Travel warning for Turkey & Lebanon

Lebanon and Turkey Travel Warnings

The Department of State has ordered a drawdown of non-emergency U.S. Government personnel and family members in Beirut, Lebanon and approved the drawdown of non-emergency personnel and family members who wish to leave Adana, Turkey.Given the current tensions the region, as well as potential threats to U.S. Government facilities and personnel, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution to protect our employees and their families, and local employees and visitors to our facilities. We will continue to assess the situation and to adjust our security posture accordingly.

U.S. citizens in Lebanon or Southeastern Turkey should refer to the September 6 Travel Warnings for Lebanon and Turkey posted onwww.travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens remaining in Lebanon or southeastern Turkey despite the Travel Warning should limit nonessential travel within the country, be aware of their surroundings whether in their residences or moving about, make their own contingency emergency plans, enroll their presence in Lebanon or Turkey through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and provide their current contact information and next-of-kin or emergency contact information.

Up-to-date information on travel and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Mondaythrough Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Before some folks get all excited because they see a warning on Turkey, one needs to step back and understand the geography of that country vis a vis cruise ports. The southeastern part of Turkey is a long way from the main ports visited by most cruise ships (Kusadasi, Izmir and Istanbul). This warning should have no impact on cruise operations.

Hank

I'm heading to Beirut tomorrow...this should be interesting ;)

Before some folks get all excited because they see a warning on Turkey, one needs to step back and understand the geography of that country vis a vis cruise ports. The southeastern part of Turkey is a long way from the main ports visited by most cruise ships (Kusadasi, Izmir and Istanbul). This warning should have no impact on cruise operations.

 

Hank

It should not unless there are air strikes or missiles launched. Just providing the info to those who are traveling to the region. It's ultimately up to the cruise lines.

Our cruise, which sails in a week, is scheduled to visit Israel for three days starting Sept 21... the stops in Egypt were dropped long ago. We shall see what happens and are praying for the safety of all involved...

I'm in Beirut now. Seems normal...great place! :)