Aloha 1 Posted July 15, 2014 #26 Share Posted July 15, 2014 And fortunately, O is being proactive by not prematurely "pulling the plug" on Israeli port stops. The only constant in that part of the world is that there is no constant. Things can change overnight from conflict to quiet and have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted July 15, 2014 #27 Share Posted July 15, 2014 I agree..forget politics and who is who and what or who caused what... blame get you nowhere.....forgret the cause but understand the effect. In reality, wherever you travel in the region or any region you should take the rose colored glasses off and look at whats actualy happening. It is absurd and naïve to think that these regions can be dealt with just as any any American big city.... they are not. The level of violence is beyond your imagination.... I have been in combat and not eager to return to it for a vacation spot. The confidence that one can think that they can deal with crime and danger at home and apply it to a war zone is outright dangerous ...that gets people killed fast These are defacto combat zones where you can not avoid the risk because it is out of control. In these areas the other side has one goal to kill or maime the other guy... and in this case whether soldier or traveler...you are the other guy. So, your not going to let them intimidate you...and go any way. I think that was Custers thinking at the little big horn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted July 15, 2014 #28 Share Posted July 15, 2014 We went on Regent to the MIddle East in late 2011. We were supposed to port in Ashdod for 2 of 3 days. Because of 1 rocket coming close to that port prior to our departure ,they moved us to Haifa for all 3 days, which meant much longer coach rides on our excursions. In today's news I noticed that a rocket waas fired early this morning considerably inland and came close to the port of Haifa. So as has been said, it is a day-to-day situation. IMHO, it doesn't look good for Israel stops in the near term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancruz Posted July 15, 2014 #29 Share Posted July 15, 2014 (edited) Itinerary Update Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners, Oceania Cruises’ primary concern is to ensure the safety and security of our guests and onboard staff. We have been carefully monitoring the ongoing situation in Israel. In an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming call into Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel on the Riviera sailing September 8, 2014. Below is the revised day-by-day itinerary which incorporates calls to Alanya, Turkey and the Greek Isles. Shore excursions for the new ports will be available within the next few days. Date Day Port Country Arrival Departure Original Port 8-Sep-14 Mon Barcelona Spain 6:00 PM 9-Sep-14 Tue At Sea 10-Sep-14 Wed Valletta Malta 9:00 AM 6:00 PM 11-Sep-14 Thu At Sea 12-Sep-14 Fri Aghios Nikolaos (Crete) Greece 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 13-Sep-14 Sat Antalya Turkey 10:00 AM 11:59 PM 14-Sep-14 Sun Alanya Turkey 8:00 AM 6:00 PM At Sea 15-Sep-14 Mon Limassol Cyprus 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel 16-Sep-14 Tue Rhodes Greece 9:00 AM 11:00 PM Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel 17-Sep-14 Wed Patmos Greece 8:00 AM 10:00 PM Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel 18-Sep-14 Thu Santorini Greece 8:00 AM 7:00 PM Limassol, Cyprus 19-Sep-14 Fri Mykonos Greece 8:00 AM 8:00 PM Rhodes, Greece 20-Sep-14 Sat Kusadasi Turkey 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 21-Sep-14 Sun Istanbul Turkey 12:00 PM 22-Sep-14 Mon Istanbul Turkey We thank you for your understanding, and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Warmest Regards, Oceania Cruises Jancruz1 Edited July 15, 2014 by Jancruz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronniewales Posted July 15, 2014 Author #30 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Is there any news on the Nautica visit to Israel in November 2014. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancruz Posted July 15, 2014 #31 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Not yet... Jancruz1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oceandream Posted July 15, 2014 #32 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Is Oceania considering offering some kind of compensation for cancelling Israel ports? In my opinion, they should as Haifa was the main reason to book this cruise for many of us. Oceania knows that. While I understand the safety reasons, they should realize how disappointed we are. Board credits, beverage package, upgrades would be some options to be given to cruisers who decide not to cancel the upcoming cruise . Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fg159 Posted July 16, 2014 #33 Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) I may not be able to cancel this cruise but I sure am going to cancel my future cruises. The way this was communicated or lack of communication by Oceania was not good. I can understand their concerns but disagree with how they communicated this to so called valued customers. I was on the phone with customer service on another matter and just happened to ask about the stops in Israel. Simply refused to say anything and told me to speak yo my travel agent who knew nothing about it. They at a minimum need to review their policy on communicating port changes especially the ports they know are important for even booking the cruise. I spend a condsupiderable amount of money and should at a minimum as a customer be told when I am on the phone with them. Poor customer service I have been loyal to them but this was not showing respect to a customer Edited July 16, 2014 by fg159 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #34 Share Posted July 16, 2014 This is extremely disappointing. I realize that planning for alternative ports requires lead time but we are still a little over 2 months away from the planned Haifa port stop for September 8 cruise. I'm not overly thrilled with the replacement ports as I've been to Patmos and frankly,there is nothing there worth doing. I had hoped O would hold off on a decision for at least a couple more weeks but it is what it is. There is quite an uproar on the Roll Calls over this so I hope FDR takes that into consideration in terms of his customers on these cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted July 16, 2014 #35 Share Posted July 16, 2014 ports as I've been to Patmos and frankly,there is nothing there worth doing. We found the Monastery there very interesting but I guess it is not everyone's cup of tea Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #36 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Well said Cruise lines should just not put those port in their schedules then no one will be annoyed when the ports are cancelled I must respectfully disagree. The "situation" in the Middle East has been a fact of life for over 70 years. I pray for an end but am realist enough to know you need "two to tango". Some booked passengers ARE upset because they looked forward to seeing Israel for the first time. We've been there twice before and were looking forward to visiting parts we have not yet seen. Fact is, Oceania for many IS more expensive than the mass marketers and from the Roll Call comments,visiting Israel was a major decision point in their taking the 9/8 cruise . This decision just came down today. I suspect people will cool down somewhat after a day or two to absorb the issue and we will still have an enjoyable trip, however, it will not be what most had planned for.. Surely you are not suggesting that cruise lines should play the Priceline game and simply list cruises by departure date and end date and maybe region? "Book now and we'll tell you when you board where you're going!"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #37 Share Posted July 16, 2014 We found the Monastery there very interesting but I guess it is not everyone's cup of tea Lyn Lyn, my point was that that is about all to see on Patmos. Yes, it was interesting but this time we might just do lunch on shore, or maybe not. Surprised O didn't try for an extra overnight in Istanbul instead. I think that would go a long way toward "salving the wound" for customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted July 16, 2014 #38 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I must respectfully disagree. The "situation" in the Middle East has been a fact of life for over 70 years. My point exactly ..it has been going on for decades Sometimes you will get to the ports without any problems sometimes the ports will be cancelled due to safety issues At any point in time if you choose to go.. then be prepared to be disappointed if there is unrest in that part of the world If those ports were not offered as part of a cruise then no one would be disappointed Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted July 16, 2014 #39 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Lyn, my point was that that is about all to see on Patmos. Yes, it was interesting but this time we might just do lunch on shore, or maybe not. Surprised O didn't try for an extra overnight in Istanbul instead. I think that would go a long way toward "salving the wound" for customers. Lots of good eating place there as well Sometime it is not easy to park a cruise ship where & when you want ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #40 Share Posted July 16, 2014 My point exactly ..it has been going on for decades Sometimes you will get to the ports without any problems sometimes the ports will be cancelled due to safety issues At any point in time if you choose to go.. then be prepared to be disappointed if there is unrest in that part of the world If those ports were not offered as part of a cruise then no one would be disappointed Lyn Ah, but then Lyn, O may not find takers for whatever alternative itineraries they publish. These are popular ports of call and historically significant. Perhaps a better suggestion is to post a caveat for cruises featuring these ports that fully explains what might happen to the itinerary and any compensation in the event of turmoil. Most cruisers do not bother to read all the legalese. At least this way, everyone goes in with eyes open. I'm still going to enjoy my cruise regardless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #41 Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) Lots of good eating place there as well Sometime it is not easy to park a cruise ship where & when you want ;) And probably more expensive!:) Any dining spot tips in Istanbul would be appreciated, also. Edited July 16, 2014 by Aloha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted July 16, 2014 #42 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Ah, but then Lyn, O may not find takers for whatever alternative itineraries they publish. These are popular ports of call and historically significant. Perhaps a better suggestion is to post a caveat for cruises featuring these ports that fully explains what might happen to the itinerary and any compensation in the event of turmoil. Most cruisers do not bother to read all the legalese. At least this way, everyone goes in with eyes open. I'm still going to enjoy my cruise regardless! Enjoy the cruise Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 16, 2014 #43 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Enjoy the cruise Lyn Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StanandJim Posted July 16, 2014 #44 Share Posted July 16, 2014 And probably more expensive!:) Any dining spot tips in Istanbul would be appreciated, also. Overall, the best restaurant that we have ever been to overseas, outside of France, that is, would be Muzedechanga, in Istanbul. http://www.changa-istanbul.com/v2/muzedechangamain.asp# It is particularly magical if you can snag a table on the terrace, where the views of the Bosphous verge on the ethereal, but wherever you sit, the food is just superb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Spice Posted July 16, 2014 #45 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Is Oceania considering offering some kind of compensation for cancelling Israel ports? In my opinion, they should as Haifa was the main reason to book this cruise for many of us. Oceania knows that. While I understand the safety reasons, they should realize how disappointed we are. Board credits, beverage package, upgrades would be some options to be given to cruisers who decide not to cancel the upcoming cruise . Thank you. Very well said. The highlight of the cruise Is the Holy land and that s one of the main reasons we decided to opt for this. In my opinion though the Greek isles are beautiful and worth visiting if you see one you've seen them all. IT is a little bit too late to look for another cuise being peak season so being offered a beverage package and board credits would slightly help . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Spice Posted July 16, 2014 #46 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Lots of good eating place there as well Sometime it is not easy to park a cruise ship where & when you want ;) Considering We arrive in Istanbul circa 12:00 there is not much we can do + being a Sunday does not help. We could have been better off leaving out Patnos and Alanya from iteniary and enjoy Istanbul . There is so much to see. It will definatley not compensate for missing out on Jerusalem but at least we get to see Istanbul better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserchuck Posted July 17, 2014 #47 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Unfortunately, port cancellations is one of the risks you take when going to the Middle East. We were fortunate in November 2012, when we went to Israel on Celebrity. Hostilities broke out the day we finished our third day in port in Israel. We also managed to get to Egypt at a good time - after the first revolution, but before the later crackdown. Hopefully things will be better before your cruise. We had booked and canceled three prior trips to Israel and Egypt over the years when hostilities arose. Our one trip to Egypt was enough, but we would like to go back to Israel one day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha 1 Posted July 17, 2014 #48 Share Posted July 17, 2014 (edited) [quote name=StanandJim; Overall' date=' the best restaurant that we have ever been to overseas, outside of France, that is, would be Muzedechanga, in Istanbul. http://www.changa-istanbul.com/v2/muzedechangamain It is particularly magical if you can snag a table on the terrace, where the views of the Bosphous verge on the ethereal, but wherever you sit, the food is just superb.[/font][/size] Thanks for that! We'll check it out. Edited July 17, 2014 by Aloha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuNYC Posted July 18, 2014 #49 Share Posted July 18, 2014 and agree that O show how lengthened days in port in Istanbul instead of going to Greek ports that many of us have been to; but we are all between a rock and a hard place. We are at O's mercy. I guess that this is one of those situations where you have to make lemonade out of very expensive lemons. Guess we have to make the best out of a bad situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypercafe Posted July 18, 2014 #50 Share Posted July 18, 2014 We also have booked and canceled three trips to Egypt and the holy land. I have decided that I will just see it on the history channel. Sent from my XT1032 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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