Recent sailors: How have you found the security to be at the port, and on your cruise? Is it equally stringent each time you embark at each stop? How about the airlines and airports?

<BR>Well I donot now if the intense security is doing any good but it seems to me to be a heck of a lot better than in the past. The airport people check bags more thoroughly than in the past and they empty out most of them. the "wand" people spend more time checking and practically strip some people. <BR> <BR>The cruise ships all have the wands now and bags are checked the same as before. I did not see anyone having to dump their bags. <BR> <BR>The Coast Guard boats, where at one time just sat in port, are now ringing the cruise ships in every port. <BR> <BR>The cruise lines continue to be on a Phase III Alert (the highest). <BR> <BR>All names are now checked against a master list (who is on the list I do not know). Immigration is more intense. Carnival always had the "show your card" type thing. Now each passenger has to appear in person with credentials. <BR> <BR>Time consuming yes ..... does it help ... who knows? It does make you feel more secure. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks Paul. How about the ports in the Caribbean? The US Coast Guard cannot be involved there. Is there any security?

<BR>Yes, there are coast guard boats in all ports, U.S. and foreign and due to the security alert by the International Cruise Lines Association there is also heightened security in Europe. <BR> <BR>Paul

Dear Paul, Can you tell me about the International Cruise Lines Association? Do you know if there is increased security for cruise ships in Southeast Asia? I know for instances that Indonesia dosen't even have a coast guard, thus the many kidnappings by rebel Islamic factions. We were supposed to go to Malaysia thru Indonesia to Australia and Princess cruises could not, or would not share there "extra" security measures with us. We cancelled the cruise and are working with our congressman and the State department, trying to get our money back. Thanks, Laurel

<BR>Hi Laurel, <BR> <BR>My guess is that all ports that will not offer security are being cancelled by the cruise lines. This is the reason Malasia is being deleted by most cruise lines. Plus they believe it is a dangerous area to visit. <BR> <BR>This is the cruise line's option and is written in your document policy and in the brochures. <BR> <BR>At first Princess was just dropping ports and not giving restitution but they now changed thier mind. You should be receiving some type of credit. Princess is tough when it comes to cancellation refunds. All cruise lines are having a difficult time along with all of us. <BR> <BR>You do have a tough situation. Sorry. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>