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

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 is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.
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
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