Carnival Cruise line has canceled shore excursions in Mexico after a warning from the U.S. State Departing. The warning comes after there was an explosion on a ferry which was transporting tourists between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen on the mainland.
You might be wondering what is going on and why Carnival has canceled many shore excursions in the region. On February 21 a local ferry in the popular cruise destination of play Del Carmen was docked and there was an explosion which caused 25 injuries including two from the U.S. it has later come to light after an investigation that it was an explosive device. According to local reports, there have also been a further two explosive devices found on a ferry at the island of Cozumel which is popular with cruise ships located just across the way from Playa Del Carmen.
#Mexico Security Alert: On 3/1 Mexican law enforcement found undetonated explosive devices on a tourist ferry that…
Posted by U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs on Friday, March 2, 2018
State Department Warning
As a result, the U.S. State Department has issued an actual travel ban for all government officials for this ferry route. Read what the departed posted:
On March 1, undetonated explosive devices were found by Mexican law enforcement on a tourist ferry that operates between Cozumel-Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  On February 21, an explosive device detonated on a tourist ferry in Playa del Carmen resulting in injuries, including to U.S. citizens. U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using all tourist ferries on this route until further notice. Mexican and U.S. law enforcement continue to investigate.
Carnival’s Response
Even though the U.S. State Department didn’t post a ban for regular tourists the cruise line has taken a precaution and taken action to protect the thousands of guests from Carnival cruise ships docked in Cozumel almost every day. Starting with the Carnival Breeze which is docking in Cozumel today those shore excursions where a ferry is needed have been canceled. Do read the details below from the cruise line:
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel ban for all government personnel from travelling on tourist ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. In an abundance of caution, we have cancelled all tours that make use of ferries and we strongly advise that ferries from Cozumel to the mainland be avoided. Guests with scheduled tours impacted by these changes will have their tickets refunded to their account.
There are still options available on the island of Cozumel where a ferry is not required. The Mexican Island does have plenty of good tours for passengers to enjoy not far from where the Carnival ships dock. It is not known how long the ban or the canceled tours will last for, hopefully not too long but guest safety overrules everything else especially when we’re talking about explosive devices.
