Sherman's Travel

Thailand’s indigenous wildlife, aromatic cuisine, and Zen-worship ignite wanderlust in many – a call not gone unheard by the cruise industry. However, recent eruption of civil conflict in Bangkok has had implications for voyages scheduled during the next few months. Roused by growing economic disparities between the Thai plebeian class and government officials, protesters arrived from rural areas of Thailand, taking refuge in temples located in the affluent business center of Bangkok. The government responded by sending in troops and blockading zones harboring protesters. With 53 dead and 399 injured, the tension remains thick.

Many Southeast Asia sailings hit Laem Chabang, a port two hours from Bangkok, now considered too close to the political tumult, as cruise passengers regularly make trips into central Bangkok and fly in and out of the Bangkok airport. The first to take safety precautions is luxury yacht conglomerate, Seabourn, announcing that they will call on Singapore in lieu of Laem Chabang during the July 17 excursion. Additional cruise dates to keep an eye on include June 11, July 19, and August 24 with Princess Cruises, Silversea’s October 28 and 29 sailings, and Costa’s November 30 and December 1 departures.

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