Jump to content

Have any cruise ships stopped in Turkey since the failed coup?


3redheads
 Share

Recommended Posts

Just got off the Reflection yesterday, we stopped in Kusadasi last week. I have never been to Turkey before, & had a fantastic time. We visited Ephesus in the morning, then after lunch on the ship, we took a nice stroll along the seafront & shops, I get more hassle in London. Our guide told us that they used to get 1,400 ships a year, however this year they have only had 150 ships. He used to do 2 tours a day, but we were his first tour in 10 days. Istanbul is a 10 hour drive away, so if you have the opportunity to go, I completely recommend it...........just my opinion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Issued late yesterday:

 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-warns-citizens-of-attack-kidnapping-risk-in-istanbul/

 

ANKARA, Turkey — The United States has warned its citizens of the potential risk of terror attacks or attempted kidnapping of foreigners in Istanbul, which has been rocked by several bombings this year.

 

The consulate in Istanbul said in a message late Saturday that extremist groups continued their “aggressive efforts” to attack Americans and other foreigners in the city.

 

“These attacks may be pre-planned or could occur with little or no warning, and include, but are not limited to: armed attack, attempted kidnapping, bombing, or other violent acts,” it said in an online notice.

 

The consulate did not specify which group was believed to be plotting such acts, but in the past year the city has suffered multiple bombings by the Islamic State group and Kurdish militants.

 

In June, 47 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, which authorities blamed on Islamic State.

 

Those visiting Istanbul or living in the city were advised to “review and update their personal security practices” when frequenting areas popular with Westerners or where they may live, the consulate said.

 

It is the latest warning from the US after the consulate in southern Adana province warned of a potential security threat targeting US-branded hotels in southern Turkey in late September.

 

In the same month, the US embassy warned of the risk of a terror attack on businesses, including Starbucks, used by Westerners in Gaziantep, close to the Syrian border.

 

That warning came after a deadly suicide bombing in Gaziantep blamed on jihadists linked to Islamic State in August. The attack on a wedding left 57 dead including 34 children.

 

In the latest message, the consulate also told its citizens to avoid travelling to southeastern Turkey and to stay away from large crowds — especially in popular tourist destinations — as well as political gatherings and rallies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Issued late yesterday:

 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-warns-citizens-of-attack-kidnapping-risk-in-istanbul/

 

ANKARA, Turkey — The United States has warned its citizens of the potential risk of terror attacks or attempted kidnapping of foreigners in Istanbul, which has been rocked by several bombings this year.

 

The consulate in Istanbul said in a message late Saturday that extremist groups continued their “aggressive efforts” to attack Americans and other foreigners in the city.

 

“These attacks may be pre-planned or could occur with little or no warning, and include, but are not limited to: armed attack, attempted kidnapping, bombing, or other violent acts,” it said in an online notice.

 

The consulate did not specify which group was believed to be plotting such acts, but in the past year the city has suffered multiple bombings by the Islamic State group and Kurdish militants.

 

In June, 47 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, which authorities blamed on Islamic State.

 

Those visiting Istanbul or living in the city were advised to “review and update their personal security practices” when frequenting areas popular with Westerners or where they may live, the consulate said.

 

It is the latest warning from the US after the consulate in southern Adana province warned of a potential security threat targeting US-branded hotels in southern Turkey in late September.

 

In the same month, the US embassy warned of the risk of a terror attack on businesses, including Starbucks, used by Westerners in Gaziantep, close to the Syrian border.

 

That warning came after a deadly suicide bombing in Gaziantep blamed on jihadists linked to Islamic State in August. The attack on a wedding left 57 dead including 34 children.

 

In the latest message, the consulate also told its citizens to avoid travelling to southeastern Turkey and to stay away from large crowds — especially in popular tourist destinations — as well as political gatherings and rallies.

 

Suggest that you go to the actual US State Department site from which this newspaper cherry-picked their information. The latest revision actually eases the warnings and cautions for visiting Turkey.

 

HAL and Princess both list Istanbul on 2017 itineraries. Time will tell if it all happens.

Edited by thinfool
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Suggest that you go to the actual US State Department site from which this newspaper cherry-picked their information. The latest revision actually eases the warnings and cautions for visiting Turkey.

 

HAL and Princess both list Istanbul on 2017 itineraries. Time will tell if it all happens.

 

It was taken directly from the US consulate site in Istanbul. We've often found that the US State Department site is not always up to date with the latest advisories issued locally, and that it is always best to go directly to the local US consulate's site for the most current security updates. Living where we do, we also check with our own Israeli sources when we feel extra precautions may be necessary.

