Cruise & Ukraine
Not only are river and ocean cruise companies changing their itineraries in central Europe, some are actively supporting Ukraine. AmaWaterways just announced that it’s turning one river cruise ship into an emergency shelter for refugees from that country. Some families (women and children) have already arrived at the ship docked in Amsterdam. AmaWaterways is providing them with food as well as this creative lodging. While it’s a small gesture, it speaks volumes about how widespread the outpouring of support for Ukraine is and how deep the condemnation of the invasion goes.
The actions that will have a much greater impact are the cancellations of port of call by several cruise lines and major changes in itinerary, steering ships away from dangerous waters and cities. Of course, Kyiv itself is no longer a port of call for a company like Viking River Cruises, but the company has also cancelled its entire season in the Black Sea. Atlas Ocean Voyages has adjusted its itinerary by removing stops in Russia such as St. Petersburg and replaced replaced them with ports of call in Finland. Norwegian Cruise Lines has completely removed the city from its itineraries.
These and many other cruise companies, tour companies and travel services are getting out of Russia right now as a way to condemn that country’s actions. This activity is coinciding with the ending of pandemic restrictions worldwide and efforts by the cruise industry to lure passengers back to their ships. All of this adds up to enormous discounts, savings and deals on river and ocean cruises. Just as an example, AmaWaterways is offering solo travelers a tempting 25% single supplement discount on a wide range of cruises. Head to their website and use the promo code SOLO-25. It’s worth considering taking that amazing river cruise now to support a company that’s providing real, physical resources, when it comes to Ukraine.
