https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-encounters-red-sea-tensions-on-repositioning-voyage/127657

Amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, Crystal Cruises' vessel, CRYSTAL SYMPHONY, encountered a concerning situation during its repositioning voyage from Mumbai to the Mediterranean, without passengers. The UK Maritime Trade Operations received reports that the ship, located northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, was contacted by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy, requesting deactivation of its AIS tracking system. Although a crew member reported suspected gunfire, investigations revealed no such incident occurred. Despite warnings, Crystal Symphony continues its journey, now nearing the Suez Canal, en route Limassol, Cyprus. The cruise line confirmed the vessel's safe transit, escorted by the US Navy. While passenger voyages were canceled earlier due to safety concerns, Crystal Symphony is set to resume its itinerary from Limassol to Athens on April 6, steering clear of high-risk areas.