There are no problems in Europe, as such. I'm not aware any ports are shut? Security will just be a little tighter.

In 2002, RCI is already pulling some of its Eastern Med cruises.

I disagree with the NYC comment. Crime has dropped dramatically. NYC is probably the safest place to be.

If you are not in the penalty phase before the cruise, I would think hard.

Fondaenergy, this is Europe not the Middle East. Europe has always had more stringent security checks than those in the US too. You are no more likely to come to any harm than cruising the Carribbean, and the Med is far more enjoyable IMHO.

Go TeeGee, and have a great Honeymoon, then come back and tell us all about it

quote:

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Originally posted by fondaenergy:
I disagree with the NYC comment. Crime has dropped dramatically. NYC is probably the safest place to be.

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I did not mean 'general' crime, I was talking about Terrorism! It is clear from the NY tragedy that in the modern world no one is 100% safe, anywhere!

You could be victim of a terrorist attack in any part of the world - on the street, in your car, on a train or on a ship. However, it is still very unlikely.

The Medditeraian is NOT the Middle East!

The ports mentioned are not without risk.

The American perspective on its attacks is different from Europeans. We are being instructed every day to avoid some foreign place because Americans are likely targets. If you look at the Internet, it would appear that even stringent searchs do not catch all the bad guys.

We are having nightly alerts about people running around here and evidence of other terrorist plots. Our attorney general is telling us that we should be on high alert.

Americans are understandably edgy.

Any cruiser needs to consider the current situation as well as possible military action.

If people think these things through and still want to go, more power to them.

There are Americans who are canceling their Med. cruises, regardless of how you categorize the Med.

Fact: The SS Norway arrived in Le havre (France) 7 days after the tragedy. The ship's passengers were mainly American (except me). The local French people were full of sympathy and kindness for the American people. We saw lots of floral tributes to the people of NY.

Much of Europe likes American's, and the cities and ports rely on them for tourism. Culturally much of Europe has more in common with the USA, that they do with the 'Middle East', and have in fact embraced American culture: McDonalds, Hollywood Movies, American Clothing and sport etc.

Few people of any race, could fail to be moved and feel sympathy, by the recent tragedy - apart from some non-European fanatics!

The recent tragedy proved that no one is safe anywhere, even in the financial capital of the worlds foremost superpower! Nowhere is immune to modern terrorism or modern warfare, for that matter. To think that you are somehow safer in America, but not in Europe, is a mistake in my opinion.

quote:

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Originally posted by billee:
Go, go, go. Don't let the terrorists win. I'm getting ready to sail on the Olympic Voyager on 10/13/01. Going to Egypt, Turkey & Greece and looking foward to it.

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"U.S. intelligence officials have told
members of Congress there is a
high probability that terrorists
associated with Osama bin Laden
will try to launch another major
attack on American targets here or
abroad in the near future.

Based on what officials described
as credible new information, the
FBI and the CIA have assessed the
chances of a second attempt to
attack the United States as very
high, sources said yesterday.

quote:

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Originally posted by colt:
"U.S. intelligence officials have told members of Congress there is ahigh probability that terrorists associated with Osama bin Laden will try to launch another major attack on American targets here or
abroad in the near future.

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In all due respect Colt, it is possible to read just about every Scenario in the papers at present, from biological warfare to nuclear attack!

In my experience terrorists tend to lay low when the 'heat is on'. They do not want their missions foiled by high security. They can lay dormant for years and just when we all get complacent again and no longer expect it...they strike.

KPS, it's a pity that you felt you had to cancel, but you must go with your instincts. I was not aware that there were any particular political problems in Italy for Americans? (Italy is a very long way indeed from Afghanistan!)

I do not personally believe that there is any additional risk to American's visiting Italy and the popular Mediterranean ports of call. However, it would be nice to hear it from someone who has just returned to confirm this?

quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm:
In all due respect Colt, it is possible to read just about every Scenario in the papers at present, from biological warfare to nuclear attack!

In my experience terrorists tend to lay low when the 'heat is on'. They do not want their missions foiled by high security. They can lay dormant for years and just when we all get complacent again and no longer expect it...they strike.

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I absolutely agree.

quote:

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Originally posted by teegee:
I can only share my personal experience and it was AWESOME!
Thanks for all your advice.

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I'm so glad you decided to go and had such a wonderful time ) Thanks for letting us know how it all went. Any online photos?

quote:

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Originally posted by teegee:
We are heading out for our honeymoon on Costa Cruises to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia. We are in angst as to whether we should reschedule, cancel or just go.

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Originally posted by teegee:
The people on the ship...were extremely warm and supportive. We all shared a feeling of sadness but determination to not allow the terrorists to errode democracy and our freedom. I can only share my personal experience and it was AWESOME![/QUOTE]

There you go, and the great global 'media machine' almost took over your mind and ruined it all for you!