Is it safe to cruise there?

Some of the most interesting parts of the world to cruise are also the most complicated politically. Cruising in more turbulent parts of the world can make you, as well as your friends and family, a bit nervous, and recent attacks in previously "safe" destinations, such as Paris and Brussels, have concerned travelers. 

Sometimes cruise lines step in and remove regions from itineraries, making the decision simpler for cruisers. Continued political issues in Turkey, for example, have led to most cruise lines canceling port stops there this summer, and many lines are now watching their itineraries to France and Poland because of a State Department alert.

In addition, countries in Asia (such as Myanmar, the Philippines, and Laos), the Middle East (Egypt, Israel), and Central and South America (Honduras, Colombia, and Brazil) have seen political upheaval, or even violence, over a span of years. Still, many cruise lines continue to sail to these places, and they are often some of the more memorable itineraries on cruising bucket lists. 

Whether or not you decide to go to ports that have seen unrest is a very personal decision. Here, a few words of advice for how to stay safe on cruises around the world.