Suzanne Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 Just saw on GMA that the state dept has forbid its employees from going to Playa Del Carmen...saying it is NOT because of the ferry bombs. This makes me very concerned....what do they know that we don't? I guess they will be doing some re-routing on those cruises leaving from Galveston. Mexico is pretty much all they go to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 I had always heard that Costa Maya was "safer" in some ways due to geographic isolation, wonder if there will be a shift from Cozumel to Costa Maya if this continues ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 57 minutes ago, jticarruthers said: I had always heard that Costa Maya was "safer" in some ways due to geographic isolation, wonder if there will be a shift from Cozumel to Costa Maya if this continues ? Cozumel is an island and more isolated that Costa Maya. Playa Del Carmen is on the mainland. Other than the ferries, there is nothing to associate Cozumel with Playa Del Carmen. A lot of this doesn't make any sense, the state dept. warning that is. It's hard not to think there are some politics involved here. Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 This really doesn't affect cruises per se, just excursions as none of the lines stop there directly. From what I've read, this is related to a drug cartel and threats made to the mayor. There could be more, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiny260 Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 24 minutes ago, twangster said: Cozumel is an island and more isolated that Costa Maya. Playa Del Carmen is on the mainland. Other than the ferries, there is nothing to associate Cozumel with Playa Del Carmen. My thoughts exactly @twangster, it also similar to Roatan and the mainland of Honduras, we can go to the island with no issues but they do not want us going to the mainland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 I believe that the Canadian government has also posted warnings for its citizen visiting that area. I am not sure if it would be just politics. Seems to specific for that to be honest. I never did venture over whenever I was in Cozumel and it seems I will prob stick with that for the time being. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 33 minutes ago, monctonguy said: I believe that the Canadian government has also posted warnings for its citizen visiting that area. I am not sure if it would be just politics. Seems to specific for that to be honest. I never did venture over whenever I was in Cozumel and it seems I will prob stick with that for the time being. The Canadian warning is based on the US warning. “On March 7, 2018, the Government of Canada updated its travel advice for Mexico, informing Canadians that the United States embassy in Mexico City issued a Security Alert advising American citizens that ‘the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City received information about a security threat in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico,'” said spokesman Philip Hannan, echoing the statement on the website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne Posted March 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 This morning on the news, they included Cozumel.. What worried me was they said it is now considered Narco-Terrorism, and that collateral damage is no big deal to these people. Well obviously if they try to blow up a ferry full of people!. Personally, I wouldn't cancel my cruise, but I think I would stay on the ship. The one time we took the ferry over to Playa Del Carmen, I thought the beaches were beautiful , the rest of the town...not so much. As we walked down the streets at 9am...we were bombarded by people trying to sale us "massages". It seemed every 3rd shop was a "spa". ? I guess ive heard too many stories of kidnappings and killings from my former coworker. Her family would send the newspapers with stories of the cartels murdering innocent people...complete with pictures. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boston Babe Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 9 minutes ago, Suzanne said: This morning on the news, they included Cozumel Interesting Suzanne as I just watched it, and yes they did say nothing to do with ferry bombs. I did do a backup Eastern Cruise in case the situation changes in the course of the next few months. So there is something else since Wednesday that this warning went out for their employees. Guess we just wait and see. I'm sure NO cruiseline will put their passengers in danger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbk999 Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/03/08/state-department-warns-of-security-threat-in-playa-del-carmen-popular-resort-city-in-mexico/?utm_term=.3bd13a61618f Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 Well, as I just completed my annual antiterrorism training less than an hour ago, I guess I will reaffirm my decision to just stay onboard in Coz. on my upcoming Allure sailing in April. I actually enjoy the ship when everyone else is off. I think I hear the spa calling.... Boston Babe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jce2 Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 In my fantasy, RC decides Mexico is too dangerous and my "Roatan, Belize, Cozumel" trip suddenly becomes "Roatan, Belize, Caymans".........Hey, i can dream..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose City Cruiser Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 Time to binge watch Narcos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted March 10, 2018 Report Share Posted March 10, 2018 My cousin is in Cancun right now. He was not thrilled when I told him about the warnings and was seriously thinking about canceling his trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boston Babe Posted March 10, 2018 Report Share Posted March 10, 2018 17 hours ago, jce2 said: Roatan, Belize, Caymans".........Hey, i can dream. Wouldn't that be wonderful!! