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.

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.

 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.

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.