Royal Caribbean Suspends Cruise Calls to Manzanillo Following U.S. Travel Advisory

RCI-Royal Caribbean International has decided to suspend its cruise calls to Manzanillo, Mexico, following a severe Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State. This advisory comes in response to escalating risks of violent crime and kidnapping in the Colima state, where Manzanillo is located.

The U.S. warning highlights significant threats such as widespread gang activity, violent crime, and targeted assassinations linked to organized crime. American citizens and legal permanent residents have already been victims of kidnappings in the area. Despite Colima being one of Mexico’s smallest states, it has a murder rate nearly five times higher than the national average, with the National Public Security System reporting 623 intentional homicides from January to October 2024.

Manzanillo is the largest city in Colima and a popular tourist destination, but the advisory restricts U.S. government employee travel beyond the port and tourist zones. Royal Caribbean’s decision to halt visits to Manzanillo reflects a commitment to passenger safety amid these concerns.

While Royal Caribbean has chosen to withdraw, other cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, plan to continue including Manzanillo in their itineraries into early 2025. The Department of State has issued varying levels of travel advisories for each of Mexico’s 31 states; while many areas are marked as low to moderate risk (Level 1 or Level 2), Colima is flagged among the high-risk locations.

Recent incidents, like the police confrontation that resulted in the death of cartel leader Jose "El Chabelo" Isabel during a cockfight in Manzanillo, further highlight the ongoing violence in the region. This confrontation left multiple fatalities and injuries, showcasing the increasing cartel-related violence in the area.

Mexico continues to face major challenges with violent crime, being a significant transit point for various narcotics. The political climate in the country has also intensified violence during the 2024 election period, marking a record number of political assassinations in modern history.

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