Tour operators and cruise lines operating in Ecuador have been forced to make significant changes to their itineraries and ramp up security measures due to the ongoing civil unrest in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Lindblad Expeditions, for instance, decided to cancel its upcoming Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 sailings to the Galapagos Islands on the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II, respectively. The company cited a lack of clarity regarding flight access and a desire to err on the side of caution. While the current expeditions onboard the two ships will continue as planned, Lindblad is diligently working to reaccommodate affected guests and has implemented additional security precautions in the region. Similarly, the parent company of Celebrity and Silversea, Royal Caribbean Group, stated that it has taken steps to enhance security and is closely monitoring the situation.
Silversea, another cruise line operating in Ecuador, canceled a call in Manta on its Silver Nova cruise. The company’s 71-day sailing around South America had departed from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 4. Despite the disruptions, both Intrepid and G Adventures have issued travel alerts on their websites to inform travelers about the state of emergency. Intrepid, which offers trips to both the mainland and the Galapagos, specified that it currently has six trips operating in the Galapagos but none on the mainland. The companies have assured their customers that they are closely monitoring the situation, and tours will continue to operate with necessary precautions.
As part of the state of emergency, Ecuador has imposed a daily curfew between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The government has also deployed military and police personnel to enhance security around key public buildings, airports, and certain streets, particularly in Guayaquil and Quito. However, airports remain open, and individuals traveling to and from the airports are exempt from the curfew. Nevertheless, travelers are advised to carry identification and have their boarding passes or flight booking details readily available to show officials.
The alterations to travel plans and the implementation of increased security measures by tour operators and cruise lines highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and the well-being of guests. The decision to cancel sailings and modify itineraries demonstrates the industry’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for travelers. By closely monitoring the evolving situation and promptly notifying affected guests of any changes, companies like Lindblad Expeditions, Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea, Intrepid, and G Adventures prove their dedication to providing a seamless and secure travel experience.
The civil unrest in Ecuador has had a significant impact on the operations of tour operators and cruise lines. The cancellations and changes to itineraries reflect the industry’s commitment to safety and the satisfaction of their guests. Despite the challenges posed by the state of emergency, these companies are taking the necessary precautions and closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth continuation of tours and cruises in Ecuador.
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