As Americans get tired of the same old Caribbean ports, more and more cruise lines are basing ships out of the country for more exotic itineraries. Now pirates that used to feast on merchant ships in the Caribbean are lurking on the high seas off the coast of Africa and Asia.
These Somali pirates, airport takeovers in Thailand and terrorist attacks in India are a worrying trend. The general drawback for cruise lines that cater to a U.S. market has normally been airfares. When fuel surcharges and thus air prices go through the roof, even deep discounting may not fill the ships. Celebrity Cruises has just canceled 2009-10 Australia-New Zealand sailings and their parent company Royal Caribbean has pulled a ship out of South America.
But recent events have highlighted another issue. The problems on these exotic cruises can also be a little more bizarre. Swashbuckling days of pirate raids seem to be back in vogue.
Oceania Cruises, which specializes in port-driven itineraries, said their MS Nautica was sailing through the Gulf of Aden between Yemen and Somalia when it was approached by pirates in two small boats. Previously Somali pirates had made an unsuccessful attack in 2005 against the Seabourn Spirit.
And while no U.S. cruise ships are scheduled to leave from Bangkok until later in December, the closure of the Bangkok airport is potentially worrying for vacationers scheduled to fly to meet their ship, especially if they are planning side trips in advance.
Plus, as noted last week on Tripso.com, visa requirements can complicate a trip even without any last minute problems.
Don’t get me wrong, I think cruising can be a great way to visit exotic destinations. It’s a combination of adventure and comfort, with food and lodging costs taken care of in advance, and the added advantage of not having to pack up and move every night or two. And certainly the Caribbean ports can begin to blur after a while, especially with evermore standardized shopping.
However, as much as cruise ships may feel like traveling in a separate and secure world, they exist, and are very much at the mercy of, the real one.
