Cruise Lines Respond To Brussels

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal in Antwerp. Photo: Fuss

The attack that left at least 30 dead in Brussels on Tuesday morning has sent cruise lines into crisis mode, deciding whether or not it’s safe to visit Belgian ports in the short and long term.  

A little over an hour inland from the nearest cruise port (Zeebrugge), Brussels is a popular attraction for river and ocean cruises, and a major shore excursion destination.  

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said the main concern during any event like this is to make sure “cruise ships have the flexibility to alter their itineraries as needed to avoid areas of higher risk.”  

CLIA told TMR that cruise lines cooperate and partner with authorities regarding security matters when safety is an issue.  

“Our priority is to provide for the safety of passengers and crew at all times. Port and onshore facilities, infrastructure, and passenger security and services in destinations are strictly scrutinized,” it said in a statement.  

Seabourn, which has its next scheduled Belgium stop in May in Antwerp, a city less than 30 miles from Brussels, has not announced any changes.  

A representative told TMR that Seabourn regularly analyzes information regarding safety and security from a number of different sources, including government intelligence agencies and port security officials.  

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority,” he said. “Europe remains a popular choice with our guests and at this time we plan to continue our calls to Belgium provided there are no U.S. Department of State warnings issued or other information received that would necessitate altering our itineraries.”  

AmaWaterways said it doesn’t have any guests in Belgium at the moment, but it does have a scheduled stop in Belgium (Antwerp) during its March 27 Tulip Time Cruise sailing. 

A representative told TMR it is considering rerouting the Antwerp stop to a Dutch port, where it could still offer tours to Ghent and Bruges. It also is adding one additional trained security staff member to every Belgium sailing.  

AmaWaterways also is allowing any guest who wants to switch from the Tulip Time Cruise to another 2016 sailing to do so without penalty. 

All Globus brands (Globus, Cosmos, Monograms, and Avalon Waterways) also are letting guests who are scheduled to travel to Brussels within the next month rebook to any future 2016 departure date, or to a 2017 departure date if their 2016 itinerary is not available.  
 
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises said while it is prepared to make changes to its itineraries, it has not made any as of yet. It is also offering itinerary changes free of charge to guests on Brussels sailings through April 22.  

Viking River Cruises said it will continue to monitor the situation, but is not making any itinerary changes. It will help passengers who were booked on the March 23 departure from Bruges reroute flight itineraries, as Brussels Airport is still closed.