A Royal Caribbean cruise ship chartered by the U.S. government departed Haifa, Israel on Monday carrying thousands of American citizens fleeing the war in Israel.
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas departed Haifa bound for Limassol Port in Cyprus carrying some 2,500 passengers.
Boarding got underway at 8 a.m. local time Monday morning and was available on a first-come, first-served basis to American’s with valid travel documents and their immediate family members, according to the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
All passengers were required to sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the U.S. government for the cost of the trip.
“Royal Caribbean Group is actively assisting the U.S. Department of State in an effort to evacuate American citizens in the area,” Royal Caribbean Group confirmed in a statement.
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