HotelSnob1

From what I learned onboard the Voyager during this last trip (just got off the Istanbul to Rome - which was originally Haifa to Rome), travelers really need to be prepared for any deviations in this climate in the Middle East. The cruise line is going to do what is the absolutely safest thing for the passengers, crew, etc. The war that began on October 7 was not on anyone’s radar … so deviations were a week ahead in planning. Things are different less than a month later. Very different now. It’s any travelers hope that they get to the destinations (bucket lists aside) to see parts of the world that hold our interests. Sometimes, the world won’t let us do that. Moving forward, expect the unexpected in certain parts of the world. On a brighter note: Our suitcases will always be packed and our fingers crossed 🤞!

I, too, hope you get a good turnout for your efforts. We had good weather on the cruise, some nice ports, but everyone we spoke to mainly booked for Israel & Egypt. We are on the Nile in 2025 with Regent, fingers crossed as this is our 3rd attempt to do the Suez, etc. Stay safe, fellow cruisers!

Used our FCC to book a future cruise while we are onboard right now. It was a no-brainer. Service has been fabulous!

At this moment , I can tell you I am sitting by the pool, hearing laughter all around, Tony is on the keyboards serenading us, Voyager is doing a calm 8 knots in the gorgeous Aegean Sea, beautiful weather, stunning blue sky and peaceful light wind. Bon Voyage!

I am sorry that I did not answer your question about the ship being a long way to walk to after a taxi dropped us off. Honestly, it wasn’t long after we got thru the security ( which is actually right at the curb where the taxi dropped us off). Just make sure your taxi grabs a porter for you, and you will be just fine. It is a beautiful cruise port. And seamless, just take your time and all will be well.

We took a driver from our hotel that put us right at the entry to the port. There were porters at this entry (it’s a security entry) wandering around. My suggestion would be to hire a reputable driver and tell him you will need a porter. That way he may be able to call or keep on the lookout while he is jockeying for a spot to drop you off. And your porter will take u right to the ship. They should be able to get you a wheelchair, too. The new port is beautiful, clean and safe. We did everything in euros. Fun fact: We woke up today with big wind and seas today … captain made the tough call to skip Mykonos - too risky for the tenders …

We are in the ship now and service is fabulous, probably even more so. There was no problem at the port as we arrived independent and were on and in our suite at 3:20. Laundry washed, shore excursions booked, stewardess arrived and jotted down our needs & habits, and luggage arrived shortly thereafter. Dinner & cocktails at Compass Rose. We came upon some serious “weather” today while tendered - 47 mph in the afternoon … tenders were delayed in getting back to the ship …but they made it okay … all good for us in the Voyager. Bon Voyage!

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I would imagine once we are onboard today our suites would be ready b/c of the delayed boarding due to the bike race.

Not having a keel cleaned or pre-inspected when u know you are going into that kind of restricted environment is a MAJOR mess-up and smacks of disorganization or major indifference —

We, too, are in Istanbul waiting to board tomorrow after the race ends. Like many on this cruise, we have been to many of the ports already and we booked this especially for Israel & Egypt, having been to the former already. We were suppose to leave Newark a week ago, and we were fortunate that UA canceled it for us. Had zero problem booking a new flight to IST but we are independent. Love sea days equally, but may turn them into port days, especially if the weather stays this nice. We have several future cruises with Regent booked, also. No doubt, once we are all onboard, there will be a lot of stories to tell. Hope everyone who wanted to makes this cruise, does make it. We plan to enjoy it!

My goodness … hope u make it.🤞

And, at this juncture in the thread, there are some clients on this cruise that were in Haifa pre-cruise, got out to Jordan and are making their way to Istanbul.

Hopefully we will have good news to report on the availability of shore excursions for the crowd … I am already taking my “sea” day in port when we are in Athens & Rhodes. 😀😀😀😀

Yup! We go to Alaska every year to fish … and catch different fish in different parts of the state … and it all started with a delightful Regent cruise in the 90’s! Traipsed thru Italy & Greece with a backpack in the late 70’s … hostels … campsites, etc. The world is BIG and some of its beauty is so easily reachable by ship!