Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival and MSC Cruises regularly stop in Roatán, Honduras, despite the U.S. State Department issuing a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the country.
In fact, several cruise ships visit Roatán most days, and the cruise lines have made no effort to restrict excursions leaving the walled port area. Passengers can leave that closed stretch on foot or take local transportation despite travel warnings, which make the dangers in Honduras very clear.
Related: US shares travel warning on 2 more cruise ports in Caribbean
“Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies and kidnappings, remain common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crimes, rape, narcotics and human trafficking, are widespread. Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents,” the State Department advisory reads.
The advisory offers some comfort to visitors to Roatán.
“Around the tourist areas of the Bay Islands, which include Roatán, Utila and Guanaja, there is a concentration of resources and these areas are better monitored,” he added.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Subscribe to the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com
Roatán tour operator resists
However, the State Department warned 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 police to suspend constitutional rights in 226 of the 298 municipalities in the country,” he shared.
This is both worrying and comforting, given that if you decide to leave the port area, the heavily armed soldiers are very visible.
None of the major cruise lines that call in Roatán have changed their port schedules. Additionally, a popular tour operator in Roatan, AT21 Tours Roatan, has published a letter attempting to reassure visitors.
More cruise stories:
- Watch: 'Drunk' Royal Caribbean Passenger Goes Crazy
- Royal Caribbean performer shares secrets from show day
- Carnival Cruise Line Has Biggest Problems With Beverage Packages
AT21 TOURS Roatán general manager Bryan Tejada posted the letter on his company's instagram page.
“We understand that recent news about a US Department of Justice advisory for Honduras may have raised concerns about your upcoming trip. However, it is important to note that Roatán, where you will visit, is fundamentally different from mainland Honduras, both in terms of safety and overall travel experience,” he added.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or first) cruise.
Roatan is an island
In many ways, Tejada is making the same argument that Royal Caribbean makes when it defends continuing to make port calls at its private destination of Labadee, Haiti, even though Haiti is under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
Basically, both the cruise line and Tejada are trying to separate their destination from problem areas.
“Roatán is one of the Bay Islands located about 40 miles off the northern coast of mainland Honduras. It is a well-known tropical paradise, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches and welcoming local communities. Tourism is the lifeblood “The island and local authorities work closely with law enforcement and tourism organizations to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors,” he added.
Tejada also makes a distinction that goes beyond what the State Department said about Roatán.
“The advisory you have read refers to the mainland, where certain challenges exist in areas that are very remote both geographically and contextually from Roatán. In contrast, Roatán has a strong focus on maintaining its reputation as a premier tourist destination, which includes protocols reinforced security in areas frequented by visitors,” he added.
The CEO shared a basic warning.
“That said, as with all travel (regardless of the destination), we always recommend that visitors take basic precautions, such as safeguarding their personal belongings and being aware of their surroundings. These are simply common sense measures that help ensure a great experience. perfect trip,” he wrote.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Tejada expressed that he does not believe that visitors to Roatán are in any danger.
“Thousands of visitors safely enjoy the island each year, encountering not only the stunning landscapes but also the warm, friendly people who make their visits special. We are confident that your visit to Roatán will be everything you hoped for and more.” closed with.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to get answers to all your questions.
