jhp:

You are correct. I addressed the wrong issue. And I addressed problems in SW Asia, instead of SE Asia as Claudia meant. News has been filtering slowly out of the ravaged area, as one would expect due to destruction of communications and distance from here. It is a very sad situation. Last time I heard, the death toll was between 100,000 and 200,000. We have donated to the relief effort, and I beg others to do the same.

As far as cruising goes, there are many unaffected ports and areas in SE Asia, and I'm sure the cruise lines will modify their itineraries accordingly for some time in the future.

Thanks,
Richard