cindiloowho

We are booked to go on a 30 day cruise, stopping all thru Asia, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, etc. With all the unrest in the world, I am a bit uneasy. I wonder, will I enjoy Egypt if everywhere we go we are escourted by men with Ozzi's. ?? Husband says, if that's the only way to see the place, lets not quibble. I wonder if it's safe even. Help me calm my nerves.

Kathie

Men with Ozzies? Are you referring to Uzi's?

On a cruise, you'll stop in port and stay a day or so at most. It's probably the safest way to visit, though you won't see much of any one country. In 30 days, covering Asia and the Middle East, you'll get a brief glimpse of life in each of your ports.

I seriously doubt that you'll have armed escorts in Egypt. It's true that the police are heavily armed, and are invested in protecting tourists. I have memories (and even photos) of police in jeeps mounted with machine guns.

Do some reading on the situation in any of the ports you are concerned about. Also, read the info from your cruise line about the activities available to you in each port. I think you'll find that the excursions stay pretty close to the port. Most often, people feel nervous because they don't know much about a location. Read up on it, and I expect you'll feel better.

lcuy

or perhaps they will be escorted by foul mouthed rock & roll guys who will bite off the heads of any attackers?

;-) (sorry couldn't resist)

Andrea_expat

We were just in Egypt in July, and we were VERY warmly welcomed everywhere, even to the extent that shopkeepers were stopping us to shake our hands and asking us to tell "all our American friends" to visit Egypt.

It's a FABULOUS time to visit Egypt, becuase there are fewer tourists, which makes it lovely to see the ancient sights - much better, in my opinion, to be able to sense the history.

I think of it this way: Egypt is a country that depends largely on tourism for its economic health - both on a macro level and on an individual level. The terrorism scares hit them very hard, and they have worked EXTREMELY hard to tighten security to make the country safe for foreign tourists. Their economic security depends on their ability to keep the country safe for tourists. While this isn't a guarantee of safety, I personally feel like Egypt is a (relatively) safe destination BECAUSE of their attention to security.

Have a wonderful time!!

travelbear

How are you stopping in Jordan on a CRUISE?

mrwunrfl

travelbear: probably at the port of Aqaba, Jordan

Kathie

And such cruises often have a brief excursion to Petra from Aqaba.

sandi

Kathie - thanks for noticing the 'Uzi'

cindiloowho - Personally I feel more comfortable knowing that a country is taking "security" seriously. Whether traveling in Egypt or even NYC, these days, one sees security forces with Uzis and/or AK47s. This will in no way impact your trip.

Security has the job to be sure you're safe, and your job is to enjoy yourself.