Photo: Shutterstock Due to the security situation and the closure of Israel’s airspace, many customers who planned to go on cruises were left with only a dream as Ben Gurion Airport was shut down.
As the cruises themselves are continuing as scheduled because they are international sailings, here are the cancellation policies from some of the cruise company representatives in Israel:
MSC Cruises Cancellation Policy
As of yesterday (Monday), for customers whose flights were canceled between June 13 and June 17, 2025, and as a result could not reach their cruise scheduled for departure between June 14 and June 17, 2025, postponement options are available under the following terms:
a. Alternative cruise dates: Up to 9 months from the current cruise start date.
b. The same room category.
c. The same experience level.
d. The same number of nights.
e. The price of the new cruise must not exceed the maximum price paid for the original cruise (if higher, the difference will be paid). No financial or other credits will be given for cruises of lesser value or for not utilizing this benefit.
"At this time, postponement cannot yet be done, and we will announce when it becomes possible. Also, we will make an effort to allow enough time to organize a new date," said the company. It also added, "Due to the large number of customers, we ask you not to call and instead check our website where every update is published immediately upon receipt. We hope we can all get through this as quickly as possible."
Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy
Receiving a credit voucher valid for use within 12 months.
Costa Cruises Cancellation Policy
Any passenger who cancels their cruise by June 30, inclusive, will receive credit for a future cruise with the full company experience. The credit can be used on company cruises departing until the end of November 2026.
Those wishing to cancel bookings scheduled for next week should send a request via return email. Meanwhile, all bookings for this week have been canceled until June 21 inclusive.
For those whose cruise is scheduled for July and onward, an update will be provided as the security situation develops. Currently, cancellation fees apply according to the company policy attached to this email.
"Costa Cruises expresses its thoughts with Israelis at this time and shows its consideration," said Med Cruises, the exclusive representative of the cruise company in Israel.
Cancellations for Cruises Sold Through Amsalem Tours and Leisure Company
Pazit Bar Oz, CEO of the Cruise Division at Amsalem Tours and Leisure: "As a responsible and transparent travel company, we are subject to the cancellation policies of the various cruise lines. We will continue to monitor developments and update our clients on any changes and hope for peaceful and calm days for us all."
For example, NCL announced that due to the situation, from June 13, 2025, and as long as the airspace is closed, they will issue a voucher equal in value (in dollars) to the cost of the cruise purchased by the client. The voucher is personal and named after the client, valid for one year from issuance.