Safe in Egypt?

[Robin B.]

We are planning a cruise with Crystal on October 13th. Alexandria, Egypt is one of the ports. We are a little concerned about safety given the Middle East situation. Any thoughts or suggestions??

[ChucksOK]

I've been to Egypt three times (as well as having visited other Middle Eastern countries) and have never had a problem. I happen to really LIKE Egypt and the Egyptians.

The only Middle Eastern country I was ever a little apprehensive in was Israel.

PS You'll LOVE Crystal. What ship will you be on? If it's the Symphony, you must eat in the alternative dining restaurant PREGO. They have absolutely MEMORABLE wild mushroom soup.

[Robin B.]

Thanks for the helpful input!! When were you last in Egypt? Would you feel comfortable going now? We will be sailing on Serenity. Presently we are scheduled to take the over-night land tour the ship offers to cairo & Luxor. If there were safety issues wouldn't Crystal change the itinerary?
Thanks :~)

[ChucksOK]

Robin,
I would go in a heartbeat! I was last there just over two years ago (can't believe its been that long!). Cairo has grown so much - and it continues to grow. You will enjoy the souk (Khan el Kalili) in Cairo. Be sure to do the son et lumiere at the pyramids or Karnak in Luxor - they are both great! The Museum in Cairo is the location of the Tut exhibit but his tomb in the Valley of the Kings (across the Nile from Luxor) is also impressive (if it's still open to the public). There has been talk of closing it because the high levels of carbon monoixde from people's breath is causing some problems with the wall paintings.

I can ramble on and on about Egypt and it's wonders so I'll just stop at this point and wish you a wonderful journey. Maybe this trip will whet your appetite and you'll return to explore even more. (That's what happened to me!) Oh yes, if you enjoy reading, try the author Elizabeth Peters and the exploits of her fictional Egyptologist Amelia Peabody and her family at the turn of the twentieth century in Egypt. Great reading!

P.S. Yes, Crystal would not be so irresponsible as to let any of it's pax get in harm's way.

[Robin B.]

Chuck,

Thanks ~ your enthusiasm for Egypt is contagious! If not now, we will definately go in the future.

Thanks again!!