By
Rebecca Gibson |
MSC Cruises has cancelled all remaining Tunisia calls after 12 of its passengers were killed during a terror attack at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis on 18 March 2015.
Four of the line’s ships – MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Preziosa and MSC Divina – call at the port on a regular basis but MSC has opted to alter their itineraries to ensure the safety and security of its guests and crew.
For the rest of the season, MSC Splendida will call at Valletta in Malta, while MSC Fantasia will visit Palma de Mallorca in Spain, MSC Preziosa will call at Cagliari in Sardinia, Italy, and MSC Divina will call at Valletta in Italy and head directly to Corfu, Greece.
“Sadly, the murderous actions of the people behind this devastating attack will have far-reaching and profoundly damaging effects on democratic Tunisia and its faltering economy,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’, executive chairman. “Tunis is a key destination for MSC Cruises and we hope to be able to restore it to itineraries in due course. But until we receive the necessary reassurances that the security situation has returned to normal, we have to take our guests to alternative Mediterranean destinations.”
Costa Cruises has also suspended all future calls to Tunis after confirming that five of its guests – four Italians and one Russian – and eight guests – seven Italians and one Russian – were among the victims of the attack.
“What happened in Tunis represents an attempt to the values of friendship between cultures in which we have always believed,” said the company in a written statement. “Our deepest sympathy and our condolences go to the victims and their families. We share their sorrow.”
The cruise line held a minute of silence in memory of the victims at its Genoa headquarters, worldwide offices and its ships on 20 March.
“Our immediate priority is the assistance to our passengers and crew affected by this tragic event, and ensuring their safe passage home.
Costa’s Care Team members and Beniamino Maltese, the line’s senior vice president, have remained in Tunis to support the victims and the eight hospitalised guests.