Key Aspects:
- The US Government has issued a new travel advisory covering the entirety of Mexico.
- The country as a whole has been given a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory.
- Specific cruise ports may be under more or less severe warnings, but know that the cruise lines will never sail guests somewhere that is too dangerous.
Rather than updating the travel advisory for one specific location, the US State Department has updated the advisory for the entire country of Mexico in one fell swoop.
As of August 12, 2025, Mexico has officially been classified as a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory.
The reason behind the advisory is to make guests aware of “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping” that occurs within the North American country.
But while these reasons are quite serious, this doesn’t mean that cruise passengers shouldn’t visit or need to stay hidden onboard. It just means that they should take appropriate precautions while in port.
“Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery,” reads the newly updated advisory.
“There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico,” it continues.
Especially in more remote or rural areas, access to emergency services may also be hard to come by or entirely unavailable.
And in the unlikely event that cruise guests are stopped at a road checkpoint, the US government urges visitors to comply with instructions, as trying to flee or ignoring authorities can lead to injury, or even death.
Of course, this advisory has been issued not to scare potential cruise guests, but to make sure they are armed with the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe.
All that said, the cruise lines are extremely safety-oriented, and will not bring guests to destinations that are unsafe.
In fact, Royal Caribbean is even expanding its presence in Mexico with the creation of Perfect Day Mexico on Costa Maya and Royal Beach Club Cozumel – which the brand would not do if safety was a big concern.
Safety Concerns Vary At Different Cruise Ports
Generally, the actual cruise ports and shore excursions booked directly through the cruise line or through reputable vendors are considered safer than other areas.
Over 9 million cruisers visited Mexico in 2024, most of whom came and went with no issue, with upwards of 10 million guests expected in 2025.
However, the safety level may vary based on the regions where the cruise ports are located.
For example, the State of Guerrero, which is home to Acapulco, is under heightened risk and listed as the most severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory” due to “terroism and crime.”
“There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. Armed groups are active independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero,” the advisory notes.
Manzanillo, which joins Acapulco on the Mexican Riviera, is also under a Level 4 warning due to terroism, crime, and kidnapping.
Read Also: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Cruise Vacation
Meanwhile, ports located within the Baja California region, such as Ensenada, are under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” warning. This is again connected to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
The risk is not quite as bad as in areas under the Level 4 advisory, but it’s still more significant than the Level 2 advisory that the country as a whole has been placed under.
However, Cabo, which is located in Baja California Sur, is only under a Level 2 advisory.
Ports within Quintana Roo, such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Playa Del Carmen, are also at that more moderate Level 2.
Even better, the State of Yucatan is under the lowest “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory. This is where the Progreso Cruise Port can be found.
No matter in the world cruisers are sailing to, whether that is Mexico or somewhere else entirely, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and stay aware of one’s surroundings.
Anything can happen anywhere at anytime, regardless of the travel advisory in place.
