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 Problems in Morocco
#31014
04/16/07 02:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
jim in Cleveland
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OP
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Has anyone been following the recent terrorism in Casablanca? It's a popular port. I wonder if the recent events will cause cruise lines to reconsider. We are supposed to be there in three weeks on the Voyager.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31015
04/16/07 02:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Yes Jim, I had read about it. We will be on CROSS in November , which also has this port. We'll have to monitor the situation to decide how far we venture.
Somebody in another thread commented that Morocco has not been placed in the State Dept. watchlist ( at least not yet).
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31016
04/18/07 10:53 AM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
jim in Cleveland
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OP
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This just in from an RSSC account exec regarding Casablanca
..."the dangerous situation in Casablanca and I checked with Operations in Ft. Lauderdale and just heard they will be changing the itinerary so you won't go to Casablanca due to safety concerns. They are in the final stages of completing the itinerary and will be sending letters out to the travel agents within the next day or two."
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31017
04/18/07 11:05 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Jim,
Is this a communication you received directly from this account exec.?
Keep us posted!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31018
04/18/07 11:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
pkd
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My impression is that RSSC stays on top of these "hot spot" situations well. It's possible that RSSC might make an adjustment to Jim's upcoming itinerary now and, Maria, to our CROSS itinerary later if necessary. Or maybe RSSC will make a decision about Casablanca for the entire year now. As Maria says, Jim, keep us posted!
Priscilla
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31019
04/18/07 11:49 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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I agree Priscilla. The fact that they cancel it now does not mean necessarily that they will cancel it for CROSS. To be quite honest, at this point I would rather go to a less "hot spot". We'll see....
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31020
04/18/07 12:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
jim in Cleveland
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OP
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I got concerned when I heard that there was "talk" of blowing up cruise ships. Yes, the response came directly from RSSC. There are no sea days on this sailing, so we may get one. Too bad you can't book the spa on line. :)
Jim
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31021
04/18/07 12:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,539
Nancyp
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My friend is on the Crystal world cruise and they will not be stopping in Casblanca next week.
Nancy
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31022
04/18/07 12:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,646
ChatKat...
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PRESS RELEASE Public Affairs Section Embassy of the United States of America 2, Avenue Mohamed El Fassi - Rabat Tel : 037 66 81 00 - Fax : 037 66 82 84 http://www.usembassy.ma Rabat, Morocco April 16, 2007 -------------------------------------------------From a link in the State Dept website on Morroco: There is still no travel warning but as you sort the various pages: ------------------------------- U.S. Consulate General Temporarily Closed to the Public Effective immediately, the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca has temporarily suspended services to the public for a review of security measures
VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31023
04/18/07 12:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Originally posted by ChatKat...: PRESS RELEASE
Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
2, Avenue Mohamed El Fassi - Rabat
Tel : 037 66 81 00 - Fax : 037 66 82 84 http://www.usembassy.ma
Rabat, Morocco
April 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------From a link in the State Dept website on Morroco:
There is still no travel warning but as you sort the various pages:
-------------------------------
U.S. Consulate General Temporarily Closed to the Public
Effective immediately, the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca has temporarily suspended services to the public for a review of security measures Oh, oh... If the US Consulate doesn't feel safe( I am reading between the lines), I sure wouldn't feel safe either!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31024
04/18/07 12:49 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Thank you, Jim, for posting. I do hope you will keep us informed.
Better to err on the side of safety each and every time there is even a hint of unsafe conditions.
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31025
04/18/07 12:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,646
ChatKat...
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Sad if we have to miss it, but, the alternative is not too good an idea! Yes, better safe than the alternative. And I doubt we'd have a good time watching for suicide bombers in the Souks.
VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31026
04/18/07 02:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Does anyone know what the alternate ports might be on the spring crossing? I'm not good with geography!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31027
04/18/07 02:28 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
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Well this is really starting to escalate. But I'm in the "better safe than sorry" group for sure. I'm sure RSSC will take very good care of both those on TAP and CROSS and will make the right decison based on the best of their knowledge. I might be diappointed, but I trust RSSC to make the decision.
Maybe those on TAP will be able to fill us CROSS'ers in on all the details when they get onboard, or back.
JoAnn 
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31028
04/18/07 03:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 390
FFMilesJunkie
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I guess the big question would be if they avoid Morocco altogether. That would take care of Agadir also. If they do that then the ship could do a similar itinerary that the world cruise is doing in reverse.
If they just skip Casablanca then there are really no other alernatives. I'm not certain of the distance, but maybe they could do a partial day in Gibralter, but that would probably still make it a partial sea day since I don't think they'd be able to make up the distance between Agadir and Gibralter that quickly to get a full day in Gibralter.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31029
04/18/07 03:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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I was looking at the map and was also thinking of Gibraltar. My mom stopped there in a cruise and loved it.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31030
04/18/07 04:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Gibraltar looks to be a likely choice. I wonder if an extra day could be spent in Malaga or Valencia.
