How safe is Egypt after 9/11/2012
#1
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How safe is Egypt after 9/11/2012
Has anyone traveled overseas during political issues? I will be in Cairo Egypt & Jerusalem next month on a cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Would the cruise line change ports or destinations closer to my date if things don't change?
Would the cruise line change ports or destinations closer to my date if things don't change?
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The cruise line will alter the itinerary based on current events. While I agree with 516TP hoping things will "clear up over there" that is not realistic. We are not talking about weather...there has been a drastic change in leadership creating a very unstable situation. I don't think anyone can say where this is heading but for sure it will take many years to get where it is going and my feeling is tourism is not high on the list. I think the only really "safe" travel to the area right now may be cruise travel where they have the option to call on Egypt or not and also you have the option of going to Cairo or not. At least Giza and the pyramids are not in the center and they may just tailor the excursion to areas they know are not involved? I hope it works out and sorry to sound pessimistic but anyone planning on a trip to Egypt in the next year or two simply needs to be aware of what is going on and decide if they are comfortable and flexible enough to deal with it.
#6
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Everything is fine today. I was down by the Embassy today and there was loads of police surrounding the Embassy... so I guess it was safe, and as usual the rest of Cairo was safe where I was. Probably not a great weekend to go out and be an "ugly American", but in general it should be fine. I went out today and had NO problems... from Heliopolis to Maadi twice today and back tonight in a normal taxi where there driver went out of his way all the way home to let me know I was safe and I shouldn't worry.
Worry about Libya if you had plans to go there. Egypt is fine. I'd probably recommend NOT visiting the Embassy right now if you don't have to, but there are other sites to visit.
Worry about Libya if you had plans to go there. Egypt is fine. I'd probably recommend NOT visiting the Embassy right now if you don't have to, but there are other sites to visit.
#7
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Keep in mind, no matter what anyone 'on the ground' says, that the embassy is under attack, and Americans will NOT have ANY protection or anyone to help them if needed.
Personally, I think anyone planning to go to Egypt needs to have their head examined.
Personally, I think anyone planning to go to Egypt needs to have their head examined.
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Because of the title of this original post, I'm posting this here for those interested to see: http://www.memri.org/report/en/print6674.htm
#11
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Tinydancer, you are soooo funny! Tell us a little about yourself and why you are so afraid of the Muslims? Ever met one? Ever met one you liked? I guess not. I really wish you would get over your bad self and get out a bit and meet some people that think differently than you so you might expand your mind and your experience a little bit. You always come on here with your frightening messages from America, yet don't even know if you have ever traveled outside of America. On your profile, it looks like you might have left N America once or twice but can't really tell if that is Sarah Palin under that cap or you? Do tell us about yourself and your experience with Islam or Islamic countries. I'm very curious.
Royal - nice to hear from you. Yes, everything is OK. Our Ambassador is OK and I heard he brought back his wife today so he must consider their safety well installed if she is back. For the average person, we are fine. Sure there are crazies out there, but aren't there any in the states? Oh yeah, might be one or two left in Colorado. Better not go there either. LOL
Royal - nice to hear from you. Yes, everything is OK. Our Ambassador is OK and I heard he brought back his wife today so he must consider their safety well installed if she is back. For the average person, we are fine. Sure there are crazies out there, but aren't there any in the states? Oh yeah, might be one or two left in Colorado. Better not go there either. LOL
#12
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P.S. Tinydancer - one has to assume when you've been outside the USA, you've never needed assistance from an Embassy by your comment about how NOW we wouldn't have any help from them - as if we did before. LOL With the American Embassy, plan your needs only on Sunday to Wednesday from 8 to noon.... AND make an appt weeks in advance. And if you really do have a REAL emergency, you better hope they define it as an emergency too.
#13
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Cary999 - I have to agree with at least 3 or 4 of the other Islamic countries you probably have on your list (certainly Libya, Syria, and Irac) 6 you suggest, but disagree about Cairo and Egypt. No foreigner here has been hurt due to this incident yet, and it is calmer by the minute. Ensha'alla it will be all done soon.
#14
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Thanks for your honest opinions and thoughts. And YES tinydancer I am having my head examined on Monday! This trip has caused more headaches and worries, before even leaving the country.
This trip was planned last year. I'm going with a group and at the last minute someone's plans changed--leaving a slot opened. I jumped in.. thought I was saving the day! This is a 17 day excursion. I have always wanted to visit & explore.
Since then, everything has been a rush. A rush for passport,plane tickets,hotels and travel arrangements. All has been booked. Now what? walk away from the trip? Any suggestions on getting reimbursed?
This trip was planned last year. I'm going with a group and at the last minute someone's plans changed--leaving a slot opened. I jumped in.. thought I was saving the day! This is a 17 day excursion. I have always wanted to visit & explore.
Since then, everything has been a rush. A rush for passport,plane tickets,hotels and travel arrangements. All has been booked. Now what? walk away from the trip? Any suggestions on getting reimbursed?
#17
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Years ago I was on a cruise which included a stop in Israel, but when a bad turn of events occurred they diverted us to Cyprus. So to answer the OP's question, yes they can change your ports if they deem it necessary.
Hello CC and thanks for your good input about Egypt.
Hello CC and thanks for your good input about Egypt.
#18
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Thanks.P_M . Did the Cruise line decide the switch while at sea or before you boarded. The cruise line mentioned they wont know, not until a couple of days before arriving.
My concern was staying out at sea longer than what was scheduled . It takes 4 days to get to the detestation--then 2 days there.
My concern was staying out at sea longer than what was scheduled . It takes 4 days to get to the detestation--then 2 days there.
#19
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CC - since tourists don't generally go to the area where the US Embassy is - how are things in Giza and at the museum, Citadel, Coptic Cairo, etc.? And how about the other typical places in Upper Egypt and the Sinai?
516TP - Go and have fun! Egypt is a wonderful country with incredible history and fabulous people. Unfortunately, like everywhere, there are some bad eggs that stink the whole place up. But they, thankfully, do not represent everyone.
516TP - Go and have fun! Egypt is a wonderful country with incredible history and fabulous people. Unfortunately, like everywhere, there are some bad eggs that stink the whole place up. But they, thankfully, do not represent everyone.