Most dangerous cruise ports revealed as travelers urged to be cautious when leaving the ship

Cruises are typically associated with luxury and relaxation. With all-you-can-eat food, unlimited drinks and endless activities at your disposal, what could go wrong?

But according to travel expert Jason, there is actually a very serious hidden danger that comes with cruising that people don't always talk about.

Jason - who runs a podcast called The Travel Scouts with his wife, Kellie, in which they often share cruise news and tips - revealed in a recent episode that many of the ports that the boats stop at are in cities that are extremely risky.

He explained that vacationers often wrongfully assume that they're safe when getting off the ship on the various islands it stops at.

But in reality, he warned that some of the destinations are in areas that are high in crime, violence, kidnapping and even murder.

'Anytime you're going to be cruising to a new destination it's important to know a little bit about the danger levels and what you need to be on the lookout for,' he explained.

'When cruising, there are some ports that can be a little sketchy if you're not aware and you go to the wrong areas.'

Thankfully, he studied crime statistic data and government warnings that have been issued and made a list of the most dangerous cruise ports in the world. Here are the cruise ports you should be wary of.

Jason runs a podcast with his wife, Kellie, in which they often share cruise news and tips, and he shared a hidden danger that comes with cruising that people don't always talk about

Cruises are typically associated with luxury and relaxation. With all-you-can-eat food, unlimited drinks and endless activities at your disposal, what could go wrong? (stock image)

 

Belize City

First on Jason's list was Belize City in Belize, as he noted that the US State Department currently has the city listed with a 'level three travel advisory.'

According to the State Department, tourists should 'reconsider travel' to the southside of Belize City 'due to crime.' 

'Violent crime in Belize City mostly happens in the south side of the city. It is often connected to gang activity,' its website warns. 

'Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs.

'Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. 

'Emergency medical services are usually unavailable or significantly delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses normally require medical evacuation to another country.' 

Jason revealed in a recent episode that many of the ports that the boats stop at are in cities that are extremely risky (stock image)

First on Jason's list of ports to be wary of was Belize City in Belize (seen), as he noted that the US State Department currently has the city listed with a 'level three travel advisory'

Jason explained that he had been to the Central American city 'many times' and described it as a 'very sketchy area.' 

He noted that the port area where you arrive is considered secure and suggested staying in that area to ensure your safety.

'You're going to be absolutely fine if you want to stay in the port area to shop and browse around. But it is not advised to wander off into Belize City on your own,' he stressed.

He also recommended only booking excursions directly through the cruise line and not through a third party. 

 

Trinidad and Tobago

Jason also stressed the importance of being careful if your cruise stops at the island of Trinidad and Tobago, which is located just off the coast of Venezuela.

'Trinidad and Tobago can be a dangerous place,' he said. 

'This past year, their own government issued a state of emergency for a large portion of the year due to violence and organized crime.'

Jason also stressed the importance of being careful if your cruise stops at the island of Trinidad and Tobago (pictured), which is located just off the coast of Venezuela

The US State Department currently has Trinidad and Tobago listed with a level three travel advisory, urging everyone to 'reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to serious risks from crime.'

'There are also heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping,' its website says. 'Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common.'

'If you'll be cruising to Trinidad and Tobago, just be aware and take appropriate precautions when planning your time at port,' Jason stressed.

 

Montego Bay and Kingston in Jamaica 

Jason explained that there are five different cruise ports in Jamaica, including Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Royal near Kingston and Port Antonio.

He noted that two of the areas that have cruise ports are 'considered dangerous and high-risk areas.'

Jason noted that two of the areas in Jamaica that have cruise ports are 'considered dangerous and high-risk areas,' including Kingston (seen here in a stock image)

Per the US State Department, parts of both Kingston and Montego Bay have a level four travel advisory and are listed under 'do not travel.' Montego Bay is pictured 

Per the US State Department, parts of both Kingston and Montego Bay have a level four travel advisory and are listed under 'do not travel.'

'If your cruise will be visiting one of those two ports, just be aware of that and ensure you do not plan to get a taxi and go out solo to explore,' Jason said. 

