TravelingActuary

I just returned from the Escape, and I agree with the other recommendations - make show reservations as soon as you can, and take advantage of the Waterfront if you want to get away from people! One morning I practically had the Waterfront all to myself and just sprawled out on one of the comfy couches and watched the water. I didn't find the ship to be too overcrowded. The Atrium can get pretty crowded at times, so if there is a show/activity that you really want to see, get there early to scout for chairs. Also, I found the temperature in common areas and dining areas to be VERY cold, so have a jacket or sweater handy if you tend to get cold easily.

I just returned from my Med cruise that began in Istanbul, and I felt completely safe. Istanbul was a very interesting city. As someone else said, if the cruise line feels a port is unsafe, they will avoid that area. It's a huge liability and bad for business if they put all of those guests in danger. The only problem we had with Turkey was before we ever left the U.S. - my friend had a brand new passport, so they questioned her as to why she was going to Turkey (they were nice about it). They even asked her if she planned to go to Syria..she said "no, I'm just going on a cruise to Greece!"

I just returned from my Med. cruise with 4 Greek ports of call, and everything was business as usual. My cruise started July 3, right after the banks closed, and I was in Greece during the referendum vote. You really wouldn't have known anything was going on. In Athens, we saw lines at every ATM (maybe 5 or 6 people) but that was it. Just be sure to have plenty of Euros with you.