Travel to Popular Mexico Cruise Port HALTED Due to Murders, Kidnappings

Will this major update change your travel plans?

There have been lots of travel updates lately from major changes for Southwest Airlines to outbreaks of Norovirus aboard cruise ships. Now one cruise line has halted travel to a popular Mexican destination.

Royal Caribbean has made a major change to some of its cruise itineraries due to major crime rates. In September 2024, the U.S. Department of State released a travel advisory that listed Colima State as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination.

The travel advisory states that travel is restricted due to crime and kidnapping. It also details violent crime and gang activity that lead to shootouts between different criminal organizations that have previously harmed or killed bystanders.

The advisory also detailed travel limitations for U.S. government employees. In Manzanillo, travel is limited to the tourist and port areas, and employees traveling there from Guadalajara “must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.” This impacts Royal Caribbean specifically as they have chosen to pull all travel to Manzanillo due to concern for their guests on board.

©Royal Caribbean via The Orlando Sentinel

The travel advisory didn’t list the port specifically and Royal Caribbean has left the port on its website, so it can be assumed this port will be added back to some itineraries once the travel advisory is lifted.

There was no expiration date on the advisory, but the state department did offer recommendations if you still choose to travel to any location listed:

Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

Don’t forget to be vigilant and smart no matter where you are traveling to protect yourself and your group. As always, keep following AllEars.Net for more travel advisories and news.