When preparing for a cruise vacation, understanding the potential safety issues present in the travel destinations you plan to visit is an important but sometimes overlooked part.
If a cruise is in your travel plans, take note—the U.S. State Department has just updated its travel advisories for two countries that cruise ships visit daily.
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The U.S. Department of State regularly updates its country-specific travel advisories to help U.S. citizens understand security risks and make informed decisions when planning travel abroad. In addition to assigning warnings ranging from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 4 (highest) for each country, the State Department’s travel warnings describe the risks and provide guidance to U.S. citizens to help them stay safe when traveling to the country.
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Updated travel warning for Costa Rica and Honduras
On December 10, the U.S. State Department updated its travel warning for Costa Rica and Honduras in Central America. Many cruise lines visit Costa Rica and Roatan, Honduras regularly.
The U.S. State Department has placed Costa Rica on a Level 2 travel advisory, advising travelers to be more cautious in the country due to criminal activity. The advisory states:
“Petit crime is common in Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, also affects tourists.
The advisory also recommends that if you decide to travel to Costa Rica:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets.
- Resisting robbery attempts is not recommended.
- Don’t show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
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The U.S. State Department placed Honduras on a Level 3 travel advisory due to crime concerns and advised travelers to reconsider travel to the country. The U.S. State Department also advises travelers not to travel to Honduras’ easternmost province of Gracias Dios, a remote area where crime is rampant. The Gracias a Dios sector is classified as a Level 4 travel advisory.
The Honduras country summary of the consultation states:
“Violent crime such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping remain common. Violent gang activity such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, drug and human trafficking is widespread. Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to effectively respond to serious crime incidents. The Gulf Islands’ Resources are concentrated around the resort areas (including Roatan, Utila and Guanaja), and security in these areas is also relatively good.
“Demonstrations take place regularly across the country, covering various political or economic issues. Protests, demonstrations, tire burnings and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable and can even turn violent. They can close roads and highways, often without prior notice or projected reopening timeline.
The advisory also recommends that if you decide to travel to Honduras:
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Don’t show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Do not use public transportation, including white taxis.
- Monitor local media for breaking stories and be prepared to adjust your plans.
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Is it safe to take a cruise to Roatán, Honduras?
Roatan, Honduras, an island off the northern coast of Honduras, is a popular cruise destination with many cruise lines visiting the island, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival even has its own private cruise port at Rosewood Bay in Roatan, which welcomes ships from cruise lines including Carnival’s Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.
Although Roatan is considered safer than mainland Honduras, petty theft still occurs on the island. Cruise ship passengers visiting the islands should be sure to follow State Department guidance and be extra vigilant when traveling to the islands. Dress appropriately and avoid carrying cash or valuables.
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When visiting Honduras or other cruise destinations with crime warnings, such as Costa Rica, where several cruise lines visit Puerto Limon, it is wise to book tours and shore excursions directly with the cruise line. Please check with your cruise line for any guidance they can provide to help passengers stay safe when disembarking at these ports.
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