To sum up the article, the cruise line Azmara Club Cruises was asked by customers if they could make a cruise to Egypt so that the customers could "see history in the making." First of all, how is it really ethical to direct a cruise to a place where there is political turmoil? Second, how ethical is it to market that someone can watch history happen? Apparently because of the zero-supply of cruises (since they were all rerouted to protect the safety of their passengers), the demand has shot up and people want a part of the action.
I have two friends from high school in Egypt right now. Both of them chose to stay because it was exciting and different. I understand that when you've committed to a semester abroad, it's not easy to just go back to school in the states and cancel your plans. However, doesn't it just seem so American to want to butt into the political issues in other countries? Why is it that we feel so safe being a part of riots in another country? Would we be safe in a violent protest stateside? I doubt it.
My concern is the fact that marketing for this cruise is based on an idea that is most likely very limited. I suppose that they would be making history in that the cruise-liner would be the first back after the Egyptian revolution that just took place. How else is a person watching history in the making during this cruise? I have no idea, and I think that the marketing seems "off" to me. I also have a feeling that if things are not settled by the embarking date (November), then it's probably a bad idea to head over there on a cruise.
My question is this: why would someone want to go somewhere that is politically out of whack and how can you market something like this, ethically?
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