Cruise ship expert warns ‘stay away’ from six European cities over ‘da | Cruise | Travel
Cruise passengers have been warned to “stay far, far away” from some of Europe’s most popular cities.
Travel expert Gary Bembridge says his last two cruises reminded him that not all ports are “safe” – even if the ship docks there. He says some of the most visited ports in the Mediterranean come with safety risks.
Quite often this, he says, can be because pickpockets are operating in the area, specifically targeting tourists. This is because they are some of the biggest ports in the world for ships embarking and disembarking as well as major tourist hotspots.
Gary says tourists should remain vigilant when disembarking at Barcelona in Spain, Rome in Italy, Athens in Greece, and Livorno in Italy – the gateway to Pisa and Florence. Speaking on his Tips for Travel YouTube Channel, Gary described the types of crime in these areas as “big city crimes”.
He explained: “These ports to watch out for are not only the major embarkation and disembarkation ports in the Mediterranean but several will also be on whatever Mediterranean itinerary you do, because they are major cities. Here it’s mostly about big city crime like pickpocketing and theft.
“I have seen or have known people who have been victims in every single one of them.”
Gary says cruisers in Spain are most at risk when they visit La Rambla in Barcelona. The tree-lined street is among the busiest in the city, popular with street performances and filled with restaurants and shops.
The expert however calls it a “pickpocket’s dream”. In Rome, Gary says two people on his last cruise were pickpocketed at different spots while visiting the Italian capital.
In Athens meanwhile, Gary claimed one of his followers was pickpocketed on public transport, losing her passport in the process. This meant she was unable to continue her cruise as planned.
Livorno, the “gateway port” for cruisers wanting to visit Florence and Pisa, should watch out once they head to the bigger tourist cities. Gary warns travellers to check for travel advisories when visiting a port and sticking to organised excursions to remain safe.
Should you choose to explore solo, he suggests taking the details of the local port agent. He added: “They will be absolutely key if something happens to help you sort it out.
“Of course, don’t wear valuables, stay alert, and stay in busy tourist-filled areas. But even if you are going to ports considered safer, there are still risks around.”