Gulf of Oman Attacks

[Balaena]

Ummm I think I would think twice if booked on Oceana in the gulf this winter after these attacks on tankers

Bal

[The Wolfman]

Absolutely agree with you Bal -   It is all very well the ships officers telling us they will take every conceivable action in case of a terrorist attack but a torpedo is a different thing.  We love cruising but as far as we are concerned this area of the world is totally off-limits.

[tom_uk]

Let's see what transpires after the latest incidents. So far the attacks - and we still don't have any form confirmation as to who made them - have been solely on oil tankers. The UAE very much want to promote their tourism industry, and the development of Dubai cruise port is part of that, so I would imagine that they would ensure that there would be protection for cruise ships in the region.

 

But as I say, let's see

[Balaena]

54 minutes ago, tom_uk said:

Let's see what transpires after the latest incidents. So far the attacks - and we still don't have any form confirmation as to who made them - have been solely on oil tankers. The UAE very much want to promote their tourism industry, and the development of Dubai cruise port is part of that, so I would imagine that they would ensure that there would be protection for cruise ships in the region.

 

But as I say, let's see

All I'm saying it's not for me and my family. Frankly I cannot see UAE protecting cruise ships and, again I would not feel very safe or happy with a naval escort sitting on the ships bow throughout my cruise.

Bal

[tom_uk]

15 minutes ago, Balaena said:

All I'm saying it's not for me and my family. Frankly I cannot see UAE protecting cruise ships and, again I would not feel very safe or happy with a naval escort sitting on the ships bow throughout my cruise.

Bal

 

I don't think they'd be off Oceana's bow - that would be too close to handle the threat, anyway. They'd have ships over the horizon, interceptor aircraft on high-alert standby, and ground- and air-based surveillance going on 24/7.

 

I've just been reading up about the UAE Armed Forces. They're about half the size of the UK's, despite the population of the UAE being a fifth of the UK's (and of that, 80% are expats). Apparently they're well-regarded, too, and they have practical experience in the Middle East - they were part of the Gulf War coalition, and they've been linked with Saudi Arabian interventions in Yemen.

 

So actually, I'd be happy to visit the area again - I did the Gulf cruise on Oceana this February. But each to his own, of course, and  there are plenty of cruises during our winter in other parts of the world!

[Balaena]

12 minutes ago, tom_uk said:

 

I don't think they'd be off Oceana's bow - that would be too close to handle the threat, anyway. They'd have ships over the horizon, interceptor aircraft on high-alert standby, and ground- and air-based surveillance going on 24/7.

 

I've just been reading up about the UAE Armed Forces. They're about half the size of the UK's, despite the population of the UAE being a fifth of the UK's (and of that, 80% are expats). Apparently they're well-regarded, too, and they have practical experience in the Middle East - they were part of the Gulf War coalition, and they've been linked with Saudi Arabian interventions in Yemen.

 

So actually, I'd be happy to visit the area again - I did the Gulf cruise on Oceana this February. But each to his own, of course, and  there are plenty of cruises during our winter in other parts of the world!

Fair enough but I would not be happy taking my cruise in a war zone. I remember being on the old Arcadia in Gibraltar the day after the Twin Towers fell and an aircraft landing at the airfield flew quite close to the ship. Everyone on deck just scattered thinking it was a possible terrorist attack .. not something I'd want to have in the back of my mind when on holiday trying to relax.

Bal in sunny Cadiz

[Host Sharon]

Since the problem seems to be US fuel embargoes, and they are targeting oil tankers, I can't see any serious threat to cruise ships.  Having sailed this part of the world a few times, the anti-piracy precautions are very stringent with a naval liaison officer on board.

 

[aljo66]

By this logic there are not many places to travel to - Paris, London, Sydney, Wellington, Sri Lanka, Brussels etc have all had much worse terrorist attacks. These attacks around the gulf are not targeting tourists but as stated oil tankers. I agree that everyone has to make their own choices but this does not worry me at all and will not stop me enjoying a cruise there.

[The Wolfman]

As I said earlier,  the ships themselves say they will do everything necessary in the event of a terrorist attack but to my knowledge there are no cruise ships out there that can fend off torpedoes.

[Balaena]

1 hour ago, Host Sharon said:

 Having sailed this part of the world a few times, the anti-piracy precautions are very stringent with a naval liaison officer on board.

 

So what is he going to do .. 'phone for help!!  Fine if you are happy if a war escalates between the US and Iran all I'm saying is it's not for me

[AndyMichelle]

1 hour ago, Balaena said:

So what is he going to do .. 'phone for help!!  Fine if you are happy if a war escalates between the US and Iran all I'm saying is it's not for me

I am with you Bal.

