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Protests in France Force Harmony of the Seas to Cancel Marseille

Submitted by kgnadmin on

Royal Caribbean International decided to cancel Harmony of the Seas arrival in Marseille, France scheduled for June 14, at the cruise terminal (MPCT) pier Léon-Gourret. The arrival in Marseille was canceled because of safety concerns by the culmination of the national protest against the Labor Law. 

Royal Caribbean released a statement saying "Harmony of the Seas is scheduled to call Marseilles, France, on Tuesday, June 14. Royal Caribbean International was informed that the French workers union will be on strike in Marseilles on June 14. Unfortunately, the strike has the potential to seriously disrupt our guest experience in Marseilles. Because of this, Harmony will not be able to make our scheduled call to Marseilles on Tuesday. Instead, Harmony of the Seas will extend its time in Palma De Mallorca, Spain, on Monday and on Tuesday spend an extra day at sea."

Police officials say around 5000 people attended the protest in Marseille and according the representatives of the protest this number was 140.000. The central protests in Paris took violent turn by gangs of masked people throwing stones and makeshift firebombs at the riot police as protesters marched in the Capital. Paris police department reported 58 arrests, with 24 police and 17 protesters injured. Security in France is under pressure from three sides. The police forces are struggling to maintain security during the month-long UEFA   soccer championship. France also remains on maximum alert after the terror attacks last November that killed 130 people. On top the French Government is facing pressure by its own people to withdraw the new Labor Law allowing companies to hire and fire workers easily.

Harmony of the Seas next arrival in Marseille is scheduled for June 21, and for now there are no changes to this cruise itinerary.