With spring travel season well underway, the U.S. State Department just updated and reissued a serious Level 3 travel warning for a country included on a number of upcoming cruise itineraries.
To help U.S. citizens get up-to-date information and advice about safety risks to consider when traveling abroad, the State Department regularly updates its advisories, which range from Level 1 — exercise normal precautions, to Level 4 — do not travel.
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Although a Level 3 travel advisory does not state that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country, the warnings it provides certainly should be taken seriously. A Level 3 advisory recommends that travelers reconsider plans to visit a destination due to significant safety and security risks.
On April 17, the State Department updated and reissued its Level 3 travel advisory for Colombia to add information on civil unrest and kidnapping occurring in the country that cruise travelers should bear in mind.
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Cartagena, Colombia is a common port of call on Panama Canal cruises
The South American country’s popular Cartagena cruise port is visited regularly by cruise ships sailing Panama Canal itineraries. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line all have upcoming calls to the port on ships sailing repositioning voyages through the Panama Canal before beginning new seasons of cruises from their summer home ports.
For instance, Royal Caribbean’s ship Radiance of the Seas will dock in Cartagena on April 23 after departing from its winter base in Tampa. The vessel will then embark on a journey via the Panama Canal before heading to the West Coast, preparing for its upcoming Alaska cruise season.
Visitors who plan to arrive in Cartagena via cruise ship should take notice of the updated warning from the State Department, which advises potential tourists to think twice about traveling to Colombia because of prevalent crime, terrorist activities, civil disturbances, and abduction risks. Certain regions carry higher dangers than others.
Violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and theft occur frequently in numerous regions across Colombia," according to the advisory. "In certain locations, criminal organizations are widespread." These groups engage in activities like extortion, muggings, and abductions. Additionally, there’s an ongoing threat of terrorism involving assaults and various militant actions within the country.
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The advisory warns that terrorists and criminal organizations in Colombia may attack with little or no warning. These attacks typically target:
- U.S. government facilities
- Local government facilities
- Tourist areas and attractions
- Transportation centers
- Shopping malls and markets
- Military and police facilities
- Hotels
- Clubs
- Restaurants
- Airports
The advisory also cautions that political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can:
- Shut down roads and highways without notice or estimated reopening timelines.
- Lead to road closures that reduce access to public transportation.
- Interrupt travel within and between cities.
- Become violent and result in deaths and injuries.
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Is it safe to visit Cartagena, Colombia on a cruise?
Cartagena is generally considered safer for tourists than other parts of Colombia, but risks do exist and street crime does happen.
To reduce your risk of being targeted by criminals when visiting Cartagena or other cruise destinations with crime warnings, it’s a good idea to book shore excursions directly through your cruise line.
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Cruise passengers visiting Cartagena should make sure to follow the State Department’s guidance on ways to stay safe when visiting Colombia, which include:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep a low profile.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Travel only during daylight hours.
It's also important to look at any information your cruise line provides and listen to the captain for any announcements.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel , or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com Or reach out to her by calling or texting at 386-383-2472.