Royal Caribbean Safely Transports 160 American Passengers from Israel via Cruise Ship"

A Royal Caribbean cruise vessel, transporting 160 U.S. citizens and other foreign individuals, arrived at the Mediterranean island of Cyprus on Tuesday, as reported.

The Rhapsody of the Seas docked at Limassol, the island's main port, where it was received by U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher, according to The Associated Press.

The passengers were subjected to processing by Cypriot authorities and officials from the U.S. embassy before being transported by bus to temporary lodgings.

One passenger, Naama Kopelman, expressed her relief at being in a secure place, away from the ongoing disturbances in Israel. She left Israel for her daughter's well-being.

Barbara Zwillick, another passenger, was escorting her granddaughter to New York City on behalf of her daughter, who works as a nurse in Israel. Her daughter wished for her child's departure from the region.

FOX Business has contacted Royal Caribbean for additional comments. The Rhapsody of the Seas set sail from Haifa, the northern Israeli port city, on Monday.

A company spokesperson informed FOX Business on Monday that they are actively assisting the U.S. Department of State in facilitating the departure of American citizens.

Before the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Rhapsody of the Seas had plans for a five-day cruise to Cyprus and the Greek Isles, departing from Haifa.

The State Department has also noted its involvement in organizing charter flights for Americans departing Israel through at least Thursday. They have provided instructions for those wishing to leave the country, directing them to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3, where U.S. Embassy personnel will offer guidance and flight details, although potential wait times are expected.

 

Source: foxbusiness.com