#480 Taiwan replaces Japan

We'll be bypassing our stops in Japan and docking in Keelung near Taipei, Taiwan!

via Google Maps

Thanks to the Institute for Shipboard Education for their good work in keeping us safe and finding an alternate port out of harm's way.  We have sailed on 3 voyages and each time ISE has altered our itinerary to keep us safe.   We appreciate it!

March 17, 2011: The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), in consultation with sources from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the U.S. Department of State, global risk agency ASI Group, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Spring 2011 voyage administration and faculty, has decided to replace its call to Japan with a four-day stop in Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. ISE continues to monitor the ongoing situation and will make any other necessary changes as needed. The NRC has dispatched nuclear experts in Japan and currently reports that radiation concerns are limited to the proximity of Fukushima. According to the NRC and other authorities, upcoming ports of calls in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, and Hawaii are not considered to be at risk for any radiation exposure, due to their geographic distance from northern Japan. Currently, ISE is determining logistical arrangements and a field program for Taiwan, which will be posted to the current voyage website as soon as confirmed. Pending final confirmation, the expected arrival date in Taiwan will be April 4 and the departure will be April 7. The remainder of the itinerary remains unchanged.

From a SAS history buff, here’s some information on previous visits to Taiwan:

• Number of SAS visits to Keelung, Taiwan: 41 (the 4th most visited SAS port)
• First SAS visit to Keelung: Voyage 8 (Fall 1967, on the SS Ryndam)
• First SAS voyage with China/Taiwan combination: Voyage 53 (Fall 1991)
• Other China/Taiwan combination voyages: Voyage 57 (Fall 1993) and Voyage 84 (Summer 2004, the first voyage of the MV Explorer)
• Most recent SAS visit to Taiwan: Voyage 90 (Summer 2006, the first voyage with UVA)

Yours in appreciation and anticipation,

Mary