Americans evacuating Israel were aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas when it set sail from Haifa on its way to Cyprus on Monday.

In response to the U.S. embassy in Israel’s request, Royal Caribbean International cruise ship sailed.

Royal Caribbean is assisting the U.S. Department of State in assisting American citizens with their departure, according to a statement.

Due to geopolitical turmoil, the ship that was to take U.S. residents on the voyage had its cruises canceled out of Haifa.

A statement from the embassy said that boarding began at 8:00 am local time on a first-come, first-served basis.

On board the ship and at the Limassol Port in Cyprus, American consular staff provided information and assistance about onward travel to the United States as the passage to Limassol Port was expected to take approximately 10-12 hours.