US arranges cruise ship evacuation from Israel

Monday, 16 Oct, 2023 2

With airline seats limited, the US State Department has partnered with Royal Caribbean to evacuate Americans from Israel.

Rhapsody of the Seas is in Haifa Monday morning to transport Americans in Israel to Limassol, Cyprus.

The sea crossing to Cyprus is about 12 hours.

From there they will be able to continue their journey home by scheduled or charter flights.

The arrangement was made on the request of the US Embassy in Israel and the number of US residents allowed is on space available.

US consular staff will be in the ship to help with onward travel beyond Cyprus.

The Rhapsody of the Seas last week cancelled cruise calls in Israel due to the conflict.

About 30 Americans have been killed since Hamas launched a surprise incursion into Israel over a week ago.

At least 15 more are listed as missing, the State Department said.

With no scheduled flight services from US and many other airlines, a small number of specially arranged flights have been arriving back in the US.

White House spokesman John Kirby said charter flights to Europe began at the weekend, connecting with scheduled services from major European cities.

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