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Dangerous Cruise Ports To Stay Far, Far Away From (2024)

Tips For Travellers
Tips For Travellers
πŸ₯ˆExpert
πŸ‘οΈ 575K viewsπŸ“… 2 years ago⏱️ 12:30

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

Gary Bembridge discusses the inherent risks associated with certain cruise ports in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Mediterranean. He notes that even popular destinations can be dangerous due to gang activity, political instability, and crime. In the Caribbean, he highlights Haiti as a high-risk area due to civil unrest and kidnapping, suggesting travelers stick to fenced resorts like Labadee. He also addresses rising crime in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico, where gang violence has escalated. In Central America, he mentions risks in Honduras and Belize, noting that private cruise line islands often provide a safer alternative to the mainland. Shifting to the Mediterranean, the creator focuses on big city crimes such as pickpocketing and theft in major hubs like Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Athens, and Livorno. To stay safe, Bembridge recommends checking the latest US State Department or UK Foreign Office advisories, booking official excursions rather than self-exploring, and staying within secure port areas or on the ship. He concludes by advising passengers to carry local port agent contact information and avoid wearing valuables while exploring.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Symphony of the Seas
Seriously Soggy
All-time creator consensus for Symphony of the Seas
A Nibble

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator Warns AgainstTips & AdviceπŸ₯ˆExpert Creator
CaribbeanVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

experiences on my last two Cruisers reminded me that just because my cruise ship is calling into a port does not mean that I can assume it's safe for me to get off and explore

even in the two most popular cruising regions the Caribbean and the Mediterranean many of the most visited ports are amongst the riskiest anywhere in the world

I had seen lots of online advice about avoiding self-exploration outside the secure Port area and some who did on my trip came back and told me that they had felt really unsafe

I do recommend booking a cruise line Excursion or book one through a very trusted provider and avoid self-exploring

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Check the latest travel advisories from US State Department and UK Foreign Office before your cruise
βœ“Book cruise line excursions or trusted providers instead of self-exploring
βœ“Stay on board or in secure port areas when in risky ports
βœ“Take the daily program with local port agent details if self-exploring
βœ“Avoid wearing valuables and stay in busy tourist areas

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Assuming ports are safe because cruise ships call there β€” Check travel advisories and don't assume safety
Not knowing how to stay safe in risky ports β€” Book excursions, stay in secure areas, or stay on board

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat dangerous cruise ports should you avoid in the Caribbean and Mediterranean?
QHow can you keep yourself safe if you have a cruise booked to risky ports?

Topics Covered

Port Destination4 Sad BaconSafety Medical1Β½ Sad BaconExcursions1Β½ Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Athens, Greece3Β½ Sad Bacon
Barcelona, Spain3Β½ Sad Bacon
Belize City, Belize3 Sad Bacon
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