Ellen - We were booked on a RSSC Venice-Istanbul cruise a couple years ago, and they substituted Athens for Instanbul a few months prior to embarkation due to security concerns. I had booked our own Lufthansa tickets (through United), and I phoned United to see what I needed to do to change the return flight. As soon as I said that the cruise itinerary was changed due to "security reaons" the agent said "non problem; and no charge in that case." Of course, I don't know if that's still their policy. But worst case, I think we'd just have to pay the normal $100/pp change fee (I hope).

Jan - I wonder why Oceania offers such great promotions (e.g., the just-ended 2-for-1 fare + free air) if they're booking up quickly. Or are these promotional offers the reason for filling up early?

Jack