Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and MSC Cruises all regularly call on Roatan, Honduras, despite the US State Dept. issuing a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the country.
In fact, multiple cruise ships visit Roatan most days, and the cruise lines have not made any effort to curtail excursions that leave the walled-off port area. Passengers can leave that closed-off section on foot or take local transportation despite the travel advisory, which make the dangers in Honduras very clear.
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"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," the State Department advisory reads.
The advisory does offer some solace for Roatan visitors.
"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," it added.
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Roatan tour operator pushes back
The State Department did, however, warn that in some areas, the law literally does not apply.
"In December 2022, the Government of Honduras declared a 'State of Exception' in response to high levels of extortion and other crimes. The declaration remains in effect and has been modified to include more cities. It allows the police to suspend constitutional rights in 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities," it shared.
That's both troubling and comforting, given that, if you do choose to leave the port area, heavily armed soldiers are very visible.
None of the major cruise lines that call on Roatan have changed their port schedules. In addition, one popular operator of excursions in Roatan, AT21 Tours Roatan, has issued a letter trying to reassure visitors.
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AT21 TOURS Roatán General Manager Bryan Tejada posted the letter on his company's Instagram page.
"We understand that recent news regarding a U.S. Department of Justice advisory for Honduras may have raised concerns about your upcoming trip. However, it’s important to note that Roatan, where you will be visiting, is fundamentally different from the mainland of Honduras, both in terms of safety and overall travel experience," he added.
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Roatan is an island
In many ways, Tejada is making the same argument Royal Caribbean (RCL) makes when it defends continuing to make port stops at its Labadee, Haiti, private destination, despite Haiti being under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
Basically, both the cruise line and Tejada try to separate their destination from the problem areas.
"Roatan is one of the Bay Islands located about 40 miles off the northern coast of mainland Honduras. It is a well-known tropical paradise, celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches, and welcoming local communities. Tourism is the lifeblood of the island, and local authorities work closely with law enforcement and tourism organizations to ensure it remains a safe, secure, and enjoyable destination for visitors," he added.
Tejada also makes a distinction that goes beyond what the State Department said about Roatan.
"The advisory you’ve read pertains to the mainland, where certain challenges exist in areas far removed both geographically and contextually from Roatan. In contrast, Roatan has a strong focus on maintaining its reputation as a premier tourist destination, which includes heightened safety protocols in areas frequented by visitors," he added.
The general manager did share a basic warning.
"That said, as with all travel (regardless of destination), we always recommend that visitors exercise basic precautions, such as safeguarding personal belongings and being aware of your surroundings. These are simply common-sense measures that help ensure a seamless travel experience," he wrote.
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Tejada expressed that he does not believe Roatan visitors are in any danger.
"Thousands of visitors safely enjoy the island every year, finding not just the stunning landscapes but also warm and friendly locals who make their visits special. We’re confident that your visit to Roatan will be everything you’ve hoped for and more," he closed with.
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