'The best bet again will be to stay in the secure port area or book an excursion through the cruise line or a reputable company.'

 

Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo in Mexico 

Mexico is one of the most popular cruise destinations, with over 20 active ports across the country.

And while Jason said that 'many of the ports are great and very safe,' there are some areas that are risky.

According to a map released by the US State Department, the west coast of Mexico has many cities with level three and four travel advisories, three of which have cruise ports.

'When you look at the threat in travel advisory maps by the US, the UK, Canada and Australia, they all seem to be in agreement that there are three Mexican cruise ports where travelers need to be the most vigilant,' Jason explained. 'Those include Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. 

According to a map released by the US State Department, the west coast of Mexico has many cities with level three and four travel advisories, including Mazatlan (seen)

Jason also issued a warning about Puerto Vallarta (seen), stating, 'This year we have already seen extreme violence as Mexican cartels clashed with law enforcement in Puerto Vallarta'

Manzanillo in Mexico (pictured) also has a travel advisory warning issued by the US State Department

'This year we have already seen extreme violence as Mexican cartels clashed with law enforcement in Puerto Vallarta. 

'This led to the cancelation of cruise stops and tourists that were there at land-based resorts were directed to shelter in place. 

'While we should always be alert anytime that we are traveling, be sure that you put more consideration into your time at port if you'll be stopping at one of those locations.'

Mexico erupted in a wave of violence following the killing of its most notorious drug kingpin, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, in February.

At least 20 states were plunged into cartel-fueled chaos after Cervantes - also known as 'El Mencho' - died in custody when he was seized by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state. 

 

Haiti 

Haiti has been given a level four travel advisory by the US State Department.

'Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care,' its website states.

'Haiti has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. 

'They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread. US citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.'

Royal Caribbean has its own private port in Labadee, Haiti, but the cruise line has paused visits to the country since September due to the uptick in crime (stock image of the port in Labadee)

Jason explained that Royal Caribbean has its own private port in Labadee, Haiti, but added that the cruise line has paused visits to the country since September due to the uptick in crime.

'Haiti has been plagued by unrest and intense gang violence for some time now,' Jason said. 

'So much so that Royal Caribbean has gone ahead and canceled all of their stops at Labadee for the entire year. 

'Within the last few months, the gangs even took steps to attack US Marines that were guarding the embassy.

'If they are willing to do that, they would have no problem with a small group of security guards at a cruise line resort. 

'The nation could likely be considered the most unsafe destination in all of the Caribbean.'

 

Colombia 

Jason also stressed the importance of being vigilant if your cruise stops in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (seen)

Jason also stressed the importance of being vigilant if your cruise stops in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

'When you are visiting Colombia, be aware of your surroundings, stay in groups, and don't wander off on your own,' he said.

The US State Department has given Colombia a level three travel advisory, urging people to 'reconsider travel' to the country due to 'crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters.'

'Violent crime is common in many areas of Colombia, including murder, assault and robbery,' it warns on its website.

'Other crimes, such as drugging, extortion, kidnapping, and armed break-ins - including at hotels and other places tourists stay - also occur frequently in some regions.'

 

Guatemala 

Guatemala is a Central American country with two primary cruise ports, one in Puerto Quetzal and another in Santo Tomás de Castilla.

'The popularity for stops in Guatemala have grown substantially in the last few years. And this year, more than a dozen cruise lines plan to stop at one of their ports,' Jason noted. 

Jason pointed out that Guatemala does have active warnings from various countries. The cruise port in Puerto Quetzal is pictured

'But Guatemala does have active warnings from various countries. For example, Canada has a load of areas within the country where they advise to avoid non-essential travel due to very high levels of violent crime. 

'The US has the nation listed as a level three travel advisory, meaning to reconsider travel. 

'So, it is a beautiful country. Enjoy it but be aware, be safe and plan appropriately when you go.'

Per the US State Department's website: 'Some areas of Guatemala have higher levels of gang-related violence. 

'Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. 

'This leads to low arrest and conviction rates. Tourists can become victims of opportunistic crimes such as scams and extortion.'