Has anyone started cruise in 2nd port...???

[alexandra cruiser]

we want to cruise Black Sea,,and many lines start in Athens,,,having been there twice and with recent problems..want to avoid and start in Istanbul...but do cruiselines offer discount for days missed,,,??hate to pay for something not used,,,or may have to take one that starts there to begin with...any ideas appreciated...

[LHT28]

Most cruise lines will charge the full fare even if you start in the middle of the cruise
You cabin is there for you so they are not getting any revenue for the days you are not onboard.
It is not like hotel rooms where people check in /out on different days during the week

Contact the cruise line in advance to set this up there could be other issues with Immigration
I do not think this is allowed at all with any U.S. ports but Europe is different

Friends of ours the wife got on at the first port & her DH boarded 4 days later
They were charged the full rate

[alexandra cruiser]

other cruiselines that start in Istanbul,,,Silverseas has a 9 day and Seabourn,a 7,,,seem sort of short after flying all the way there,,,and having been to Istanbul before,,,,not really interested in more time there...was thinking Cappadocia tour,,but not sure of physical challenge of visiting caves,etc...will put this one off till 2013,,,,

[LHT28]

What about one that ends in Athens then you can just fly straight home
Or start in Venice

[alexandra cruiser]

have read about the strikes,violence,,etc...know it CAN happen anywhere,,but prefer to find another option...as far as Venice,,just there last year on Adriatic sea cruise with SeaDream...like to visit new ports ,,if at all possible...such choices,,right??Will see what the 2013 cruises have to offer....good suggestions,thanks

[f-mattox]

Yeah, it would be a real shame to have to visit Venice two years in a row :-)

[LHT28]

As you are probably already aware most cruise line do visit the same ports year after year
Most embarkation/debarkation ports are the same ones for many cruise lines due to the logistics of handling the cruise ships & passengers

Good luck & hope you find something that suits you

[alexandra cruiser]

Originally Posted by f-mattox

Yeah, it would be a real shame to have to visit Venice two years in a row :-)

I DO LOVE Venice,,just want to see another port and spend more time in Black Sea,,,such problems,,,this cruising business is SO stressful,,,get your point...funny,,,,,

[Jim C.]

LHT28 gave you the best answer... you have to call the cruiseline and find out if this is even allowed. Customs and Immigration laws in Europe may not allow it. The cruiselines may not allow it even if the laws do.