U.S. issues 'reconsider travel' warning for Caribbean cruise port
When people think of some of the more famous islands and ports in the Caribbean, they consider crystal clear beaches, white sand, maybe fruity drinks, and generally all the wonderful parts of a warm-weather tropical paradise.
It's hard to picture these beautiful parts of the world and think of them as dangerous.Many destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, however, have their share of political problems. Some suffer from poverty and have residents who need foundational human needs like food, basic medical care and more.
In other cases, the countries are home to criminal groups that cause local problems or political unrest that destabilizes the nation.
In most cruise ports that are affected by these problems, the tourist areas are generally safe. Nassau, Bahamas, for example, has been under a low-level U.S. State Department warning for years.
That's basically the government just suggesting that you 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. Cruise lines might still call on those ports, but passengers should use abundant caution. That generally means sticking to the walled-off cruise-port area and taking only cruise-line-sponsored excursions.Trinidad and Tobago does not seem like a place Americans would avoid. This beautiful country looks as if it had been made to appear on postcards, not like a place in which visitors should 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 cruise line writes.
"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."
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.
Only a handful of ships are scheduled to stop in Port of Spain over the next few months and all of them appear to be smaller expedition ships.On March 21 the U.S. State Department updated its Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning for Trinidad and Tobago. The headline on the warning makes the situation 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 posted.
The warning was updated because Trinidad and Tobago recently extended its state of emergency.
On Dec. 30, 2024, the Trinidad and Tobago government had declared a nationwide state of emergency "due to ongoing criminal activity that could threaten public safety," the State Department wrote. On Jan. 13, 2025, the country's parliament extended the state of emergency until April 2025.The following conditions are in place due to the state of emergency:
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."
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
, or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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