Royal Caribbean has joined the growing list of cruise lines that will skip scheduled visits to Russia due to the Ukraine invasion.
The invasion of the Ukraine has generated a great deal of animosity towards Russia. Many see financial hits against Russia as an easy way to voice their displeasure with the invasion.
Less than a week ago, Royal Caribbean said it had a back up plan in case going to Russia was out of the question.
On Tuesday, guests booked on Voyager of the Seas were informed their ship will not visit St. Petersburg, Russia.
"The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority," Royal Caribbean said in an online statement.
"With the recent events, we have made the decision to cancel our visits to St. Petersburg, Russia on all Summer 2022 itineraries."
"We are continuously monitoring events taking place around the world, including the situation in Ukraine."
Instead of visiting Russia, some of Voyager of the Seas' sailings will go to Germany and Poland.
Others are going to Sweden.
Voyager of the Seas is scheduled to launch her first season in the Baltic Sea in 2022, becoming the first Voyager Class ship to do so.
Baltic cruises are a popular European cruise itinerary, but many cruise lines are amending their plans to avoid Russia.
Royal Caribbean supporting crew members during the war
In addition to bypassing Russia, Royal Caribbean is also offering support to its crew members from the region.
Royal Caribbean employs over 500 crew members from the Ukraine, and 200 crew members from Russia.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley posted on Monday the company is offering these crew members assistance getting them home or close to home if they wish to leave their ship.
Other cruise lines skipping Russia
Royal Caribbean has joined many other cruise lines in bypassing Russia this year.
Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and a host of other brands have all said they will skip visits to Russia.
In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Carnival Corporation brands will be modifying our itineraries in the coming week once alternative ports can be confirmed. We stand for peace.
— Carnival Corporation (@CarnivalPLC) February 26, 2022
Carnival Corporation tweeted, "In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Carnival Corporation brands will be modifying our itineraries in the coming week once alternative ports can be confirmed."
"We stand for peace."
