Royal Caribbean has stopped cruises to Manzanillo, Mexico, following a Level 4 travel advisory issued by the US State Department. The advisory warns against travel due to violent crime and kidnapping risks in the region.
Royal Caribbean has canceled cruises to Manzanillo, Mexico, following the US Department of State's Level 4 "Do Not Travel" recommendation. The alert, which cites high murder rates and rampant kidnappings, is the agency's most severe caution, emphasizing the region's security threats.
Manzanillo, Colima's central city, is famed for its beautiful beaches and jungles, but it has also become a hotbed for violent crimes. Colima, a state on Mexico's Pacific coast, with a shocking murder rate of 22 per 100,000 people, five times the national average. According to the Latin Times, the state reported 623 homicides from January to October.
The alert included rampant gang activity, targeted assassinations, and incidents in which bystanders were caught in the crossfire. It also reported incidences of kidnappings involving US citizens. While the cruise port region of Manzanillo remains an exception, with limited US government employee travel authorized, Royal Caribbean has opted to cancel all visits.
Despite the alert, Royal Caribbean's website still offers Manzanillo as a destination, indicating that cruises may continue if conditions improve. Princess Cruises, a Carnival affiliate, is allegedly planning a visit to Manzanillo in January and February, showing mixed reactions to the advise.
Royal Caribbean's Galveston port continues to serve other destinations. Before embarking on a journey, travelers should check State Department recommendations, which follow a four-tier warning system.
