TUI Cruises is cancelling a number of cruises that were scheduled for early 2025 due to security concerns in the Red Sea area.

The cancelation affects two vessels that are set to spend the winter season in Asia: the Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 6.

Instead of returning to Europe via the Red Sea as previously planned, the vessels will now take a longer route that goes around Africa.

As a result of this change, not only were the repositioning cruises to the Mediterranean canceled, but also additional sailings in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Five sailings onboard the Mein Schiff 6 were cancelled, including those scheduled to depart between April 6 and June 6, 2025.

For the Mein Schiff 4, a total of nine cruises set to take place between February 25 and March 24, 2025, were cancelled.

Affected passengers will receive a full refund, along with a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to ten percent of the fare paid for the canceled sailing.

The FCC can be used for new bookings with TUI Cruises and has no redemption timeline, according to local sources.

While returning to Europe, the vessels are now expected to offer new itineraries in the Indian Ocean and Africa.

With itineraries departing from Doha and Dubai, the Mein Schiff 4 will operate cruises in the Middle East during the 2024-25 winter season.

The ship’s regular seven-night itineraries feature visits to additional destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Also sailing in Asia during the upcoming winter, the Mein Schiff 6 is set to offer itineraries from Singapore and Hong Kong.

Ranging from 13 to 15 nights in length, the itineraries visit ports of call in Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Keelung.