Staying informed of potential safety concerns that exist in travel destinations you plan to visit is an important, but sometimes overlooked, part of preparing for a cruise vacation.
If a cruise is in your travel plans, take note – the U.S. State Department just updated its travel advisories for two countries visited by cruise ships every day.
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The State Department makes regular updates to its country-specific travel advisories to help U.S. citizens understand safety and security risks and make informed decisions when planning a trip abroad. Along with designating a warning from Level 1, the lowest, to Level 4, the highest, for each country, the State Department’s travel advisories describe the risks and offer guidance to U.S. citizens to help them stay safe when traveling to the country.
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Travel advisories updated for Costa Rica and Honduras
On Dec. 10, the State Department updated its travel advisories for Costa Rica and Honduras in Central America. A number of cruise lines regularly visit Limón, Costa Rica, and Roatán, Honduras.
The State Department lists Costa Rica as a Level 2 Travel advisory, recommending that travelers exercise increased caution in the country due to crime. The advisory states that:
“Petty crime is common throughout 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.
- It is not recommended to resist robbery attempts.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
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Due to crime, the State Department lists Honduras as Level 3 Travel Advisory and recommends that travelers reconsider travel to the country. The State Department also advises travelers not to travel to Gracias a Dios Department, the most eastern department of Honduras, an isolated region with high levels of criminal activity. Gracias a Dios Department is listed as a Level 4 Travel Advisory.
The advisory’s country summary for Honduras states:
“Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, remains common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking, is widespread. Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents. Around resort areas in the Bay Islands, which include Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, there is a concentration of resources, and these areas are better policed.”
“Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. Protests, demonstrations, tire burnings, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. They can shut down roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines.”
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.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
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Is it safe to travel to Roatán, Honduras on a cruise?
Roatán, Honduras, is an island off the northern coast of Honduras that’s a popular cruise destination visited by many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival even has its own private cruise port on Roatán island, Mahogany Bay, which welcomes ships from Carnival-owned cruise lines including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.
While Roatán is considered safer than mainland Honduras, the island does still experience petty theft. Cruise passengers visiting the island should make sure to follow the State Department’s guidance to be extra vigilant when traveling to the island. Dress down and avoid being flashy with cash or valuables.
Related: What the US government’s Bahamas travel warning means for cruises
It’s wise to only book tours and shore excursions directly through your cruise line when visiting Honduras or another cruise destination with a crime warning like Costa Rica, where several cruise lines visit Puerto Limón. Check with your cruise line for any guidance they can provide to help passengers stay safe when getting off the ship in these ports.
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