Royal Caribbean Halts Cruises to Manzanillo
Royal Caribbean has made the decision to suspend all cruise trips to Manzanillo, Mexico, following a severe travel advisory issued by federal officials. This advisory comes in response to alarming crime rates, including high instances of murder and kidnapping, in the region. The U.S. Department of State has classified Manzanillo, the largest city in the state of Colima, with a Level 4: Do Not Travel designation. This is the agency’s most serious travel warning, indicating a significant risk to travelers. As a result, Royal Caribbean has ceased all travel to this tropical destination, prioritizing the safety of its passengers.
Rising Crime Rates in Manzanillo
The travel advisory highlights the widespread violent crime and gang activity in Manzanillo. The U.S. Department of State has explicitly warned against travel to the area due to the high risk of crime and kidnapping. According to the advisory, most homicides in the region are targeted assassinations linked to criminal organizations. Tragically, these violent incidents often result in injuries or fatalities among innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have also fallen victim to kidnappings in the area.
Colima, a small state on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has a staggering murder rate of 22 homicides per 100,000 residents. This figure is five times higher than the national average for Mexico and ranks among the highest murder rates globally. National statistics reveal that Colima recorded 623 homicides from January to October of this year alone. The situation escalated recently when notorious cartel leader Jose “El Chabelo” Isabel was killed in a shootout with police after a violent incident at a local cockfight, which left two people dead and several others injured. Such incidents underscore the serious security concerns in the region.
Cruise Line Responses and Future Outlook
In light of the travel advisory, Royal Caribbean has temporarily removed Manzanillo from its cruise itineraries. However, the cruise line still lists the port on its website, suggesting that travel may resume once the advisory is lifted. The cruise line has previously promoted Manzanillo as a vibrant fishing harbor, boasting golden beaches and lush rainforests. They highlight various activities, such as fishing for striped marlin and enjoying local cuisine, which they claim create “memories that will last a lifetime.”
Despite the warnings, Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival, still plans to dock in Manzanillo in January and February. This decision raises questions about the safety of travelers and the cruise industry’s response to the ongoing security issues in the region. The U.S. Department of State employs a four-level warning system to guide travelers, with Level 4 indicating that tourists should avoid the area entirely. Other locations under similar warnings include Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine, among others. Additionally, the State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning for Puerto Chiapas, citing increased crime levels. As the situation evolves, travelers and cruise lines alike must remain vigilant and informed about safety conditions in these regions.
