In light of recent developments concerning possible acts of piracy against ships transiting the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, MSC Cruises is altering MSC Rhapsody’s itinerary from Durban (South Africa) to Genoa (Italy), in order to ensure total security and peace of mind for our guests and crew.

The cruise line is following the recommendations of the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa, a coordination center run by the EU Naval Force to safeguard shipping in the region.

MSC Rhapsody will no longer call at the Egyptian ports of Safaga and Sokhna but will instead stop at Sharm El Sheik. The new route is an estimated 500 miles longer than the previous itinerary, taking a wider course past Kenya and sailing east of Sumatra. This way, the ship is able to navigate in waters where the protection of a military escort is available, if necessary.

“MSC Cruises has always put the safety and comfort of its guests before all other considerations,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.