 

https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-updated-information-potential-terrorist-operations-istanbul/

 

U.S. Consulate General Istanbul — Istanbul, Turkey October 22, 2016

 

Security Message: Update on Potential Terrorist Operations in Istanbul

 

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul advises U.S. citizens that extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack Americans and/or other foreigners in Istanbul. These attacks may be pre-planned or could occur with little or no warning, and include, but are not limited to: armed attack, attempted kidnapping, bombing, or other violent acts. The Consulate General advises U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Istanbul to review and update their personal security practices when traveling to locations where westerners are known to frequent or reside. U.S. citizens should also exercise increased vigilance and caution in areas easily accessible to the general public.

 

For your safety:

 

· Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, in particular large, urban centers near the Turkish/Syrian border.

· Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

· Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.

· Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

· Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

· Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.

· Monitor local media.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Princess has removed Istanbul from their 2017 itineraries, but will stop in Kusadasi.

 

Appreciate these various posts and updates. Our friends when sailing on Celebrity within the past month had their stop at Kusadasi and did Ephesus. Things worked fine. We loved our time in 2006 along the Turkish Coast and in doing two days in Istanbul at the end of our cruise that started in Athens. Hope for the best to those in Turkey and travelers seeking to experience these great areas.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 218,038 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Princess has removed Istanbul from their 2017 itineraries, but will stop in Kusadasi.

eclue:rolleyes:

 

Princess.com currently has 18 port visits to Istanbul available for booking thoughout the season in 2017.

 

Why is there this discrepancy?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We docked in Kusadsi last week on board RCCL Vision of the seas. Part of our family took a cab to Efeze, some others took a cab to some viewpoints in Kusadasi. After that some shopping in the bazaar, lunch etc.

Nobody had any problems, just enjoyed our stay there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Princess has removed Istanbul from their 2017 itineraries, but will stop in Kusadasi.

eclue:rolleyes:

 

Eclue,

 

We've just booked a cruise on Sunday aboard Royal Princess for July 2017 which has stops at Kusadai and Istanbul. How do you know Istanbul has been removed? We weren't informed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just to clarify ....

 

Have just spoken to Princess who confirmed that yes some itineraries have been changed for 2017 BUT not all. Our port itinerary still stands but is subject to change at the discretion of Princess should it become necessary.

 

If anyone has any queries, do what I did and contact Princess direct, they are more than willing to discuss this with you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As always, the most accurate information regarding current or future port cancellations is directly with the cruise line that you are booked to sail with.

 

While we all have the best intentions on the message boards hoping to share our information with each other, the reality is updates occur quite frequently and without notice among the various cruise lines and ships. That means well-intended info might well be outdated although it was correct at the time we shared it here.

 

Please do check *directly* with your cruise line regarding port plans and continue to check as your cruise draws closer to sail date. Also, check for travel advisories to ascertain what the government recommends to its citizens. In the US that is travel.state.gov and keep in mind that every person's "comfort level" varies. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, check for travel advisories to ascertain what the government recommends to its citizens. In the US that is travel.state.gov and keep in mind that every person's "comfort level" varies. :)

 

As I mentioned in my post above, we have found that the State Department site is not always up to date, especially for the more volatile areas. I suggest that when traveling to a possible 'hot' spot, you check the direct website for your government's consulate in that country, as it will have the most current advisories and warnings; it will also have direct emergency contact information in case you run into trouble during your visit. (For example, on the 23rd I posted the warning issued by the US consulate in Istanbul and was chided because no such warning appeared on the Department of State site. It was subsequently published on that site the following day.)

Edited by happy trailer
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Escalating:

 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-orders-families-of-consulate-workers-in-istanbul-to-leave/

 

(Below is the Associated Press report; for those who prefer reports from the State Department, here is the link to the updated alert posted on that site: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/turkey-travel-warning.html)

 

WASHINGTON — The State Department is ordering family members of employees posted to the US Consulate General in Istanbul to leave because of security concerns.

 

In a statement issued Saturday, the State Department says the decision is based on security information indicating extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack US citizens in areas of Istanbul where they reside or frequent.

 

The Consulate General remains open and fully staffed. The order applies only to the US Consulate General in Istanbul, not to other US diplomatic posts in Turkey.

 

The travel warning issued Saturday updates a warning last week of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey. US citizens were advised to avoid travel to southeast Turkey and carefully consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country.

 

The State Department said international and indigenous terrorist organizations in Turkey have been targeting US as well as other foreign tourists.

 

Anti-American sentiment runs high in Turkey despite its status as a NATO ally and a member of the anti-IS coalition.

 

In addition to the terrorist threat, friction between Washington and Ankara has increased since a failed July coup in Turkey, which Turkish officials blame on a US-based cleric who lives in self-exile in Pennsylvania. Turkey has requested his extradition, but the US has yet to make a decision.

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...