Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Helps Americans Evacuate Israel

Royal Caribbean International is assisting the U.S. Embassy in Israel by helping to evacuate Americans in the wake of the ongoing war between the Middle Eastern country and Hamas.

On Monday, Rhapsody of the Seas set sail from Haifa in northern Israel to Cyprus carrying U.S. citizens fleeing the country amid the turmoil.

"Royal Caribbean Group is actively supporting the U.S. Department of State in the assisted departure of American citizens," the cruise line said in a statement.

The ship was operating on a first-come, first-served basis after canceling several itineraries last week due to the geopolitical situation.

"With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we’ve decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023, and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings," Royal Caribbean confirmed earlier this month.

"At this time, we can confirm the deaths of 30 U.S. citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement, which also notes that an additional 13 Americans are missing.

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