Showing posts with label Middle East. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle East. Show all posts

Monday, August 5, 2013

Worldwide Travel Alert August 2013



August 02, 2013

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.  This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013. 


It is important to note that the alert doesn't make any reference to a specific threat, but rather just encourages American citizens to be vigilant and stay informed of current news as they travel.   This is common sense which should be exercised regardless of whether or not an alert has been issued.



One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website). Topics include: Tips for Traveling Abroad, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts 

We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Cruises Impacted by Protests

Egyptian Sphinx - Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises
Middle East Protests
Impact Cruises

Once again cruises to Egypt and Tunisia are being rerouted to avoid any potential security risks to passengers, ships, and crew.

A wave of anti-American unrest swept through the Middle East on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attack.  Uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia were sparked by the inflammatory anti-Muslim video, and there was further unrest Thursday outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, where protesters had scaled the walls Tuesday.

The fatal attack on the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other Americans has prompted the deployment of two warships to the area.

Cruise lines are closely monitoring the situation and two changes have already been announced. We will update this article with additional details as they become available.  Consult with the individual cruise lines if you are traveling to this region.

Latest Changes

Silversea has cancelled Silver Cloud's September 30 visit to Tunis, Tunisia, replacing it with a stop at Gozo Island in the Maltese archipelago.

Oceania's Marina will no longer visit Alexandria on October 3 or Part Said on October 4. Instead the ship will add Antalya, Turkey and spend an extra day in Ashdod, Israel on October 4. 



Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Quest's scheduled stop in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia on October 31 wil be replaced with a full-day visit to Minorca in the Balearic Islands on November 1.


Protests in Egypt
September 20, 2012

Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the situation in Egypt. At this time, Royal Caribbean has not changed the itinerary of any upcoming sailing that includes a port call to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries. The safety and security, of our guests and crew members is always foremost in our minds.

Protests in Egypt
September 13, 2012

Royal Caribbean International is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt.

In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel Mariner of the Seas’ next port call to Egypt. Mariner of the Seas, which departs Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on Saturday, September 15, will no longer call on Alexandria, Egypt, on Tuesday, September 18. Instead, the ship will now call to Sicily (Messina), Italy, on Sunday, September 16, and Valletta, Malta, on Monday, September 17.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make additional modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Holland America Line

Holland America's Ryndam, which was scheduled to dock September 14 in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia, will visit Sardinia, Italy, instead. 

Cunard Line

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth will skip its scheduled September 15 call in Alexandria and replace it with a visit to Rhodes on September 16.

Celebrity Cruises

Protests in Egypt

September 20, 2012
Celebrity Cruises continues to closely monitor the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.
September 13, 2012
Celebrity Cruises is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. State Department has not issued any Travel Warnings or Alerts, but the embassies in seven countries advised Americans to be vigilant. U.S. embassies in Armenia, Burundi, Kuwait, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia and Egypt, posted the notices but don't report any specific threat.

Useful Links:

U.S. Department of State - International Travel

When traveling in a foreign country, it is wise to know about the location of U.S. Embassies

U.S. Embassies (Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions)
State Department's travel registration website - register travel  with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

State Department’s Country Specific Information 

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Crystal Cruises 20th Anniversary Offers

Crystal Cruises Announces Anniversary Offers

Crystal Cruises marks an exciting milestone in 2010 as they celebrate their 20th year of award-winning luxury travel. Crystal Cruises' 2010 program includes sailings to 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages. Select from exotic destinations such as the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Most voyages are 11-13 days in length, but there are others ranging from less thatn 10 days to 115 days. See itineraries HERE.


Now is the time to explore the world with Crystal and take advantage of the never-before-offered 20th Anniversary Gifts carefully designed for a luxurous experience onboard the ships that have been Voted World's Best by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazine more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

20th Anniversary Offers:
  • New 2-for-1 Fares on all voyages
  • “All-Inclusive. As You Wish.” Spending Credits on all voyages
  • Free Business or Economy Class Air on most voyages
  • Price Guarantee on all voyages
  • And more!

Contact me for complete details, terms, and conditions. This is only the "tip of the iceberg" as the saying goes. Just to wet your appetite some more .... consider sailing on your birthday ...

Sail on your birthday in 2010 and Crystal Cruises will give you the gift of 50% savings (25% single occupancy) on a future cruise before your next birthday! Birthday cruise must be booked by December 31, 2009.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Cunard 2011 World Voyages


SEE THE WORLD'S WONDERS ABOARD QUEEN MARY 2 IN 2011

2011 MAIDEN WORLD VOYAGE ABOARD QUEEN ELIZABETH

I am pleased to give you a sneak preview of Cunard's 2011 World Voyages. Both iconic QUEEN MARY 2 and the gracious new QUEEN ELIZABETH will sail around the globe on two distinct itineraries as part of the youngest luxury fleet at sea. These epic voyages will go on sale to the public on July 1, 2009, at 5:00 a.m. PDT (8:00 a.m. EDT).


QUEEN MARY 2 sets sail on a 103-day journey roundtrip from New York, bringing guests to renowned destinations around the globe in the grandest style imaginable.
  • Explore exciting ports in South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe

  • Voyage concludes with a classic Westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Cunard's home port of Southampton

  • Overnight stays in Cape Town, Sydney and Hong Kong

QUEEN ELIZABETH will define a New Golden Age of Ocean Travel as she embarks on her maiden 103-day World Cruise voyage roundtrip from Southampton.

  • Chart a western course to destinations in Central America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe

  • Voyage features full transits of the Panama and Suez canals

  • Experience the fanfare and excitement of maiden-calls in many ports

  • Overnight stays in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai

TWO SHIPS, ONE FULL WORLD VOYAGE

You can discover two views of the world on a special 2-Ship World Voyage option sailing aboard QUEEN ELIZABETH from New York to Sydney, then joining QUEEN MARY 2 on the westbound return journey to New York. On both ships, you will encounter a wide range of inspiring regions and maiden ports.

Book early to take advantage of bonus fares. Early Booking Fares applies to reservations made before February 28, 2010. Contact me for full details and restrictions. It is also possible to book segments of the entire world voyage.


Request More Information on Cunard 2011 World Voyages via email

Promotion Name:

Enter Your E-Mail:

Other Comment:



Note: Click "Send" button to generate an email request