U.S. issues 'reconsider travel' warning for Caribbean cruise port
Multiple cruise lines call on this popular port.
When people think of some of the more famous islands and ports in the Caribbean, their brains go to crystal clear beaches, white sand, and maybe frutiy drinks. They generally think of all the wonderful parts of being in a warm-weather tropical paradise.
It's hard to picture these beautiful parts of the world and think about them being dangerous.
Related: U.S. government updates travel warning for Caribbean cruise port
Many destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, however, have their share of political problems. Some simply suffer from poverty and have residents who need food, basic medical care, and other foundational human needs.
In other cases, the countries have criminal groups creating problems or political unrest that destabilizes the nation.
Most cruise ports impacted by these problems are generally safe in the tourist areas. Nassau, for example, has been under a low-level U.S. State Department warning for years.
That's basically just a suggestion from the government to be a little cautious. The same warning would apply if you visited New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.
A few cruise ports are under the more serious "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" and "Level 4: Do Not Travel" warnings. In those cases, cruise lines may still call on those ports, but passengers should use abundant caution. That generally means sticking to the walled-off cruise port area and only doing cruise-line-sponsored excursions.
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Beware this Caribbean cruise port
Trinidad and Tobago does not seem like places that Americans would avoid. It's a beautiful country that looks like it was made to appear on postcards, not a place to be worried about violence.
Royal Caribbean sails to Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago and its website makes it sound like a wonderful place to visit.
"Nestled along the calm, blue-green waters of the Gulf of Paria, Port of Spain is a popular starting point for those looking to explore the best of Trinidad. The city has its fair share of marvels, too — it’s home to a centuries-old fortress, gorgeous botanical gardens, and a good number of picturesque churches. And nearby you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures, from the shaded mangroves and winding silver rivers of the Caroni Wetlands, to the postcard-pretty sweep of shore known as Maracas Beach," the cruise line shared.
Royal Caribbean currently shows no cruises being sold that stop in Port of Spain. CruiseMapper showed that the cruise line's Rhapsody of the Seas had been scheduled to stop in Trinidad in February but did not show an arrival or departure time.
There are only a handful of ships scheduled to stop in Port of Spain over the next few months and all of them appear to be smaller expedition ships.
Reconsider travel to Port of Spain, Trinidad
The U.S. State Department updated its "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" warning for Trinidad and Tobago on March 21. The headline on the warning makes the situation pretty clear.
"Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to serious risks from crime. There are also heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping," the government agency shared.
The warning was updated because Trinidad and Tobago recently extended its state of emergency.
"On December 30, 2024, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). This is due to ongoing criminal activity that could threaten public safety. On January 13, 2025, Parliament extended the SOE until April 2025," according to the State Department.
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The following conditions are in place due to the SOE:
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has the authority to:
- Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities.
- Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
- Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime.
- Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police.
Restrictions and rules can also change at any time.
"Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain," according to the warning. "...Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related. Foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping."
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