Urgent Travel Warning: Popular Cruise Destinations ‘Off Limits’

(KMDL-FM) For thousands of American tourists, a "dream vacation" could more closely resemble a travel nightmare as the United States Department of State has just issued an urgent travel warning for all U.S. citizens. The urgent warning was issued on Sunday evening, and as of this report, there has been no timetable offered for when the travel restrictions might be lifted.

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The travel advisory has been posted for many popular tourist destinations in Mexico. The reason for the advisory is the uncertain fallout and potential for retaliatory violence following the death of a Mexican drug cartel leader known as El Mencho.

Which Destinations Are Americans Urged to Shelter in Place?

The State Department is warning Americans to shelter in place because of the threat of violence, and the fact that, due to security operations in Mexico, many roads are blocked. Those roadblock operations have impacted travel to and from resorts to airports in many Mexican locations.

In some popular tourist spots, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, local businesses have closed, and most taxi services are not running. But those are not the only tourist hot spots affected by the urgent travel advisory.

What Destinations in Mexico are Affected By the Shelter in Place Order?

Areas covered by the warning include Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States.

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If you are currently in Mexico or have friends or family who are visiting Mexico, the State Department is asking you to:

*Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements. Remain in your residences or hotels.
*Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
*Be aware of your surroundings.
*Monitor local media for updates.
*Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
Avoid crowds.
*Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.

How Will Current Travel Advisories Affect Mexico and Caribbean Cruises?

If you are currently on a cruise that includes stops in Mexico, your cruise line is currently evaluating the situation, and there could be itinerary changes. Many cruise lines serving Mexican ports have already cancelled shore excursions until further notice. Your cruise line and cruise advisor will have the latest details.

Perhaps your cruise will be redirected to a more friendly place to visit. Here are some of our favorites and they're pretty safe too.