'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,' MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said. 'Tunisia can little afford to be considered a no-go zone at this time, but regrettably that is how tourists will now see it.'
Vago added: '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.'
Four MSC ships will substitute other ports for La Goulette, the port of Tunis. MSC Splendida will call at Valletta, Malta; MSC Fantasia at Palma de Mallorca; MSC Preziosa will call at Cagliari, Sardinia; and MSC Divina will call at Valletta a day earlier and head directly to Corfu, Greece.
Tunis has long been featured on MSC itineraries, and the city’s extensive range of cultural offerings have proved very popular with visitors, the line said.
Costa ships will also be avoiding Tunisia. In a statement, the line said Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa and Costa neoRiviera will be substituting alternative ports, to be communicated as soon as possible.
