We-R-Off

The other ports that are non EU have issues regarding the size of the ship according to Celebrity. Back to your OP. There is no travel warning anyplace near the ports being visited. The area is about 400 miles away. I agree there is an issue with the refugee situation, but saying one should not go to Ephesus because of a travel warning in Eastern Turkey is the same as saying one should not travel to Crete or Malta because of the war in Syria.

 

And I do agree everyone has their own comfort level. Sadly if one is to avoid ALL terrorist violence today one would need to find a very remote island. It happens in the US, Canada and Australia as well.

It seems that Australia & New Zealand have also joined other countries who are warning their citizens regarding travel to Turkey, herewith their warning

here is extreme risk to your security within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping and the potential for violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria. We advise against all travel to this area.

There is extreme risk to your security in the city of Diyarbakir, in south-east Turkey, due to ongoing security force operations in the Sur district and we advise against all travel.

High Risk

There is high risk to your security in the provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Mus, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Siirt, Tunceli and Van in south-east Turkey. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these provinces due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

There is high risk to your security in Ankara and Istanbul due to the heightened threat of terrorism and potential for civil unrest. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these cities. New Zealanders transiting Ankara or Istanbul on their way to other destinations in Turkey are advised to minimise transit time and avoid tourist sites in those two cities.

Some Risk

There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Turkey due to the heightened threat of terrorism and the potential for civil unrest and we advise caution.

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Terrorism

There is a significant threat from terrorism in Turkey. Terrorist groups, including those based in Syria and Iraq, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Turkey, including plots that may involve foreign fighters returning to Turkey from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. There is also a threat from domestic-based extremists.

Most terrorist attacks in Turkey target Turkish government institutions and security forces, however recent attacks have also occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners, resulting in deaths and injuries. Terrorist attacks have been regularly carried out in the south-east; more recently attacks have occurred in Ankara and Istanbul, and could occur in other parts of the country, including, Izmir, Adana, other major centres, tourist areas and along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.

Recent incidents include:

On 19 March 2016, a suicide bombing in Istiklal Street in central Istanbul killed 5 people, including foreigners, and injured a number of others.

On 13 March 2016, an explosion in the Kizilay district in central Ankara killed 37 people and injured many more.

On 17 February 2016, a large explosion in central Ankara killed 28 people. The attack appeared to specifically target military personnel.

On 12 January 2016, a suicide attack in the Sultanahmet tourist district of Istanbul killed twelve foreign nationals and injured a number of others.

On 23 December 2015, a mortar attack which killed one person was conducted at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul’s second largest airport, by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK).

On 10 October 2015, an attack on a political rally outside the main railway station in Ankara killed 102 people.

Further attacks targeting tourists and Western interests in Istanbul, Ankara, or elsewhere in Turkey, are possible. The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), who claimed responsibility for the 13 March and 17 February attacks, have stated their intention to target tourist areas in Turkey in future attacks.

New Zealanders throughout Turkey are advised to remain vigilant, keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places, especially around buildings and sites associated with Turkish security forces. You should also be security conscious around landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, such as embassies, tourist locations, public transport facilities, airports, places of worship, government buildings and identifiably western businesses.

If you are in a location affected by a recent attack, you should avoid the immediate vicinity, follow any instructions given by Turkish security forces and let you family in New Zealand know you are safe and well.

The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) controls a part of the Syrian side of the border with Turkey. The long and porous nature of the border with Syria provides ISIL and other terrorists with an opportunity to travel with relative ease between Turkey, Syria and Iraq. Turkish security forces’ presence in these border areas has been strengthened to counter such illegal activity.

Although based in Syria and Iraq, ISIL has the capacity to carry out attacks across the border. Spillover violence in border areas is likely and we advise against all travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria. ISIL has previously threatened to conduct attacks against targets elsewhere in Turkey.

A number of domestic terrorist groups are active in parts of Turkey. The Kurdistan People's Congress (also known as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK) has targeted Turkish government interests, although Westerners have also been targeted in the past. Following the ending of a ceasefire between the Turkish government and the PKK in late July 2015, there is a high level of tension and security activity and a heightened threat from terrorism in south-east Turkey, where the PKK has focused its activity. There have been a high number of recent attacks targeting and killing security force personnel in this area and further attacks there are likely.

The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP/C), an extreme leftist terrorist organisation, maintains an anti-Western ideology and remains active in Turkey. The DHKP/C has in the past conducted attacks on Turkish government and security institutionsand has stated its intention to undertake further attacks.

Kidnapping

The risk to foreign nationals of kidnapping extends from Syria to the regions of Turkey bordering Syria. Groups operating in northern Syria have the capacity to carry out kidnappings across the border. Reporting indicates that ISIL have in the past planned kidnapping operations specifically targeting Westerners inside Turkey.

We advise New Zealanders to avoid all tourist and non-essential travel to areas close to the border with Syria, Iraq, and Iran, in southeast Turkey.

Civil unrest

Protests and demonstrations take place regularly throughout Turkey and could occur at short notice, especially in major cities and in the south-east of the country.

New Zealanders in Turkey are advised to avoid all political gatherings, protests and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. Police may use tear gas and/or water cannons to disperse demonstrations.

New Zealanders throughout Turkey are also advised to adhere to any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities, including curfews issued in response to protest activity. There is a higher likelihood of protests and demonstrations occurring on days of national significance.

General travel advice

New Zealanders travelling or living in Turkey should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Turkey are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

here is extreme risk to your security within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping and the potential for violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria. We advise against all travel to this area.

There is extreme risk to your security in the city of Diyarbakir, in south-east Turkey, due to ongoing security force operations in the Sur district and we advise against all travel.

and now 2 bombings in Brussels. one attack at the Brussels Zaventem airport and the other in the train station killing at least 13

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35869254

Maybe we all need to stay at home !!!!!!

However, statistics show more accidents happen in the home, so let's just cruise & enjoy ourselves.

It is actually 2nd attack in the same week.

Intelligence departments know of 3 other Isis cells that are highly active & there are high alerts for safety issues.

I live in a volatile country but things have accelerated in Turkey.

Turkey has Terrorist Tourism & is a hub for Europeans to reach Syria to join Isis.

Our Homeland security have warned citizens NOT to travel to Turkey & those that are there to return ASAP.

Celebrity should immediately cancel all port of calls in Turkey. We have been to Turkey twice and really loved both Istanbul and Kusadasi. However, things have deteriorated as has the Turkish government. Safety of the passengers and crew must come first.

 

 

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I agree totally. I have also spent quite a bit of time in Turkey over the years. I definitely would not visit at the moment, it is very unstable at the moment.

Stock is generally a bit older models and very limited. Same prices as in USA retail stores so no reason to buy except for those outside USA or wanting to spend OBC.

Thanx. Iphones are much more expensive outside USA. We are booked on a Caribbean cruise sailing from Miami Feb 2017 - maybe will buy one duty free at the airport. Hopefully our OBC is the refundable one. Fingers crossed my Galaxy Android doesn't die on me beforehand !!!!!

They don't sell iPhones on board the ship.

Thanks. That's a shame I have some OBC which would have been great to buy one with !!!!

We bought our mini iPad on a Celebrity cruise. Does anyone know the cost of iPhones on Celebrity? We will be sailing in July & thought to buy one.

Just for those docked in Rostock, don't forget Rostock port is very far from the railway station (about 13 kms), with only one bus operating every 60mn, last trip at 7p.m. I keep my fingers crossed for a shuttle!

Thanks. Are taxis expensive if we miss the last bus?

My DH and I are going on our first European cruise in June. We are headed to Norway and Canary Islands. Do we need to be concerned about pick pockets?

 

For those countries that we do need to be more protective, what works best? Pictures and links would be very helpful.

Places that seem to be more infamous for pickpockets are:

Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London, Prague & Bangkok.

I know 3 people that were robbed in Bangkok.

Many years we "lost" money on the metro in Paris.

A colleague was dragged to an ATM in London several years ago, whilst his friend was held hostage.

A friend had her camera stolen in Prague when using public transport.

We were warned of a potential pickpocket situation in Rome a couple of years ago.

