U.S. issues travel advisories for two Caribbean cruise ports: What new safety concerns you need to know?

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for two popular Caribbean cruise destinations, highlighting safety risks that travelers should consider before planning visits. These advisories underscore the importance of understanding the security landscape in regions visited by cruise ships.

The State Department warns that violent crime, including targeted assassinations and gang-related shootings, is prevalent in the region.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) have been victims of kidnappings, and bystanders have been injured in clashes between criminal groups.

While the advisory allows limited travel for U.S. government employees to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, it strictly prohibits movement beyond these zones.

The southernmost cruise port in Mexico, Puerto Chiapas, is under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to criminal activity and violence in Chiapas State. This port serves as a gateway to Tapachula and other areas in the state, which have also reported safety concerns.

Currently, only Princess Cruises has scheduled stops at Puerto Chiapas, with no announcements yet about canceling these calls. The advisory encourages travelers to exercise heightened caution if visiting the region.

Cruise lines often navigate State Department advisories differently, weighing the risk against the feasibility of visits. For areas under Level 3 warnings, such as Puerto Chiapas, cruise operators may proceed cautiously, while destinations with Level 4 advisories like Manzanillo are more likely to see reduced or halted itineraries.

When planning cruises to regions under travel advisories:

These updated advisories reflect ongoing concerns about traveler safety in some regions and serve as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and informed.