Aurora Expeditions cancels Russian itineraries

The line is the latest cruise line to amend sailings to the region

By Charlotte Cullinan

Last updated Mar 10, 2022

Aurora Expeditions is amending upcoming voyages to Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the line said: “The team at Aurora is now reviewing our deployment in the region and will advise our travel partners and guests of those changes in the near future. During this time, we will continue to offer our flexible policies to accommodate for these evolving conditions.”

They added that guests due to sail on affected itineraries and trade partners will receive updates and specific details relating to their bookings shortly.

A growing number of cruise lines have amended or cancelled sailings to Russia following the country’s catastrophic invasion of Ukraine.

MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and are among the lines that have also suspended calls to St Petersburg.

A CLIA spokesperson said that the “safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are of utmost importance for CLIA and our cruise line members and will continue to be the criteria on which our cruise line members base their itinerary decisions”.

The spokesperson added: “The cruise community is monitoring the crisis unfolding in Ukraine and our thoughts are with all who are impacted by this conflict. CLIA will work closely with other sectors of the maritime community, including the International Labour Organization and government authorities, to address repatriation challenges.

“CLIA and our member lines are seeking clarification regarding cruise line seafarers that are impacted by the sanctions. Our first priority for seafarers is their safety and well-being.”

The news comes as three Fred. Olsen brands teamed up to fill and fund a lorry carrying 61 boxes of essential items to support Ukrainian refugees.