Update on Cruising to Egypt
During
several weeks of political unrest in Egypt during January and February, more
than a dozen cruise lines cancelled their port calls in that country, choosing
to visit Istanbul, Kusadasi, Haifa or other eastern Mediterranean ports
instead.
Deciding
whether or not to choose a cruise that includes port calls in Egypt or other
areas that have seen recent unrest is a personal decision that can be based on
many different factors. Your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help
you by sharing information about a cruise lines’ security policies while in
port and contingency plans in case a port become inaccessible.
However,
in late April the U.S. State Department replaced its travel warning for Egypt,
which advised no unnecessary travel, with a travel alert, which advises U.S.
citizens to travel with caution.
Some
cruise lines have now reinstated their calls on Egyptian ports such as
Alexandria, a historic city that is also a starting point for excursions to
Memphis, Cairo and the pyramids at Giza; and Sharm-el-Sheikh, resort on the Red
Sea that is one of the world’s best diving spots. Others have decided to cancel
all port calls in Egypt, the Middle East and northern Africa through the fall
or even until next spring.
If
you do cruise to Egypt, the State Department recommends that travelers remain alert
to the possibility of sporadic unrest. Americans are urged to avoid all demonstrations,
even peaceful ones, and to carry identification with them at all times.
If
you would like to check the latest U.S. State Department advisories for travel
to Egypt or other international destinations, visit the department’s website at
travel.state.gov; or, ask your
Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert for the latest information.