Cruises involving the Mid-East countries

If you are going or have been to countries in the Mid-East, are you concerned about all that is going on - travel ban, warning to Iran. Going down the Suez Canal sure is in the heart of some of the countries. I have a trip in May and find myself a bit nervous. I am not paranoid - I did travel two weeks after 9/11.

If you are going or have been to countries in the Mid-East, are you concerned about all that is going on - travel ban, warning to Iran. Going down the Suez Canal sure is in the heart of some of the countries. I have a trip in May and find myself a bit nervous. I am not paranoid - I did travel two weeks after 9/11.

We've just come back from a weeks cruise around Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi and didn't see or have any trouble at all.

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I have a Suez Canal cruise booked for November. Hadn't really given it any thought until reading this thread. We'll be keeping an eye on the situation

Going in April and will have to pass the straits of Hormuz to get to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Singapore. Also going to Myanmar and Vietnam and several ports in India. My husband has mentioned it several times breaking up my peace:p I was fairly unaware of the danger of that narrow passage until Iran started shooting at ships and the WH and trump put them "on notice". (whatever!). Insignia is then to go to Rome from Abu Dhabi with Egypt and Suez Canal and Israel as part of World Cruise 2017. Have travel insurance but also several hundred dollars worth of visas and lots of plans and expectations. I live in DC suburbs and always feel a bit like target covers us (5 miles from Joint Base Andrews (Air Force 1 base) and 8 miles from Ft. Meyer where the spies and secrets are kept). At this time it is all go with 70 days. Not sure anyplace is that safe these days. I'd try not to look like an American tourist but that is hopeless:) . Already had my travel excitement for 2017 -- was on my way to FLL airport from the port of Miami cruise on Navigator when the shooter went crazy Jan. 5 ! :eek: Watched it all on local TV then went out the next day { I knew to reschedule with the folks still running and ducking on the runways -no 4PM flight}. Not safe at home not safe at travel -- won't give in to fear (but I do recognize the risks:eek:) Guess I haven't learned -- booked a cruise for Jan 2018 today another world cruise segment. Travel while we can!

We've just come back from a weeks cruise around Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi and didn't see or have any trouble at all.

 

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Good to hear. We leave April 4 for week in Dubai then to Singapore for Insignia Singapore to Abu Dhabi. What did you do in Abu Dhabi. We have 3 days there. Want to go to Al Ain and city tour then back to Dubai for flight out on Day 4. Have a guide for days in Dubai but can't find one for Abu Dhabi. Where did you stay? Hotel? Thanks

About three years ago did a cruise through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

There was extra security on board and ships traveled in a convoy with a military escort. There were ship's lookouts watching 100% of the time fore and aft, port and starboard. A "security package" (contents unknown to passengers) was on board for that part of the journey.

Outside lights were a no-no at night, so those with balconies had to keep their balcony lights off and curtains closed at night. Also Promenade desk was off limits at night. Gym closed early so the lights there could be turned off.

I was not worried at all on that passage and I am not worried at all for a similar passage this coming November.

Here is a link to a letter that someone posted from a Celebrity cruise through the Gulf of Aden last year.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5767/31057756981_995c3906c9_c.jpg

Last time we did such a cruise we had Israeli soldiers on boArd. No worries

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We cruised the area in November. Originally, we were supposed to call in Turkey and Cairo. Those ports were cancelled for security reasons. We were very comfortable traveling in this part of the world. We felt safe at all times. We always stayed with the group and did not venture off on our own.

I think you will just have to hope that things calm down before you travel.

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It was a port stop, so only there for the day. Did the HOHO bus so we could get to The grand Mosque, Dhow cruise part of Hoho ticket, Heritage Village and walk along Promenade back to Hoho shuttle to cruise ship.

Sorry this should have been a reply to Bowie MeMe post further up.

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Apart from some Somali pirates in a small area, the region is not any less or more safe than the country of school and nightclub shootings . Of course some people in the region may take offence to your new Commande6in Chief and his antics.

