Several cruise lines have opted to avoid stopping at ports in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this week due to ongoing violence in the area. This unrest follows the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a notorious cartel leader.
Oseguera, aged 59, was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and was killed by Mexican troops during a riot. His death led to violent reactions, with supporters setting vehicles ablaze and obstructing roads in western Mexico.
In light of the situation, the United States issued a temporary shelter-in-place order for tourists in specific areas, including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Tijuana, which was later lifted on Tuesday.
Carnival Corporation announced changes to its itineraries, stating, “We have decided to modify itineraries on some sailings to bypass Puerto Vallarta in the coming weeks.” They are keeping a close watch on the circumstances in Mexico, insisting that cruise tourism elsewhere in the country is still operating normally.
Norwegian Cruise Line also confirmed that it has canceled its scheduled stop in Puerto Vallarta, citing ongoing security operations and the related U.S. travel alert. A spokesperson emphasized that the safety of their guests and crew is always the top priority.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has stated that they do not plan to modify their schedules for now but will inform any affected guests directly if conditions change.
In a broader context, these developments are part of a larger narrative surrounding the chaos stemming from the cartel’s activities in Mexico, raising questions about safety for both locals and visitors alike.
