RCI-Royal Caribbean International canceled Odyssey of the Seas' sailings from Israel scheduled for the summer season from Haifa to Greece and Cyprus.
The news was announced by the captain of the ship via the PA system. Royal Caribbean's decision comes after the escalating conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.
Odyssey OTS is currently (satellite AIS position) in Limassol Cyprus to meet the fleetmate Anthem of the Seas for ship-to-ship crew transfers. Odyssey OTS crew without US visas will be transferred to Anthem OTS. Anthem will then sail to the UK and Odyssey to the USA, as soon as the transfers are completed.
In March, RCI announced fully vaccinated sailings for Israel residents, where guests above the age of 16 and crew members will be vaccinated against COVID. Odyssey OTS' crew was expected to be vaccinated in Haifa but this was canceled several times.