Hebridean International Cruises is “seriously considering” axing a sailing next April from Oman to Egypt – it’s first to call at the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.

Managing director Mike Deegan, told travel magazine TTG today [www.ttg.com] said passengers were being contacted this week about the security situation and a final decision would be made before Christmas.

“Unless the situation improves significantly, it’s doubtful that we would run the cruise,” he said.

Silversea Cruises UK & Europe marketing director Anil Swarup told the same paper "this would be a major blow".

“It is a worry,” he said. “From a UK perspective, the Indian Ocean and Seychelles cruises and Seychelles to Dubai sailings are extremely popular.

Cunard, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruise and Silversea Cruises, which have planned cruises through the Gulf of Aden in the next few months.

QE2 & P&O could reroute too

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