JIM, I have to agree with Ngaire here, our cruise is such a long way off, and I am not the least worried, not even a smidge, about Istanbul. It will make you feel better to know those demonstrations were nowhere in the vicinity of the Amira, and I mean far off. They were not in the "old" city, where your hotel, and everything you will want to see is located. I have booked my first night at Amira (doing the pre-cruise and this is what worked out) and I could not be less concerned. It is like Ngaire said, the TV's only go to the worst parts of any city, and exaggerate like the whole city is burning, rioting, or whatever.

VAL, I'm on the same cruise (the BK extended version of MARINER) I have written to a man I used last fall, for a pick up at the ship for a transport to the airport. I will ask him if he can arrange a transfer for you as well. I have to go to the airport, I forget the time, but it is somewhat early. Last time I came into Nice last fall, one of his associates took several of us to either Nice city, or Monte Carlo in two different vans.

There are also trains, and perhaps busses between Nice and MC. But if I were you, I would not do this. Not that I have, I just know what those ports look like for hauling luggage. Once I came to Nice airport when there was a taxi strike and had to take the bus to town and walk to my hotel. NOT fun. Where will you be staying? I will tell him. There may be others on this cruise who are staying over and would want to share the fare.