Cruise Lines Adapt Strategies for High-Risk Travel Destinations

Cruise Lines Adapt Strategies for High-Risk Travel Destinations

Cruise lines are brazenly defying US government travel warnings, continuing to dock at high-risk destinations plagued by violence and crime.

At a Glance

  • Royal Caribbean’s resort in Haiti remains open despite a “Do Not Travel” advisory
  • Cruise lines continue visits to destinations with Level 3 or 4 travel advisories
  • Companies claim enhanced security measures and isolated tourist zones justify operations
  • Cruise industry emphasizes safety protocols and itinerary adjustments when necessary
  • New resort developments planned in the Bahamas despite crime concerns

Cruise Lines Throw Caution to the Wind

In a display of corporate hubris that would make even the most shameless politicians blush, major cruise lines are thumbing their noses at U.S. State Department travel advisories. These seafaring titans of industry have decided that their bottom line trumps the safety concerns of a mere government agency. Who needs those pesky “Do Not Travel” warnings when there’s money to be made, right?

Take Royal Caribbean, for instance. They’ve got a swanky private resort in Labadee, Haiti – a country the State Department has helpfully labeled a “focal point for armed activity.” But hey, why let a little armed conflict get in the way of a good time? Royal Caribbean paused trips for a whole seven months in 2024, probably just long enough for the PR department to come up with a good spin. Now they’re back at it, assuring us that their private security and “minimal crime” at the resort make it all hunky-dory.

Safety in Numbers… of Dollars

But wait, there’s more! Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess are also getting in on the action, ferrying passengers to destinations with Level 3 or Level 4 advisories. Honduras and certain Mexican states are apparently must-see locations, never mind the State Department’s warnings about widespread violence and crimes. These cruise lines have apparently discovered that tourist areas are magical force fields, impenetrable to the chaos just beyond their borders.


“prioritize safety and security in all of their operations and closely monitor all planned routes, including working closely with global security experts and government authorities.” – spokesperson for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association

Oh, well, if the Cruise Lines International Association says they’re monitoring routes and working with “global security experts,” we can all rest easy. I’m sure those experts have a foolproof plan to repel armed gangs with nothing but overpriced cocktails and cheesy onboard entertainment.

The Bahamas: Sun, Sand, and a Dash of Danger

But let’s not forget the crown jewel of cruise destinations: The Bahamas. Currently sitting pretty with a Level 2 advisory due to crime on Grand Bahama and New Providence. But fear not, intrepid travelers! Carnival and Royal Caribbean are doubling down, developing new resorts set to open in 2025. Nothing says “we care about your safety” quite like building more tourist traps in areas known for criminal activity.

The U.S. government’s advice to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas is clearly just a suggestion. I mean, who needs caution when you’ve got all-you-can-eat buffets and poolside limbo contests? Surely those activities will keep you safe from any ne’er-do-wells lurking just beyond the resort walls.

A Call to Common Sense

Look, folks, I’m all for a good vacation. But when did we decide that ignoring government warnings and putting profits over people’s safety was the American way? These cruise lines are playing a dangerous game, betting that their private security and isolated resorts will be enough to keep passengers safe in countries plagued by violence and instability.

It’s high time we demanded better from these corporate giants. If they want to sail to these high-risk destinations, they should be required to provide full disclosure to passengers about the risks involved. Better yet, maybe they should focus on destinations that don’t require an armed escort to enjoy. Until then, buyer beware – your dream vacation might just be a nightmare waiting to happen.