Carnival Corporation Alters Cruise Routes Due to Houthi Rebel Attacks

In response to ongoing assaults by Houthi rebels, Carnival Corporation has announced a significant change to its cruising plans. The company is diverting twelve cruise ships away from the Red Sea to prevent the vessels from becoming targets. This series of itinerary adjustments underscores the escalating concerns around maritime safety in the region.

Heightened Security Concerns

Carnival's decision comes after a careful review of the situation, involving discussions with security experts and government officials. The affected ships span across seven of Carnival's brands, all previously set to sail through the Red Sea before the end of May. Despite the disturbance in the region, Carnival has observed no negative impact on cruise bookings and has no further Red Sea passages planned until November.

Broader Impact on Maritime Operations

The cruise industry isn't the only one adjusting its operations. Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company, revealed plans to halt its German factory for two weeks in February because of delays in parts deliveries caused by the conflict. Likewise, shipping giant Maersk announced the indefinite rerouting of its vessels from the Red Sea following an attack in December on one of its ships by Houthi forces.

Houthi rebels, receiving support from Iran, have been targeting vessels connected to the US and UK, leading to air and sea strikes by the two nations as a form of retaliation. A recent incident saw the British oil tanker Marlin Luanda hit by a missile while traversing the Gulf of Aden. Although the ship caught fire, it was rescued by naval forces from India, France, and the US.

Houthi military spokesperson Yaha Sarea claimed the attack and asserted that strikes on shipping would continue. He tied these military actions to the conditions in Gaza, demanding a ceasefire and the transport of food and medical supplies into the area.

Carnival, Houthi, security