NOTE: This article was initially published in 2013, but the content remains relevant as discussions around “itinerary changes” intensify.
One of the highlights of any cruise is the assurance of comfortable and safe travel from one destination to another. To ensure this, cruise lines invest significant effort into planning itineraries, taking various factors into account when making changes to their routes. Many cruise companies have discontinued stops in Istanbul for some time now, prioritizing caution. Having visited Istanbul five times in the past year, I found this decision puzzling, as I felt safe strolling through the city alone. However, it wasn’t shocking when we received word from Viking Cruises that our Empires of the Mediterranean voyage aboard the new Viking Sea had been altered due to recent events we had been monitoring, anticipating such adjustments.
“As you may know, there was an attack in Istanbul on Saturday. In the coming weeks, local officials will face certain challenges, with responders and investigators working throughout Istanbul,” began the timely email from Viking Cruises received last night, just 12 days before our departure. “After careful consideration, we have opted to revise our itinerary, allowing you to continue exploring this part of the Mediterranean comfortably.”
The attack referred to by the cruise line occurred in a popular tourist area in Istanbul, where a suicide bomber with ties to ISIS killed four tourists and injured 30 others. Given this, it makes sense for Viking to skip the planned overnight in Istanbul and instead pursue a modified itinerary.
We will still embark on the Viking Sea on April 3 in Istanbul, but we will sail that evening and dock in Canakkale, Turkey. This is a new destination for me; Canakkale is the largest city on the North Aegean coast and serves as the gateway to Troy. This change replaces what was supposed to be an overnight stay in Istanbul, with plans to set sail the following day.
The decision by Viking to adjust our itinerary raises several points of interest for both experienced and potential cruise travelers.
Nimble New Ships
Viking Ocean Cruises’ newly designed ships can access ports that larger vessels must overlook. We experienced the advantages of this while traveling with other small-ship cruise lines. The ultra-luxury ships from Seabourn can visit locations that massive cruise liners cannot access because of their size. Similarly, the comfortable vessels of Azamara Club Cruises offer this unique opportunity. Both all-veranda ships, the Viking Star and Viking Sea, have introduced a river-like experience to ocean cruising, reminiscent of Viking’s longships that carved out their own niche in global river travel. With this modification, we are putting the Viking ocean product to the test, and many believe Viking will emerge successful.
Global Security Concerns
As I compose this, explosions in the Brussels airport departure terminal have once again unsettled the travel world, as a suicide bomber brings the city to a standstill. This renews the appeal of cruise vacations, irrespective of the cruise line, since their vessels are mobile assets. If danger arises, cruise ships can shift to different ports, allowing travelers to continue with their plans and achieve their lifelong aspirations. This becomes increasingly vital in the context of cruise travel, especially when compared to land travel, where travelers are often confined to a specific location.
We’re at peace with this itinerary alteration for one significant reason: we’ve undergone similar situations before that resulted in wonderful experiences. Such was the case last summer when we sailed with Viking River Cruises on the Elegant Elbe itinerary in Germany. Although low water levels disrupted our plans, the outcome turned into an experience beyond our expectations.
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