Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Cruise lines calm in wake of bin Laden's death

Wednesday, May 4, 2011


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By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY


This item was written by Johanna Jainchill, who covers cruising for Travel Weekly. Jainchill is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.

Cruise lines said the worldwide travel alert issued by the State Department following the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden would not impact their operations.

The State Department Monday alerted U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the "enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counterterrorism activity in Pakistan."

The Cruise Lines International Association said in a statement, "Our member lines are in regular communications with U.S. and international law enforcement and government agencies on all matters regarding the safety and security of our passengers and crew. The same is true in this particular situation and we will continue to work with the appropriate agencies."

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Carnival Cruise Lines said it was aware of the travel alert and that all Carnival ships were operating "at the appropriate security levels and remain vigilant in their procedures."

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said in a statement, "Like all international travelers, we encourage our guests to be aware of their surroundings while visiting familiar sightseeing and tourism locations. This common sense approach and heightened level of awareness will help our guests enjoy a memorable visit to our ports of call."

Costa Cruises added that it would "continue to maintain its high level of security alert and will continue to monitor conditions in the regions where it sails."

A spokesman for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises said the lines believe that to comment on ship security measures, "is to compromise their effectiveness."


Posted May 4 2011 1:57PM




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