Tangier Morocco pulled from 11/08 cruise

SeaDream has pulled tangier off the November 2 Lisbon to canary islands cruise and substituted gibraltar. Friends who went on celebrity in late october had the same thing done, 3 weeks before..they said state department issued a warning.SD didn't say why.

last year, seabourn pulled Libya 3 weeks before as well, substituting some islands that we were not intersted in. we had booked it primarily to go to tripoli which would have been an experience.

we are inclined to rethink SD if they are even considering pulling casablanca which they would not do until 3 weeks before, likely, and for us, morocco was the lure.

I just wish they would do what's right, rather than what's right for business and inform the passengers.with the right info, we can decide what and where we want to go.we are grownups.

two weeks ago, the state department issued the following about morocco.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In March and April 2007, a series of terrorist bombings occurred in Casablanca, two of which simultaneously occurred outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center. In 2003, a series of similar attacks in Casablanca targeted hotels and restaurants. The potential for terrorist violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. With indications that such groups still seek to carry out attacks in Morocco, it is important for American citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile. Establishments that are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed.

We certainly do live in interesting times ...

Thanks for keeping us up to date on the itinerary changes Hobar.

It's my understanding that the terrorists responsible for the early 2007 alerts have been arrested and the threat level reduced. However, on our most recent cruise in November on another line we didn't bother getting off the ship in Casablanca. The general consensus of passengers and some officers was that the port should be dropped. It's definitely not the exotic port many expect.

Not to speak for SD, but we were also in Tangiers and there were a number of complaints about the quality of the tours. The country wants cruise business, but may not have the infrastructure to support cruise passenger's expectations. We enjoyed our tour and felt that we got more than our money's worth. But the tour fees for all passengers were refunded, and we were informed that they would be changing land operators. Again, we enjoyed the excursion and would consider staying there for an extended vacation as one day was definitely not enough. But problems with the land operator may be behind the itinerary changes.

JoAnne B

Housotn

thanks joanne!!

for us, the ports are the key and when you have a chance to go to exotic places, you choose the cruise.

my feeling is I do NOT want to go to unsafe places. but i wish they would notify people of their concern so we can make educated decisions.

i trust SD will NOT make a decision till a few weeks before and then, it is too late to get any kind of refund.

we "may" opt to keep our flights and visit friends in malaga and mallorca and try the other places at a better time.

thanks for your input.it is, indeed, a scary time in our world. sometimes, i think i won't go further than phoenix, but then..THEY win, don't they??