Riviera Travel and MSC Cruises have become the latest operators to cancel or amend Russia calls.

Riviera has cancelled its Russia programme for the foreseeable future.

The operator said: “We have continued to closely monitor the situation between Russia and Ukraine, and we are shocked and deeply saddened by the events that have developed.

“In light of these circumstances, we have made the decision to cancel all of our holidays to Russia for the foreseeable future.”

The company said it is contacting affected customers in departure date order and warned it could take up to two weeks.

“We will contact guests in departure date order and would be extremely grateful if you could wait for us to contact you. Please do bear with us, your patience is hugely appreciated,” Riviera added.

MSC Cruises has suspended calls to St Petersburg, citing ‘recent developments in the region and related security concerns’.

The company said the health and safety of its passengers and crew was its top priority and that from the end of May until October its four ships with Baltic Sea sailings that had included St Petersburg in any of their summer 2022 itineraries – MSC Preziosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia and MSC Virtuosa – will all suspend their calls to the Russian city.

In a statement, the cruise line said: “Since the onset of the current events the line has been in touch with alternative ports – such as Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn – to confirm calls for the four vessels and it will communicate the exact details for each individual sailing as soon as possible to travel agents and any customers affected by the new arrangements.

“MSC Cruises will also update its website to reflect the confirmed details of the new itineraries to provide maximum clarity for existing guests as well as for anyone looking to book future holidays at sea in the Baltic Sea.”

No MSC Cruises’ ships currently call St Petersburg.

See also: Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia