BillK400 Posted April 2, 2016 #1 Share Posted April 2, 2016 As it now appears that ports in Turkey are being dropped (terrorism warnings) by HA I am wondering when we can expect to get notice of a revised itinerary with the replacement ports? We are on the Eurodam out of Venice on 6/10 and had two ports in Turkey, Istanbul (main reason we chose this cruises) for an overnight stop and Kusadasi. As we will need to change our shore excursion plans I would like to get notice as soon as possible to make new arrangement in the replacement ports (hope they are interesting ports). Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hows the Serenity Posted April 2, 2016 #2 Share Posted April 2, 2016 I have just had this reply from HAL, as we are cruising on the Eurodam May 6 out of Venice heading for Istanbul "Hi Christine! Please know that Holland America Line monitors and analyzes information regarding safety and security from many sources, which includes liaising with government intelligence agencies and on-the-ground port security assessments. The information is correct that the ms Prinsendam’s itinerary was altered out of an abundance of caution. Turkey remains a popular choice with our guests and at this time, we have not determined changes to other upcoming itineraries. Upon doing so, we will notify all guests at time a decision is made. The safety and security of our guests is our top priority." Chris Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZSandy25 Posted April 2, 2016 #3 Share Posted April 2, 2016 As it now appears that ports in Turkey are being dropped (terrorism warnings) by HA I am wondering when we can expect to get notice of a revised itinerary with the replacement ports? We are on the Eurodam out of Venice on 6/10 and had two ports in Turkey, Istanbul (main reason we chose this cruises) for an overnight stop and Kusadasi. As we will need to change our shore excursion plans I would like to get notice as soon as possible to make new arrangement in the replacement ports (hope they are interesting ports). Thanks! Where did you get this information? There has been plenty of chatter and as I'm on a cruise where Turkey is a port stop have been paying close attention to the alerts. I haven't seen it officially posted on the HAL site, some cruise lines have dropped Turkey but HAL was not on the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hows the Serenity Posted April 2, 2016 #4 Share Posted April 2, 2016 Where did you get this information? There has been plenty of chatter and as I'm on a cruise where Turkey is a port stop have been paying close attention to the alerts. I haven't seen it officially posted on the HAL site, some cruise lines have dropped Turkey but HAL was not on the list. I put post on HAL's facebook page and that is the answer I got. Chris Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alissa211 Posted April 3, 2016 #5 Share Posted April 3, 2016 As it now appears that ports in Turkey are being dropped (terrorism warnings) by HA I am wondering when we can expect to get notice of a revised itinerary with the replacement ports? We are on the Eurodam out of Venice on 6/10 and had two ports in Turkey, Istanbul (main reason we chose this cruises) for an overnight stop and Kusadasi. As we will need to change our shore excursion plans I would like to get notice as soon as possible to make new arrangement in the replacement ports (hope they are interesting ports). Thanks! Bill - We are also on this cruise and I have been wondering the same as you. I was just on the app Ship Mate where they list information about cruises and itineraries. For our cruise, it now shows us arriving to Istanbul on day 7 at 7:00 AM and staying there until 4:00 PM. It now shows day 6 as completely a day at sea. Makes me thing HAL has already decided we won't be doing an overnight in Istanbul as originally planned. It is still showing us in Kusadasi on day 9. I'm really curious to know what will happen. I know that Prinsendam is supposed to be in Kusadasi tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see if she still goes as planned. I contacted HAL by email and got the same response as Chris posted above. Alissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillK400 Posted April 16, 2016 Author #6 Share Posted April 16, 2016 Still no word from HA. I guess we will have to hold off on making private excursions in Turkey. It will be interesting what ports the ship actually makes in Turkey on the up coming cruises (prior to our cruise of 6/10) that also have Turkey on the itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat shepard Posted April 16, 2016 #7 Share Posted April 16, 2016 Still no word from HA. I guess we will have to hold off on making private excursions in Turkey. It will be interesting what ports the ship actually makes in Turkey on the up coming cruises (prior to our cruise of 6/10) that also have Turkey on the itinerary. Bill I booked a couple of Tours in Turkey. One did not require a deposit. The other deposit is fully refundable with 24 hour notice. So there are still options available for those of us who don't want to book at the last minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillK400 Posted April 16, 2016 Author #8 Share Posted April 16, 2016 BillI booked a couple of Tours in Turkey. One did not require a deposit. The other deposit is fully refundable with 24 hour notice. So there are still options available for those of us who don't want to book at the last minute. Thanks, I realize that some private tours do not require a deposit / have a policy of refund if notified within 24 hrs prior, but I think I will wait till about 30 days prior to sailing to see if