Royal Caribbean Slipped a Warning Letter Under Cabin Doors Before Naples

Royal Caribbean left letters in the staterooms of Odyssey of the Seas guests on Friday, October 23, warning that local authorities expected public demonstrations in Naples the next day. The letter said protests would mainly affect the Piazza Garibaldi area near Naples Central Railway Station, and it advised independent travelers to avoid the area in the afternoon.

Guests were also told to leave plenty of time to get back to the pier before departure, while those on Royal Caribbean shore excursions were assured their return to the ship was guaranteed. The ship was in Naples from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and, according to tracking data, sailed on schedule without incident. The protests were not related to the ship.

Demonstrations took place on October 24 in several Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna and Florence. Euronews reported that some turned violent, with stones and bottles thrown and police using water cannons and tear gas. Cited causes include rising living costs, government policies, military spending and migrant detention plans. Soldiers have been deployed in several cities.

Unrest has already touched other itineraries: P&O Cruises’ Iona skipped a planned stop at Le Havre, France, on October 18 because of protests. For Odyssey of the Seas, Naples was the last Mediterranean round trip of the season. It began a 14-night transatlantic crossing on October 25 and is due back in Europe in April 2027.

Sources: Cruise Hive