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31031
04/18/07 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 331
TallShip
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Gibraltor or another port in Spain would be great.Hope we hear something soon.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31032
04/18/07 05:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,407
Betty
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It could be Cadiz in Spain.
Betty
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31033
04/18/07 06:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,646
ChatKat...
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An extra day in Funchal too...
VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31034
04/18/07 06:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Somebody from CC who is on the Navigator crossing right now confirms that the Casablanca port for that cruise has been cancelled. Chatkat asked her what port was substituted, maybe she'll see the post and answer.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31035
04/19/07 02:36 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,415
Wandra
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Well perhaps they'll wait a bit before they decide for the fall crossings. Maybe the situation will have stabilized in a while. After all, Istanbul has had bombs, as has Madrid and Athens in the past, and life goes on.
But then again, a re-routing might turn out to be interesting as well. Lisbon, Gibraltar, the Canary islands would all be good. I just wish I was doing one of these crossing! :mecry:
Wendy
------
Booked: Uniworld Egypt, 2015
Tauck Amsterdam to Budapest, 2016
Paul Gauguin, Societies & Tuamotus 2016
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31036
04/19/07 02:58 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 331
TallShip
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If they asked for my vote I would pick Cadiz.....
Everyone on this board has said wonderful things about Sevilla
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31037
04/19/07 03:13 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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I would vote for Cadiz too. I have been in Sevilla before but wouldn't mind going again or maybe doing a daytrip to Ronda.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31038
04/19/07 03:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,658
cruisinfanatic
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I think Gibraltar sounds interesting. But Lisbon, or Cadiz (been to and loved both) would be good too. Extra day in Funchal sounds really great - I don't know, they all sound good to me. I'm easy!!
JoAnn
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31039
04/19/07 03:37 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Regent website is now showing Cadiz for Navigator in place of Casablanca for the current crossing.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31040
04/19/07 04:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,407
Betty
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Since I've already been to Cadiz and Seville, I would vote for Gibraltar. But I don't think I have ever seen that port on any Regent cruise. Obviously I could be wrong. Maybe they don't have docking privileges there. We'll find out soon enough.
Betty
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31041
04/19/07 04:06 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,923
Ngaire
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Well I stayed on the ship last time and did not go to Seville with John and Tonya --- BIG MISTAKE so from a personal point of view YIPPEE!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31042
04/19/07 04:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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Betty,
Gibraltar is a scheduled stop this year on the Navigator crossing.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31043
04/19/07 04:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Lots of very good options to take the place of Casablanca. We would welcome any of these ports.
Anyone know if Agadir will be scratched?
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31045
04/19/07 05:18 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,115
cruiseluv
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I hope that if they are going to scratch the Morocco stops they do it sooner rather than later to allow for planning for the new port(s).
Editing to add: Spring or fall are good times to visit Sevilla. I went in the summer and the heat was brutal ( 102 in the shade!).
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31046
04/19/07 05:33 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow
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Well...if the Tap cruise stops in Gibraltar you can get some advice from Frank and Wendy - they once lived there (if my memory serves) and had great stories about it.
Frank are you reading this?
Margo
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31047
04/19/07 05:36 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 331
TallShip
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31048
04/19/07 06:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 240
Island Cruiser
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I, too, am part of the play it safe crowd. All of the alternative ports suggested here sound great to me. And an extra day in Funchal also sounds like a winner. I trust Regent to make the correct decision. Of course finding space at alternative ports at this late date could be a challenge.
Patrick
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31049
04/19/07 06:40 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
pkd
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I would be very happy with Gibralter as an alternative port -- its omission was the sole disappointment for me in the itinerary to begin with. Cadiz, additional time in the Canary Islands or Funchal, all would be good. TAPers, you should know about your itinerary very soon, obviously. It will be interesting to see when a decision is made for the fall crossing.
Priscilla
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31050
04/19/07 03:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 110
Early Retiree
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Cadiz/Seville, please !
Merril
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31051
04/19/07 04:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Wonderful pix, John! Cadiz/Seville and/or Gibraltar would be fantastic ports.
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31052
04/19/07 06:55 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,923
Ngaire
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The official letters came into my email about an hour ago for the Navigator with Seville as the replacement port for Casablanca. Hopefully our information will be coming soon but I think it is obvious that Casablanca will be replaced.
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Re: Problems in Morocco
#31053
04/19/07 08:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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I am not trying to make light of the situation, but some of my business colleagues have just returned from Morocco and felt quite safe and had a great time. Sometimes the press makes things seem worse than they are. There are dangerous situations everywhere. Whatever RSSC decides will be fine, as I'm sure they have carefully considered the situation and our safety. I just wanted to let all of you know that it may just sound worse than it is.
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