I'm booked on a Suez Canal cruise from Rome to Abu Dhabi in November and I'm not worried at all.

Iran is nowhere near the canal or Red Sea which the ship goes through. The closest we get to Iran is at then end in Abu Dhabi and even then I wouldn't be worried.

The only concern going through that area is pirates, but the cruise ships have that all covered (as you can see above from people's experience).

Don't worry and enjoy your cruise through a part of the world that most people never see.

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I usually walk around shirtless with the American flag on those type of cruises.

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I'm booked on a Suez Canal cruise from Rome to Abu Dhabi in November and I'm not worried at all.

 

Iran is nowhere near the canal or Red Sea which the ship goes through. The closest we get to Iran is at then end in Abu Dhabi and even then I wouldn't be worried.

 

The only concern going through that area is pirates, but the cruise ships have that all covered (as you can see above from people's experience).

 

Don't worry and enjoy your cruise through a part of the world that most people never see.

 

 

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Iran is however right across the straight from Dubai where the ship sails into. Moving Cole in the Yemen area yesterday was interesting. One of the articles mentioned they thought mines had been put into the strait

"The Pentagon says the Houthis have placed mines in the water 45 miles north of the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait to protect the Yemen port city of Mocha."

I believe the ships pass through that strait. We're not cancelling or panicking yet, but we certainly have a plan B

I still wouldn't worry about Iran, if Iran wanted to target passenger crafts they could just target an airline - all flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi going to Europe and North America fly over Iran and use Iranian airspace.

As for the mines, well that's concerning, just don't stay in a lower deck cabin :p

If the situation ever became serious enough the cruise lines would cancel or completely change their itinerary.

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If the situation ever became serious enough the cruise lines would cancel or completely change their itinerary.

 

 

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Exactly which is why I'm not panicking just have a plan B.

Generally the Gulf states like us politically, but reviews are mixed among locals. Law enforcement is what keeps the threat to you at bay. Don't get caught in an unlit parking lot after dark and you'll be fine.

I've spent a lot of time in the Middle East. Lots of getting shot at and lots of sight seeing; not in the same trip.

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Iran isn't going to attack a cruise line full of innocent people on vacation. They couldn't afford that type of bad press.

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We will be on the Azamara Journey in November, debarking in Dubai. We will be spending 3 nights in Abu Dhabi. Any recommendations for a private transfer service, perhaps including a tour of Dubai, leaving from the port of Dubai to our hotel in Abu Dhabi?

Thanks.

I flew to UAE, I was there for 6 months. Their country makes our entire country look like Detroit. You'll be a little ashamed of American cities after your time there. Trip advisor will square you away for excursions.

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If you are going or have been to countries in the Mid-East, are you concerned about all that is going on - travel ban, warning to Iran. Going down the Suez Canal sure is in the heart of some of the countries. I have a trip in May and find myself a bit nervous. I am not paranoid - I did travel two weeks after 9/11.

Just my opinion but I feel it's only a matter of time. Not saying this route, but any route carrying lots of soft civilian targets is going to someday be a target of some terrorist. Of course some routes are going to be logistical easier to attack then others.

I highly recommend reviewing the current threat for any cruse area you are going to...Even Cozumel Mexico. I always review using http://www.travel.state.gov

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I usually walk around shirtless with the American flag on those type of cruises.

 

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Too funny! Might give it a try! I am booked on a Suez Cannel cruise 2018.

Seriously if it is going to happen it will.

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I couldn't imagine being too concerned. ESP the part about Iran taking out a cruise ship. I don't think that makes a lot of sense. We were in the UAE, Iran and Oman last year at this time and had a great visit. Of course , a lot has changed in year. Glad we made it to Iran before it all went bad.

We just missed Egypt. Had a river cruise planned that was cancelled a few years ago, just when the uprising occurred.

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