These cruise ports are under a US ‘do not travel’ safety warning

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These cruise ports are under a US ‘do not travel’ safety warning

The United States government rarely forbids Americans from visiting a country. In very rare cases, like Cuba and North Korea, travel is heavily restricted, but in most other cases, the State Department simply issue warning.

A Level 1 warning is simply a call to “Exercise normal precautions.” That could apply in nearly any American city and it’s not much to worry about. Level 2 is a bit more serious as it’s American travelers to “Exercise increased caution.”

Related: Royal Caribbean passenger makes $1,300 mistake

In both cases a Level 2 or Level 2 warning might come with advice on specific places to avoid or scams to watch out for. Cruise lines generally ignore Level 1 and Level 2 warnings because many parts of the world are under them.

“Level 3: Reconsider Travel” and “Level 4: Do Not Travel” are much more serious, but even when those are issued, cruise lines often ignore them. Usually, that’s for special circumstances where a cruise port is far from the area where the warning has been issued.

In many cases, a country may be dangerous, but its top tourism areas are well protected. That’s true in one of two cruise ports currently under a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning from the US State Department.

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Royal Caribbean has resumed its visit to Labadee, which is technically in Haiti.Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com

Royal Caribbean has resumed its visit to Labadee, which is technically in Haiti.Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com

Royal Caribbean still visits Haiti

The State Department’s warning on Haiti leaves very little wiggle room

“Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care,” the federal agency shared.

Royal Caribbean did, for a time, stop visiting its Labadee, Haiti private resort destination despite the seeming dangers in the country.

Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed,” according to the State Dept.

Labadee, however, is close to six hour by car from Port_au_Prince, where the worst of the fighting has been centered.

“The airport in Port-au-Prince can be a focal point for armed activity. Armed robberies are common. Carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic. They often target lone drivers, especially women. As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport,” the federal agency added.

Royal Caribbean has maintained that Labadee is far enough from the fighting to be evacuated should danger moved closer. In fact, Carnival’s cruise port in the Dominican Republic, which shares an island with Haiti is much closer to t he fighting in Haiti.

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Mexican port also has a Level 4 warning

While multiple Mexican ports have some level of US State Department advisory only one, Manzanillo, a section of Mexico in Colima State is under Level 4: Do not travel advisory.

Royal Caribbean has stopped sailing to the port although it’s still promoted on its website.

“Manzanillo might not be the first place on Mexico’s Pacific Coast you think to visit, but its golden beaches, lively fishing harbor and emerald rainforest will leave memories that will last a lifetime,” the cruise line shared.

Royal Caribbean really sells the destination hard, even though it has no future sailings planned to stop there.

“Frolic on Playa Miramar as seagulls dive into the waves in front of you to catch their lunch, or learn from a local expert how to fish for striped marlin, sailfish or tuna in the depths of the Pacific,” it added.

Princess Cruises, a Carnival-owned company, still has ships set for call on Manzanillo in January and February.

The warning includes more strong language.

“Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping,” according to the State Department.

Related: Popular Caribbean cruise port extends state of emergency

The port area is an exception in the American government officials are still allowed to travel there.

“U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours,” the advisory warned.

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