Libya Back On Oceania books

[Jancruz]

Oceania Cruises, which dropped Libya when Americans were not allowed ashore, has put the destination back on its roster in 2007.
Regatta’s 10-night ‘Roman Revelations’ cruise will sail from Barcelona on April 17 and visit Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya; Mahon in Spain’s Balearic Islands; La Goulette, Tunisia; Monemvasia and Santorini, Greece; and Cagliari, Italy.

‘We’re putting one cruise on the books. It’s a cautious optimism that things will remain steady. The diplomatic relations have shown a great improvement in past months,’ said Oceania spokesman Tim Rubacky
Oceania introduced the ‘Roman Revelations’ voyage in North America with an offer of free air and two-for-one pricing starting at $2,299 per person.
Jan
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[marienbad]

I've read that there are some ports that won't allow Jews to disemark. Is Libya one of them? If so, would you go there?

[fjdelrio]

Dear marienbad:

Absolutely NOT true.
If that were the case, we would not schedule the port of call.

FDR

[ClaudiaF]

I believe Marienbad is referring to the fact that some countries do not "recognize" Israel..and and if you should happen to have gone to Israel and have an Israel stamp (from customs) in your passport, you may not be allowed entry to that country..and should get a new passport. This is true of many middle Eastern countries,Jordan and Syria and I thought I also read that of Libya?

[marienbad]

My wife corrected me as well. If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you may be denied entrance to several middle east countries whether you're Jewish or not. Is someone serious that you should get a new passport to get into these countries. Are they our friends? Are they anti-American? Should Americans go to such places? I know how we will decide.

[Jayayeff]

My wife corrected me as well. If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you may be denied entrance to several middle east countries whether you're Jewish or not. Is someone serious that you should get a new passport to get into these countries. Are they our friends? Are they anti-American? Should Americans go to such places? I know how we will decide.

As Claudia quite rightly noted it has to do with the politics/history of the region, it isn't something new and isn't anything to do with being anti-American so that should not influence your decision. I'm British, have lived and worked in the Middle East for many years and like expats of ALL nationalities who live, work and/or travel around the region am aware of the restrictions/requirements, accommodate accordingly and don't get in a 'sweat' over it. Likewise, the Israeli authorities are also aware and may ask visitors when entering the country if they would like their passports stamped or not - the reason being not to know whether the passport holder collects stamps or not but because they also know it may affect any future travel plans!!!