In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, and Holland America Line—both Carnival Corporation brands—on Friday announced modifications to various itineraries that call in St. Petersburg and other Russian ports this year. In all, 24 cruises for Princess that call in St. Petersburg have been updated with alternative ports, while six have been amended for Holland America.
Princess Cruises
Replacement ports will vary by itinerary, including destinations such as Stockholm, Sweden (overnight call); Visby, Sweden and Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland. Guests who remain booked on their cruises will have the opportunity to visit medieval architecture, famous landmarks and natural beauty on these Northern Europe cruises.
“The safety and security of guests is the company’s highest priority, and Princess will continue updating impacted guests and travel advisors as more information is available,” the line said in a statement. “Princess will protect travel agent commission on bookings that were paid in full in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line's business and success.”
The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these changes can be found online at www.princess.com/plan/impacted-and-cancelled-cruises.
Holland America Line
Similarly, for Holland America Line, replacement ports vary by itinerary, and the five sailings that would have visited St. Petersburg, Russia, will instead call on Baltic ports such as Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; and Visby, Sweden, while also adding an overnight stay in Stockholm, Sweden. The cruise that was scheduled to visit Vladivostok, Russia, will instead visit Busan (Pusan), South Korea.
Booked guests and their travel advisors will receive notice of the changes as soon as that process is complete.
In a statement, the cruise line said, “Holland America Line’s security department continuously monitors worldwide security alerts and other assessments in close contact with governments, law enforcement and private sources. The cruise line will continue to monitor this situation and make additional changes, if needed.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests as we make these changes while delivering the premium cruise experience they have come to expect with Holland America Line.”
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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