Terriorists are holding hostages in the luxury Swiss hotel in Istanbul. I am worried about visiting Istanbul (and Turkey) in a couple of months precruise. Does anyone have any information and advice? Should I cancel cruise before final payment?

Hi Nancy, <BR>Isn't this great news!!!! I guess there are a lot of cruisers who are in the same boat (excuse the unintentional bad pun). I am going to adopt a "wait and see" position. Just paid the final amount! <BR> <BR>My guess is that if more incidents occur, the cruiselines that leave or arrive in Istanbul will change their departure or final destination. If you have cruise-air arrangements then that will be taken care of. Cruisers (like myself) who have made private arrangements will have to make other air travel arrangements. (I don't think our travel insurance covers that either. <BR> <BR>Personally, I'm very concerned too.

I live in Istanbul,Turkey, <BR>My friend was working in that hotel. <BR>No worries. <BR>Police department of Turkey is so strong <BR>There is no fear or doubt for your security. <BR>ýn Turkey,only Turkish people can die by terrorists. <BR>Cuz Terrorists know If they harm tourists they will be in a trouble. <BR>come an enjoy ur holiday. <BR>Sincerely;

Don't go Nancy you are bound to be killed.Hundreds of Americans are already lying dead in the streets.Well there must be a few.Don't listen to Ozgur he is obviously a terrorist trying to lure you in.Cancel NOW.Otherwise the cruel sailors will force you off your boat into the hands of slave traders.Also avoid London,Paris Amsterdam,Rome,Munich,Belfast and all the other places which have had worse terrorist incidents than that. <BR>I heard you should avoid America too, someone had a go at the world trade centre. <BR>Try Iceland.

Seriously. We CAN fight terrorism, ALL of us together. Vigilance in your right hand. Intrepidation in your left. <BR> <BR>No cancellations. Don't let them win. <BR>

Strategerically said, Rxe! <BR>

Absolutely. and pontifically. There is a time for partisanship, and a time for getting the votes counted accurately. and this is neither one. This is about Americans and all citizens of the world, especially those who have bought my book, to stand tall, united together. This isn't about Turkey. It's about words. And more words. And the power of the pen, or the keyboard, which I invented, being superior to the power of the sword. And you know you can advertise on the side of an ink pen. The Buddhists, they love those pens. It doesn't even make sense to sell advertising on the blade of a sword anyway. How many swords can you give away anyway? Well, more if we had effective gun control. But I digress. <BR> <BR>All in all, I say... <BR> <BR>You go, victoriant-boy. <BR> <BR>Even though I was robbed. <BR> <BR>And you know it. <BR> <BR>Still. <BR>

My wife and I have traveled widely in Turkey, from east to west, from north to south. At no time were we ever treated with anything but courtesy, interest, and kindness. We never encountered a single instance of interpersonal violence -- never. Turkish citizens treated us well, fed us well, and were perfect hosts to two non-Turkish-speaking Americans who simply wanted to explore and understand their fascinating country. Enjoy your trip!