Blow for Bahrain as cruise season cancelled

The remainder of Bahrain's cruise season has been cancelled as political unrest continues in the country, according to a report in Gulf Daily News.

The cancellation will result in the loss of around 50,000 tourists and $5 million (BD1.9m) in tourism spending for Bahrain.

Costa Cruises dropped Bahrain from the itinerary of its two ships - Deliziosa and Luminosa , which operate seven-night cruises from Dubai - since the start of the unrest in mid-February as European governments implemented travel advisories against Bahrain.

German operator Aida has also cancelled Bahrain stops for the remained of the season.

This is the second major blow to Bahrain's cruise sector after Royal Caribbean dropped the destination from its second Gulf sailing season and replaced it with an overnight stop in Muscat. The cruise line the said the fuel costs to reach Bahrain were too high, and said guests had complained about bad service from local taxi drivers.