Pickpockets often work in groups whereby the first bumps into you in a crowded area, ie subway. The person immeadiately behind you takes the wallet & passes it to a 3rd person, who makes off. It's all about catching you off guard.

I now have a "Pac Safe" bag, which is supposed to be anti-theft (strap is enforced with metal, so that it can't be cut. The bottom is made of anti-cutting material. It also has an anti credit card theft device. I wear it over my body & keep it close to me, in big cities. We never carry too much cash when in ports.

Be vigilant, keep your valuables out of visition (ie. undercloth wallets).

Don't wear flashy jewelry when in port.

Safe travels.

Hi We-R-Off

 

As Travelanni has explained you don't need to prebook your train. We used the Mecklenburg Lander day ticket that she talks about. Bought it online before we left home and it was very convenient.

 

At Schwerin Castle, if you want to take photos inside there is a 3 Euro camera fee, as well as the 6 Euro admission per person.

 

On my September 2014 thread I outlined what we did in Schwerin. We are not big on museums, so you could easily spend more time in Schwerin than we did. Rostock too, we did not go in any museums, just wandered the streets enjoying the architecture and atmosphere. We did walk a total of about 20 kms that day, in the three towns of Schwerin, Rostock and Warnemunde. Left the ship about 7.30am and got back about 6pm.

 

Enjoy!

Thanks Kiwi.

We don't sail until close to midnight so we can actually manage the 3 towns. Although we do like Museums we don't want to get overdosed either. I did fancy seeing Warnemünde but didn't think we had time. How do you suggest we plan our day to see the 3?

Perhaps we should go to Schwerin first, Rostock & time permitting Warnemünde, weather permitting. What do you think?

During our Baltic cruise we'll be able to use the Euro only in Amsterdam,Germany & Finland.

We've booked a tour in SPB which we can pay in dollars.

Where is the best place to convert to Swedish Krona & Danish Krone.

Do they accept Euro?

No, you wouldn't be doing Warnemunde if you are docked in Rostock and going to Schwerin. For us, Warnemunde would not be worth a trip. Yes, it is a pleasant seaside town and we enjoyed our wander there, but the history and architecture in places like Schwerin and Rostock is more of interest for us.

Depends what your interests are of course.

Thanks for the information. As we are docking in Rostock we plan to split our time between Schwerin & Rostock. How much time do you think we should allocate to Schwerin, so that we can book our train tickets. BTW our ship sails late so we don't have to be under pressure. Do you know if Germany have senior concessions either for trains or museums?

We are cruising with Celebrity & I notice that it is listed that our port in Germany will be Rostock. Can we get to Schwerin easily from there? If so, how. We prefer to do tours independently or will we have to take an organized tour?

Thanks

We are looking for companies running shared shuttle services from LBH to LAX.

Israel was cancelled for the Silhouette which would have been there 10/22-24 - leaves tomorrow (Sat 10/17)....seems to be pretty much a day or two before thing....

Shame. Could have transferred to Haifa which offers amazing places to tour in the Northern region.

I can understand their concerns cancelling stopping in Ashdod, so that tourists won't go to Jerusalem.

I would be disappointed too & personally I think pretty stupid.

So much to see in Haifa & the North, such as Nazareth, Sea of Galilee etc etc.

Israel is one of the most wonderful places in the world. When you're actually there, you won't feel unsafe. The Dead Sea, Haifa, Sea of Galilee, etc. are completely safe. Cruises may choose not to visit, but if you're lucky enough to get the opportunity, don't pass it up.

We live next to the Sea of Galilee. Today there are many tourists currently in this beautiful part of the country enjoying this interesting area filled with history.

The recent terrorism has been directed specificially against religious jews, soldiers & policeman.

Tour companies are well aware of areas that are unsafe & have your safety as their highest priority. They will not take you to sensitive areas.

IMO it´s never been safe for several decades now and I´d never travel there.

 

However my personal opinion aside if RCI decides the risk is too high they will cancel the stops, but of Course cruiselines can fail with their Approach as well, as it has happened before that cruise pssengers got victims to attacks.

I live in Israel & feel very safe here.

There are many areas in Europe & the USA that I wouldn't visit.

