After previously announcing that it planned to cancel all March departures of its Nile River cruise programme, Viking will now restart Nile River departures beginning 12 March after consultation with its longtime ground operators. With eight ships in Egypt, Viking is the largest Western operator of Nile cruises.
The U.S. Embassy Cairo is open and operating normally as announced on its website on 3 March, which also clarified that the State Department’s Travel Advisory for Egypt remains unchanged at Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution,’ with ‘Do Not Travel’ guidance for the Northern and Middle Sinai as well as parts of the Western Desert. The embassy stated that it will update this guidance if new information indicates a different threat level.
In an official statement, Viking said, “We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily paused our operations in Egypt in early March. The official travel advisories have now been clarified and the current advisory for Egypt remains the same as it was prior to the start of the recent conflict”.
Egyptian airspace remains open and all commercial airports are operational. Travellers may experience outbound flight cancellations or delays depending on airspace status of destinations.
Viking also said that all impacted guests and their Travel Advisors will be contacted with additional information. At this time, there is no other significant impact to Viking’s operations, itineraries and guest travel plans.
“Our global operations team remains in close contact with relevant authorities and security advisors, and we will continue to assess developments as they unfold. The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. If conditions change, we are fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately.”
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways stated on its website that its operations in Egypt remain supported and stable. “Guests currently in destination have expressed a strong desire to continue their journey, and our March 5 and March 7 Nile River cruises will proceed as planned. At this time, all other Nile River cruises embarking throughout March will continue as scheduled.”
However, it has suspended its Jordan land extension and Dubai programs through 31 March and guests with plans to travel to these destinations are being supported with all necessary arrangements. AmaWaterways has also suspended its optional 4-night post-cruise land package in Israel indefinitely.
Tauck
Tauck has cancelled a few Egypt land-cruise tours — its Egypt: Jewels of the Nile itinerary is not expected to resume after 15 March, and Jordan & Egypt: Petra to the Pyramids, is paused for March. Its Israel & Jordan programme is not scheduled to operate until the fall. The company said, “Our ability and intent to operate these journeys will be dependent on future developments in the region.”
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has suspended all Egypt and Jordan operations, including Nile River cruises, through 31 March.
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Photo credit: Viking
