How Should I Factor a Travel Advisory into my Cruise Plans?

Royal Caribbean’s port in Labadee, Haiti as seen from the top of the zip line (Photo: Kyle Valenta)

Most cruise lines do not sail to countries designated as Level 4. For example, Royal Caribbean recently paused its calls to its private destination of Labadee in Haiti, a country designated a Level 4 due to “due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.”

However, cruise lines do sail to countries listed as Level 2 or 3, where travelers are encouraged to be extra cautious or even reconsider their trip. Don’t be quick to cancel your plans; often the risks pertain to areas you would not frequent or issues that would not apply to a cruise traveler.

For example, Nile River cruises remain popular though the travel advisory for Egypt lists it as a Level 3. “Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism,” reads the advisory. “Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.” It also goes on to list specific parts of the country to avoid, where a river cruise would not take you.

If you’re not a dual national, you do not have to worry about that risk factor; someone who is a citizen of both countries might choose to rethink whether the joys of a river cruise is worth that risk.

View of an Egyptian town on the Nile River from a river ship (Photo: Harriet Baskas)

Regarding terrorism, the State Department applauds Egypt’s security efforts, but warns travelers that terrorists have targeted tourist locations – such as restaurants, resorts and shopping areas – and urban areas such as Cairo and extremists continue to make threats. Only you can decide if the risk of a surprise attack is great enough to cancel your plans, recognizing that terrorist attacks and mass shootings can occur anywhere, even at home.

In comparison, Italy – mainstay of many Mediterranean itineraries – and Germany – site of many river cruise ports – are both listed as Level 2, and their travel advisories warn that travelers should exercise increased caution also because of terrorism. France is also Level 2 due to tourist crime (pickpocketing, phone thefts), regular though typically peaceful protests and possible terrorist activities.

Oasis of the Seas docked in Nassau (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

In the Caribbean, the Bahamas rate as Level 2, due to violent crime (armed robberies and sexual assaults), and boating and beach safety issues. The travel advisory calls out Nassau and Freeport – the two main cruise ports – as the destinations where most crimes occur.

These travel advisories are not meant to scare you off from your travel but to provide advice on ways to stay alert and remain safe. They are the State Department’s risk assessment, but cruisers must evaluate the risks for themselves. Is the threat of a potential terrorist attack greater than the risk of getting into a fatal car accident on your daily commute? Would you be willing to take precautions against pickpocketing in order to explore an amazing European city? Many people live in and travel to these places and are just fine. Only you can decide what level of risk you are willing to take on.