If it's not parvovirus.........

[Russ Kennedy]

............it is something else!!
The following news item was published today in one of the daily national newspapers:

Ten British holiday makers were among a group of cruise ship passengers robbed at gunpoint on the island of St Lucia. They were relieved of their cash, jewellery and cameras. Many were left in tears and visibly shaken when they returned to their cruise ship, the Celebrity Eclipse. Celebrity issued a statement saying that no one was injured in the robbery, and the guests were returned to the ship unharmed!!!

We (me and the Mrs) were just looking at doing another trip with Celebrity....looks like that has just gone down the tubes!!!!

[j.sabourn]

Russ I spent 11 months running around the Islands, St.Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominique, this was in 67/68. They were then real Islands in the sun. It is hard to believe that violence has invaded there as well as other parts of the world also. I never felt threaatened anyhere in the West Indies or the Windward Islands, although did hear Jamaica could be a dangerous place, however never went there. It is a rotten world to what we once knew, I dont know if anyone has an answer to it apart from the greed which seems to have affected the majority of the worlds population. However wouldnt let a bunch of raggy assed layabouts destroy your lifestyle. Regards John Sabourn

[Doc Vernon]

Not very safe anywhere these days are we!
Home is perhaps the safest!
Oh dear!
Cheers

[j.sabourn]

In a lot of ways I agree with parts of the American Constitution where it is legal (I believe) in certain parts to protect your home and belongings. If that was the case here I would have no hesitation in shooting to kill any predator I found on my premises. The Law is far too soft on such cases as violent home break ins and other criminal acts in our part of the world, and believe this includes Europe also I think. Cheers John Sabourn.

[Doc Vernon]

Would also agree with that John,as in South Africa nearly every person of age carries some sort of protection,and will use it if necessary,however like the States there are those who misuse their privalage to bear Arms!
But when it comes to protecting yourself and your Family and Home etc,then yes i too would not hesitate !
Cheers

[robpage]

Here if you are a licenced holder of a weapon and feel endangered by a burglar , if you shoot and kill , particularly in an isolated rural environment , the latest guidance says you will not be prosecuted . But a burglar running away is not a threat . You have to feel that you are protecting your own life

[happy daze john in oz]

Here if you are a licenced holder of a weapon and feel endangered by a burglar , if you shoot and kill , particularly in an isolated rural environment , the latest guidance says you will not be prosecuted . But a burglar running away is not a threat . You have to feel that you are protecting your own life

A burg;ar with a bullet up his kyber may well find it hard to run away.

[happy daze john in oz]

The fact is there are very few places now around the world that are fully safe. Most cruise ships go to what are considered to be 'safe' places and on all tours you will be perfectly safe. However if you go on your own tour around there will always be the risk of something happeneing to you. If you must go alone try to be part of a group, safetty in numbers maybe?

[Captain Kong]

The world really is a dangerous place for tourists, the local Crims know they have a few bob on them. I was mugged in Valparaiso in 2006 when I went there on the QM2, never mugged as a Seafarer. Shirt torn off and $200 disapeared down the road.
I would not go to the West Indies, or Africa, or the Mediterranean. I only enjoy doing the Pacific Islands, The people there are so friendly, they sing all the time to welcome you and so safe. They are so happy that you have taken time out to visit them.
I have done the Pacific Islands on most of my cruises and have never ever heard of anyone being threatened or robbed. Always happy.
My next cruise will be back in the Pacific.
Brian.

[Kevin Mercer]

Me and the Mrs always "dress down" when in iffy places where possible.
A cheap wrist watch, camera in your pocket, , cheap wallet with just enough cash to get by' no bags and so on. You see some folk that stand out with all kinds of trappings, especially the Americans.
It all depends where you are of course, but a friend of ours was robbed in Vatican City !! So there's no guarantees, you have to take your chances if you want to have an adventure !
My daughter who has just lost her job is taking herself off for a three months visiting Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and other places and I am anxious for her safety, but as they say " life goes on"

I often woke up in my bunk wondering how I got back to the ship !!
Happy days
Kevin