Violence that broke out Sunday across Mexico led to the U.S. State Department issuing a shelter-in-place order.
HOUSTON — Carnival Cruise Line says it is making changes on several ships to avoid Puerto Vallarta for the next few weeks following cartel violence and security concerns.
The changes follow widespread violence in Mexico in the wake of the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation Sunday in the state of Jalisco, according to Mexico’s Defense Department.
In a statement, Carnival told KHOU 11 that it has been monitoring conditions in Mexico.
“Our team has been monitoring things in Mexico throughout the week, and cruise tourism has continued to operate normally across most of the country,” the company said. “That said, we’ve made the decision to shift itineraries on a handful of sailings to bypass Puerto Vallarta for the next few weeks.”
The itinerary adjustments affect sailings aboard the Carnival Panorama, Zuiderdam, Royal Princess, Island Princess and Ruby Princess. None of those ships sail from Galveston.
Carnival said guests and travel advisors affected by the changes are being notified directly. It did not specify alternative destinations.
The State Department dropped the shelter-in-place earlier this week.
KHOU 11 reached out to several other cruise lines to find out about cancellations. Those responses will be added below as we receive them.
MSC Cruises’ response
“MSC Cruises’ sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya are operating as planned. We remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and continuously monitor any developments that may affect our ships’ itineraries and shore activities, with the safety of our guests and crew as our main priority.”
Houston travelers share details of unrest
Houston-area travelers who returned to Houston through George Bush Intercontinental Airport described fear and uncertainty after a wave of cartel violence broke out in parts of Mexico, prompting U.S. officials to urge Americans in certain regions to shelter in place.
Passengers arriving at Bush Airport Monday night said simply making it onto a flight felt like a relief after chaos unfolded near popular tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
For some travelers, walking through the airport doors in Houston marked the end of a frightening ordeal.
Thomas Brooks said he had just arrived in Puerto Vallarta when the situation suddenly escalated.
“As we were about to get on the plane, they told us to run to the corner and hide,” Brooks said.
He said passengers were evacuated onto the airport tarmac as confusion spread through the airport.
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