I feel safer here than some parts of the UK.

I have from about 8:00 am on Dec. 6th to 5:00 am on Dec. 8th and was thinking about renting a car to go to the Dead Sea, stay overnight in Jerusalem and do a tour there and then drive home. I will be arriving and leaving on a cruise ship.

 

I tried several car rental sites but it says that there are no cars available from 9:00 am on Dec. 6th Sunday to 9:00 pm on Dec. 8th. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Jerusalem in a day !!!! quite a long drive too. The journey is quite long from Eilat. Not sure what your itinerary is but you don't have that much time.

Good to stay overnight, so you can get the feel of Jerusalem & walk around in the evening.

It's a good idea to break the journey at the Dead Sea as except for the experience, if you're not climbing Massada, there's not much to do there.

As previously suggested, maybe change the return time of the rental.

Has anyone rented a car in this port? We are there in November and want to go to the Dead Sea, Massada and the Sea of Gallilee. Renting a car would seem to be the best option - any info?

I don't know how many days you are planning to rent a car, but the Dead Sea & Massada are in the Southern direction & Galilea in the North, therefore in two different directions. You could do Dead Sea, Massada in one day.

November, could be tricky to go down to the Dead Sea. If it rains in the Jerusalem/Hebron Region the roads can get flooded & the road is actually closed, so you'd have to change your plans.

There's plenty to see in the North of course, which is could take a day or two. You can spend just a day, but you'd be very rushed depending on your itinerary.

Most of the usual rental cars are available in Israel. I noticed that Economy Rental Cars offer rental from the cruise port. I assume other companies would probably have some sort of pickup from the port to their offices in Ashdod town.

If cruise ships do skip Ashdod for Haifa, don't be disheartened. There is so much to see just in Haifa itself.

I spent the day there today & it was delightful.

I went to Bat Galim Beach, which is close to the cruise port. There's a lovely promenade where you can take the cable car to the peak for a wonderful panorma view of Haifa. Of course, you could visit the German Settlement & Bahai Gardens. Lots & lots to see without going far.

Can we use Euros in Israel or should we get Israeli money?

You can easily change money at the banks or money exchanges.

Plastic is the best. You can also use ATMS to get shekels.

It appears the Costa Pacifica has changed itinerary to Haifa from Ashdod for their stop in the area tomorrow.

I live in Israel next to the sea of Galilea. It maybe that cruise lines will change their itineries to stop in Haifa as apposed to Ashdod. Passengers stopping in Ashdod usually travel to Jerusalem which is probably more sensitive than usual right now.

There are so many wonderful trips from Haifa port too, especially as the Northern region is quiet right now & there is so much to see. Tiberies region has amazing religious sites to visit. I recently visited Zippori which is the reached via Haifa port.

Sefat ,Haifa, Caesaria, Akko, Rosh Hanikra are all great places to visit from Haifa port.

If cruise ships decide to visit Haifa instead, of Ashdod there really are so many possible excursion options available. I will be in Haifa today, so it'll be interesting to see if there are cruise ships there.

Hebron is usually a sensitive area & wouldn't be recommended.

This is a most beautiful little town. We docked in Catania, which is a large interesting town, but would require a taxi to reach.

We took the Godfather tour which was a really nice trip. I would highly recommend visiting this very picturesque little town.

We are stopping in Tallin, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen amongst other ports during our upcoming Baltic cruise.

We intend taking an organized tour in St. Petersburg & Germany.

Can any of the above be visited as independent travellers, as we are not always wanting to tour with groups, even small organized groups.

However, sometimes there are long distances to the towns from cruise ports.

Has anyone used Smartcruisetours.com in the last year or two? TIA

We arranged two tours with them a couple of years ago.

The trip to Rome from cruise part was an itinerary that we requested.

We were very happy with the guide. We all had tickets for Vatican & Colliseum so the guide wasn't that important to us. The fact that we had transport to the areas that we requested was very convenient.

The second tour was Pompeii & Amalfi coast. Unfortunately we didn't visit Sorrento. The guide was ok.

I have booked their shuttle from Cruise port to Termini at the end of our forthcoming cruise.