Is the world more dangerous for cruise ships?

In addition to swine flu and fears about outbreaks of gastroenteritis and novovirus, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines had decided to change future itineraries from this month to improve passenger safety. Balmoral’s 2010 world cruise, staring January 5th 2010 will now not traverse the Gulf of Aden which has become notorious for recent pirate activity. Port calls at Mauritius and Cape Town will replace Dubai and Salalah.

The same cruise line has chosen to avoid Acapulco in May, replacing this port call with extra time spent in Costa Rica and San Diego. Their Planning Director said, ‘…health and safety of … passengers and staff … is of paramount importance, and we take very seriously the advice issued by the UK Government advising against all but essential travel to Mexico ….’ Other cruise lines are also avoiding Mexico at present.