More Bahrain cruise visits cancelled

More cruise ship calls are being cancelled due to the unrest in the Arab region

Demonstrations in Bahrain have already led to the deaths of four protestors and various cruise lines are re visiting their itinerary stops in the region. Costa Cruises has amended itineraries for the Deliziosa and Luminosa.

A Costa spokesperson noted "Costa Cruises will resume calling at Bahrain only when the relevant international authorities and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have declared stability, and safety has been restored to the region." The ships will now spend an extra day in Dubai and next week changes may include overnights in Muscat or Abu Dhabi

Bahrain has a population of about one and a quarter million and receives eight million tourists a year. The opening race of the 2011 Formula One Grand Prix season, due to take place at Bahrain's Sakhir Circuit on March 13th is now also in doubt because of the protests.