Heightened security is drawing cruises to Colombia, Libya
Two new areas of rising cruise interest are Libya and Colombia, both countries where security problems in the past have discouraged cruisers as well as other visitors.
The news this week that the US has resumed full diplomatic relations with Libya should spur cruise activity to that exotic country.
Cruise passengers and other visitors in the past have been hindered by visa problems.
“We’re now hopeful that the past difficulties with Americans obtaining visas for Libya will be resolved,” said Brad Bell, a spokesman for Silversea Cruises.
Discovery World Cruises is among those planning to step up its offerings to Libya.
In the past, despite US State warnings that discouraged visitors, Holland America, Silversea and several other cruise lines started adding Libya to their itineraries. The attraction is generally that of a forbidden-fruit country with extensive and well-preserved Roman ruins.
The most popular ports of call during 10 to 16-day trips are Tripoli and Benghazi.
Many cruises there reported sell-outs.
Cartagena in Colombia is also getting renewed attention. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean announced they were resuming port calls to Cartegena.
“We are grateful to (Colombian) President Uribe and his administration for the lengths to which they have gone to provide a safe and satisfying experience for our guests,” said Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain.
Royal Caribbean is making eight calls at Cartagena starting next year, while Celebrity is making 24 visits there.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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