feb. 21. Oceania's Regatta and Nautica are slated to sail similar itineraries that include Libya this fall, and Oceania said it is revising those itineraries and will provide details to agents in the near future.