anything concrete happens regarding the ports in Turkey. If nothing firm I will go ahead and make the reservations; if not for the uncertainty I would have already booked the shore excursions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatsyAnne Posted April 16, 2016 #9 Share Posted April 16, 2016 Bill - We are also on this cruise and I have been wondering the same as you. I was just on the app Ship Mate where they list information about cruises and itineraries. For our cruise, it now shows us arriving to Istanbul on day 7 at 7:00 AM and staying there until 4:00 PM. It now shows day 6 as completely a day at sea. Makes me thing HAL has already decided we won't be doing an overnight in Istanbul as originally planned. It is still showing us in Kusadasi on day 9. I'm really curious to know what will happen. I know that Prinsendam is supposed to be in Kusadasi tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see if she still goes as planned. I contacted HAL by email and got the same response as Chris posted above. Alissa I really like Ship Mate, but they are not always up-to-date on the schedule changes (based on my next cruise). I reference the HA site for the latest posted itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minoushka Posted April 17, 2016 #10 Share Posted April 17, 2016 We are going. On May 6 as well .Have. Not heard anything official re Turkey yet but Im not surprised if they do cancel ..boohoo ....I really wanted to visit Istanbul but we all know its not safe lately But I. Wish they wouldmake other stops ....Crete ..or Malta I heard last group went to Troy Not booking anything in Turkey or prepayingbetter to wait Michele Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brainyblonde Posted April 17, 2016 #11 Share Posted April 17, 2016 Another sea day is more lucrative for HAL, spending onboard goes up. Preferable would be a substitute port, but if we resume our schedule after the sea day that option disappears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted April 17, 2016 #12 Share Posted April 17, 2016 We are going. On May 6 as well .Have. Not heard anything official re Turkey yet but Im not surprised if they do cancel ..boohoo ....I really wanted to visit Istanbul but we all know its not safe lately But I. Wish they wouldmake other stops ....Crete ..or Malta I heard last group went to Troy Not booking anything in Turkey or prepayingbetter to wait Michele Troy is in Turkey. The port is Canakkale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karennella Posted April 18, 2016 #13 Share Posted April 18, 2016 There will be thousands of Aussies and Kiwis in that area next week for Anzac Day. There will be extra security so perhaps it will be deemed safe for the cruise ships. I haven't seen anything about the Koningsdam cancelling its stops in Turkey this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minoushka Posted April 18, 2016 #14 Share Posted April 18, 2016 If Kongifsdam goes ...we just might too .Istanbul is on my bucket list ...as I really EnjoyedKusadasi twice ..would love to wander thebazaar and all great sites ....however nevous about it .because of past bombings Wait and see Michele Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alissa211 Posted April 18, 2016 #15 Share Posted April 18, 2016 It will be interesting to see if Koningsdam goes to Istanbul tomorrow and Kusadasi later in the week. Hoping if anyone hears what happens they will post it to this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minoushka Posted April 18, 2016 #16 Share Posted April 18, 2016 My PVP told me no news re changes so none expected .Koningsdam is schedule to go there tomorrow ....if they go ..we will too ....wait and see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ine Posted April 19, 2016 #17 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Indeed Koningsdam docked in Kusadasi today, so no schedule change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillK400 Posted April 19, 2016 Author #18 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Indeed Koningsdam docked in Kusadasi today, so no schedule change. Fantastic! Istanbul was the primary reason we booked this cruise so I am guardedly optimistic that we will hit both ports in Turkey on our 6/10 Eurodam cruise from Venice. Have to be realistic (I know, no fun!) that things may change with the state of world affairs and the ISIS problems in the region. I will still wait till mid May to schedule our excursions for Turkey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Btimmer Posted April 19, 2016 #19 Share Posted April 19, 2016 (edited) Captain Albert's blog today indicates that the K-dam is heading for Istanbul for an overnight visit after leaving Kusadasi. Edited April 19, 2016 by Btimmer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minoushka Posted April 19, 2016 #20 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Captain Albert's blog today indicates that the K-dam is heading for Istanbul for an overnight visit after leaving Kusadasi. Greatgope all goes well Wewould like to goto onnext trip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Btimmer Posted April 19, 2016 #21 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Greatgope all goes well Wewould like to goto onnext trip Turkey is at the top of my list of favorite countries to visit. I really like the smaller towns or cities like Kusadasi or Alanya. Istanbul was fine but a bit populous for my taste. The ship's mooring location is perfect for walking to the Grand Bazaar and the other major tourist locations nearby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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