Royal Caribbean Suspends Manzanillo Trips Amid Alarming Crime Surge

Royal Caribbean cruise vessels have halted departures to a Mexican location after national authorities issued a travel advisory for the tropical site due to elevated murder rates and incidents of kidnapping.

The US Department of State assigned Manzanillo, the largest city in Colima, a Level 4: Do Not Travel classification – the agency’s most severe travel warning – leading the well-known cruise line to suspend all visits to the area due to the significant and life-endangering threat to travelers, as indicated by reports.

“Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are omnipresent,” the agency cautioned.

“Most homicides are deliberate assassinations targeting individuals involved in criminal groups. Incidents of gunfire between these groups have injured or claimed the lives of bystanders. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have fallen victim to kidnapping.”

Colima, a petite state situated along the Pacific coastline of Mexico, has an alarming murder rate of 22 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants – five times more than the national average for Mexico and among the highest rates worldwide, the Latin Times reported.

National statistics indicate that the Mexican state, smaller than Delaware, recorded 623 homicides from January to October of this year, the outlet disclosed.

Just last week, notorious cartel leader Jose “El Chabelo” Isabel was killed in a confrontation with police following a hit carried out during a local cockfight, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries in Manzanillo.

The travel advisory did allow for one exception concerning the actual cruise port.

“Travel for U.S. government employees is restricted to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo,” the advisory continued.

“U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to other regions of Colima state.”

Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean still has the port listed on its website, indicating that voyages may resume once the advisory is rescinded.

The cruise company portrays the city as a bustling fishing port featuring golden beaches and a lush rainforest that promises to create “memories lasting a lifetime.”

“Revel in frolic and Playa Miramar as seagulls dive into the surf in front of you to capture their meal, or learn from a local expert how to catch striped marlin, sailfish or tuna in the depths of the Pacific,” the cruise line suggests, emphasizing various activities and eateries available for travelers.

In spite of the warning, Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival, still has ships scheduled to visit Manzanillo in January and February, the outlet reported.

The State Department utilizes a four-tier warning system urging tourists to remain vigilant during travel. The agency only advises against visiting a location when it issues a Level 4 alert.

Other destinations carrying a similar warning include: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Haiti, and Yemen.

The federal agency has also put forth a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning for Puerto Chiapas, located at the southernmost point of Mexico’s Pacific shoreline, attributing it to heightened crime rates throughout the state.

Norwegian, Holland America, and Princess Cruise lines typically sail to this Mexican destination, The Street reported, with only Princess Cruise still scheduled to anchor there.

“Reconsider travel due to crime,” the agency communicated.

“Criminal activity and violence could transpire throughout the state.”

The Post attempted to contact Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises but did not receive a prompt reply from the cruise lines.