Comments on: Breaking Strikes and Broken Hearts

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 16:28:22 +0000

In reply to tareen2338. It was a long time ago! I think we contacted them at the time, but I don't recall the response...

By: tareen2338

tareen2338 — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:25:59 +0000

I agree with you about SilverSea’s responsibility, maybe you should send them a link to this post and see if you get a response?

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:59:49 +0000

In reply to Dave Wood. Wow, great to have some background from someone who knows a bit more about whats going on. With the exception of this incident, we were only mildly inconvenienced by the taxi strike and I hope that it doesn't keep people from visiting such an amazing country!

By: Dave Wood

Dave Wood — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:46:30 +0000

This highlights the problems with unions. Many taxi drivers did not want to strike but were bullied into striking by those with a vested financial interest. The background to this strike can be blamed on the German Chancellor and her European colleagues who are insisting on opening up the closed shop for taxi drivers, and other trades in Greece in return for lending Greece the money to delay bankruptcy. Taxi licences had become a valuable commodity changing hands for tens, if not hundreds, of thousand of Euros. By opening up the trade to others these investments would become worthless, thus fuelling the strike. Needless to say the taxi drivers had absolutely no sympathy from the average Greek citizen, especially those who made their living from tourism. As a result of this strike and others, many cruise ships now avoid Athens.

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:08:35 +0000

In reply to Dad. That's a good idea. We didn't even think to contact them, but like I said we had no idea how serious the situation was.

By: Dad

Dad — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:32:49 +0000

This post has provoked some serious dialouge. You had no experience to make your decision any differently than you did and you have to chaulk it up as a learning lesson. Your poor driver however knew what he was getting into and the risks involved. Next time you find yourself in this situation or if I ever do I will contact the cruise line first and see what they offer as an option if any.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:27:45 +0000

In reply to Laura. Hi Laura, thank you so much for this comment. It's really nice to have the perspective of someone with some insight. I think part of our problem was the "striking culture" in America is no where near as strong as it is in Europe, and we didn't really understand how devastating the consequences of breaking strike would be. Your reaction is very level headed, thank you for your kind words.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:22:52 +0000

In reply to Kris Koeller. It's true, people are getting scared off! The news story I linked to has stories of missed flights and people unable to see Athens as they were blockaded from leaving their cruise ship. I sympathize with people taking action for a cause they believe in, but for a country in economic crisis I can't image the answer is to strangle the great income source that is tourism.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:19:41 +0000

In reply to karen. It definitely put a damper on that day, and we were reminded of it at every port when we saw striking drivers. It didn't affect us the rest of the trip so we were lucky I think.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:18:27 +0000

In reply to Kathryn. I just sent them the link on Twitter. I'll keep you updated!