Good luck to people who are happy to do this. I see their point, life has to go on etc, but it's not for me.

I will take my chances with the Med and the threat of rowdy passengers.

Andy

[Somerset Cruiser]

This thread reminds of the man who cancelled his family holiday to Turkey about 10 years ago after a terrorist incident there, they went to Cornwall instead and end up being rescued from a hotel roof after severe flooding.

 

We are on Oceana in December, nowhere is 100% safe.

[CCFC]

Japan seems to be.

[Somerset Cruiser]

8 minutes ago, CCFC said:

Japan seems to be.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/27/six-people-found-dead-in-mass-killing-at-japan-tourist-hotspot

[Balaena]

15 hours ago, Somerset Cruiser said:

This thread reminds of the man who cancelled his family holiday to Turkey about 10 years ago after a terrorist incident there, they went to Cornwall instead and end up being rescued from a hotel roof after severe flooding.

 

We are on Oceana in December, nowhere is 100% safe.

Good luck

Bal

[Britboys]

The current situation makes no difference to me as I wouldn't choose to visit the Gulf countries anyway because of their dreadful approach to human rights and equality issues.

[spookyfudge]

On 6/13/2019 at 10:31 AM, Host Sharon said:

Since the problem seems to be US fuel embargoes, and they are targeting oil tankers, I can't see any serious threat to cruise ships.  Having sailed this part of the world a few times, the anti-piracy precautions are very stringent with a naval liaison officer on board.

 

Do you think the mines know the difference between oil tankers and cruise ships?

[Balaena]

4 minutes ago, spookyfudge said:

Do you think the mines know the difference between oil tankers and cruise ships?

Nope, no way. 

[jeanlyon]

5 hours ago, Britboys said:

The current situation makes no difference to me as I wouldn't choose to visit the Gulf countries anyway because of their dreadful approach to human rights and equality issues.

Totally agree Andrew.  I used to visit those countries when I was Cabin Crew and had a great time, but that was a long time ago and things have changed.  I have no desire to visit any muslim country.  I know we can have terrorist attacks here, but I will stick to Europe on cruises.

[Son of Anarchy]

On Oceana in January.  More than one member of my Dad's family ended up in a lifeboat after being torpedoed in WW2.  One of my Mum's old friends ended up in the water after being hit by a mine after WW2.    Oh well, might end up following family traditions.

[Travellingtaff]

We and a couple of friends booked on the November 1st sailing, well before this latest problems started.

The balance needs to be paid in about a month's time and we are wondering whether to go ahead because insurance companies don't cover you for acts of war, terrorism etc., if we had to cancel at a later date. So anyone in a similar position may be interested in Government advice for sea travel in the region. Hope it copies over ok.

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/safety-and-security

 “ Regional tensions may affect your route.Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain

 “The government of Bahrain has imposed a curfew on the waterways around Bahrain between 6pm and 4am. ”

 “Regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman/safety-and-security

 “Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

 

[Balaena]

1 hour ago, Travellingtaff said:

We and a couple of friends booked on the November 1st sailing, well before this latest problems started.

The balance needs to be paid in about a month's time and we are wondering whether to go ahead because insurance companies don't cover you for acts of war, terrorism etc., if we had to cancel at a later date. So anyone in a similar position may be interested in Government advice for sea travel in the region. Hope it copies over ok.

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/safety-and-security

 “ Regional tensions may affect your route.Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain

 “The government of Bahrain has imposed a curfew on the waterways around Bahrain between 6pm and 4am. ”

 “Regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman/safety-and-security

 “Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.”

 

 

In the light of this and with respect to the safety to their passengers, crew and Oceana I think P&O will be giving some very serious thought as to whether to continue with the Gulf program this winter. Frankly if I was a potential or booked passenger I would not wish put my family at the potential risk this conflict could present.

[Jules of The Seas]

We too are on the November1st cruise. Have just contacted our TA to ask him to speak to P and O and see what they intend to do. I suspect the answer will be that they are monitoring the situation. As Travellingtaff has said we need to pay the balance in about a month, and would rather not at this stage.

[miniyorkie]

Hello - Thank you Travellingtaff for the above post. I am booked with 5 friends on the repositioning cruise on 17th October and balance due on Thursday. Obviously if the repositioning cruise  does not take place then none of subsequent cruises will be possible so the repositioning is a vital decision. I suspect that Oceana may continue from Malta around the med but unfortunately a couple of our group are doing that  same cruise in July and only chose to join us as they wanted the Suez canal and Dubai ports of call. I too am wondering what to do re cancelling.

 

[Flowerpower22]

I'm doing the repositioning cruise starting 10 October and have already paid the balance so it's just a question of wait and see.