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeK Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Will they be renting bullet proof vests or do I need to bring my own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mworkman Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Travel Advisory March 9, 2018 Mexico – Level 2: Exercise increased caution Quintana Roo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Exercise increased caution due to crime. According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travel to Centro, Calica, Gonzalo Guerrero, Quintas del Carmen, and Villas del Carmen neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen. These neighborhoods are bordered by Avenida Benito Juarez, 50 Avenida Sur (Highway 307), and Calle 34 Norte. U.S. citizens should avoid those neighborhoods until further notice. U.S. government personnel are authorized to travel to resort areas in Riviera Maya including those near Playa del Carmen that are outside the restricted neighborhoods of this alert. U.S. government personnel are still prohibited from using ferry services between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel until further notice. U.S. citizens should not use ferry services operating between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel to other parts of Quintana Roo state, including tourist areas such as: Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya Suzanne 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos A. Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 4 hours ago, MikeK said: Will they be renting bullet proof vests or do I need to bring my own? I would ask the same about my next trip to Florida but that would be insensible as hell don't you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mworkman Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 30 minutes ago, carlosalonsor said: I would ask the same about my next trip to Florida but that would be insensible as hell don't you think? You should be okay in Florida, just don't go to Detroit, NYC, Chicago or LA ? I'll be in Playa in May for vacation for 2 weeks enjoying myself ? That's our home away from if we're not cruising. Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeK Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 6 hours ago, carlosalonsor said: I would ask the same about my next trip to Florida but that would be insensible as hell don't you think? Not really.....I wore a bullet proof vest everyday for 28yrs in Florida Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenline627 Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Yes and body armor is hot on the job 40 years. MikeK 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Thanks @mworkman for the update. Glad to see Cozumel is exempt from the warning. Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henrysea13 Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 On 3/9/2018 at 3:23 PM, jce2 said: In my fantasy, RC decides Mexico is too dangerous and my "Roatan, Belize, Cozumel" trip suddenly becomes "Roatan, Belize, Caymans".........Hey, i can dream..... I have a western coming up oct 1 I would bet by then that it will be something gone from offered stops. Royal already took key west and gave us cayman instead why they took key west I have no idea but we were to go to costa maya and Cozumel but I have a gut feeling by the time my cruise comes up mexico will be off the table which wont hurt my feelings having been there a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jce2 Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 54 minutes ago, henrysea13 said: I have a western coming up oct 1 I would bet by then that it will be something gone from offered stops. Royal already took key west and gave us cayman instead why they took key west I have no idea but we were to go to costa maya and Cozumel but I have a gut feeling by the time my cruise comes up mexico will be off the table which wont hurt my feelings having been there a lot I see Cozumel as highly problematic. While the island itself is considered safe (at this time), eliminating all the excursions that require a ferry really narrows down the variety of quality activities available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 3 hours ago, jce2 said: I see Cozumel as highly problematic. While the island itself is considered safe (at this time), eliminating all the excursions that require a ferry really narrows down the variety of quality activities available. You're right that it does cut down on options, but I really do feel Cozumel still offers a lot to see and do on the island. Cozumel is one of the most mature cruise ports in the Caribbean, and even without ferries to the mainland, I feel there is lots to do there. Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jce2 Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 I know it is wishful thinking to hope they will replace Cozumel with Caymans on my cruise but I really want to get back to Caymans for the Stingrays (underwater earthquake cancelled it on my first cruise!), but have little desire to do the Coz/Cay/Jam cruise again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFASUMegan Posted March 16, 2018 Report Share Posted March 16, 2018 I am wondering the what the likelihood of our excursion stopping in Akumal and Tulum getting cancelled is. Part of the trip was already changed with the closure of Wah Wah Beach Bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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