Aerial view of the Seabourn Encore ship. Travelpulse
Seabourn Cruise Line has announced a significant change in its plans for the Encore ship, moving it from its usual Asian routes to Europe in 2025. This shift is due to ongoing tensions and instability in the Middle East, which have raised concerns about the safety of navigating through the region.
Traditionally, the Encore would have travelled westward from Asia, passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal on its way to Europe. However, to avoid potential risks associated with the Middle East, Seabourn will now reroute the ship through the Panama Canal, travelling across the Atlantic Ocean instead of the Indian Ocean. This change adds over 20,000 nautical miles, or roughly 23,000 miles, to the ship's journey.
In a statement, Seabourn explained that the revised itineraries were made with passenger safety as the top priority. The alteration in route is unprecedented, as it requires a complete overhaul of nearly three months' worth of planned voyages, spanning from March to May 2025.
The new schedule for the Encore is as follows:
- March 2 to March 16, 2025: A 14-day cruise through Southeast Asia and Japan, departing from Singapore and ending in Kobe, Japan.
- March 16 to April 9, 2025: A 25-day journey from Kobe to Long Beach, California, covering both Japan and the Hawaiian Islands.
- April 9 to April 28, 2025: A 19-day trip from Long Beach to Miami, including a passage through the Panama Canal.
- April 28 to May 10, 2025: A 12-day Atlantic crossing from Miami to Lisbon.
- May 10 to May 18, 2025: An eight-day Western Mediterranean cruise from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy, the port for Rome.
- May 18 to May 25, 2025: A seven-day journey along the Amalfi Coast and Adriatic Sea, from Civitavecchia to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The new route includes stops in several U.S. locations, including Hawaii, California, and Florida. This change not only reflects the current geopolitical climate but also ensures that travellers can enjoy their cruise with peace of mind, knowing that safety is a top priority.
