Planning a Cruise and Concerned about Safety in European Ports

We have been on two HA cruises and have done the Scandinavia route. You are no more likely to be ripped off in Oslo than in Rome or any other major city including Miami. Always have to be somewhat careful with cabs -- make sure the meter is working, know in general where you are going, and ask the price. We did mostly local tours and used the local bus system without any problems.

You are more likely to be in physical danger in almost any North American city than in any of the European ones you mention. Look on the graffiti Wll under scams and get some idea of the ways you may be duped, and as suggested, settle on the cab fare before entering, or ensure the meter is turned on.

I would read up on some American cities to get an idea of what can happen at home. Have you ever heard about the visitors to our shores who took taxis in some of the major cities? Talk about being ripped off!

Honestly, read up about the scams like you would before travelling to our cities, take the same precautions you would in NY, LA, Detroit, etc. and you should be fine.

Bon voyage!

Ypu've listed some of the safest cities in the world. Had you mentioned Naples or Marseilles, more caution would be appropriate. The advice you've been given about cabs is appropriate anywhere, not just at cruise ports.

Please tell me you are not serious.

Cities listed are safer then yours.

Make sure you get in metered taxis and watch your purse in ANY touristy city,,including MINE.

The economy being down in Europe is not the same as the economy being down in the US, therefore you will not see an increase in crime. People will still have health insurance, they will not get their electricity shut off, they will not get evicted, all those situations that cause people to go out and steal if they were not a criminal before, are not really there.

Seriously though, Jacksonville crime rate has got to be way higher than any place in Europe. Being scammed by a cab does not make it in my book as dangerous crime. It is just cabbies taking advantage of tourists who are not particularly saavy.

Lynda, ask the taxis what the fare is to wherever you want to go. You may not know what they charge "locals", but if it seems fair to you, take it. And trust me, you'll be safe in Amsterdam and Haarlem!

I suppose it's true that, like many other decent-sized cities in the U.S., Jacksonville does have a serious crime problem, especially in some very disadvantaged areas of town. As I'm sure you know well, many parts of the metro area are as safe as anywhere. But, discussing Jacksonville was not the purpose of your post. As for the cities you're going to be visiting in Europe, tourist safety concerns are essentially limited to petty theft and scams. Violent crime really isn't an issue. Check the State Department website for specifics...I recall reading something recently about an increase in cruise ship tourist theft around ports in Denmark. Unless you're planning on clubbing in Amsterdam, you're not going to need to worry about the issues they've had with date rape-type drugs placed in drinks. Otherwise, heed the advice already given, pay attention, use your common sense, practice the same level of personal security awareness that you would in any U.S. city, and read Rick's information about personal safety. You'll be fine...it's safe!