Regarding no-one making changes before cruise starts, FYI Viking World Cruise Changes from published itinerary: Nicaragua (still unrest); Maui (probably excursion operators not available); Tasmania (scheduled arrival date conflicts with big yacht race); Mayanmar (still unrest). Haven't heard about mid east but expecting cancellation of all port stops. We are still excited about the trip; horrified about all the violence in the affected countries; and consider ourselves fortunate despite the disappointments.