After 40+ cruises to destinations around the world, I've learned that not all ports are created equal when it comes to safety. While I love exploring new places, the reality is that some cruise destinations carry genuine risks that you need to understand before you sail. In 2026, several ports have elevated danger levels that every cruiser should know about – and in some cases, cruise lines have made the unprecedented decision to completely avoid certain destinations.
Haiti's Labadee currently tops the list of dangerous cruise destinations. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory – the highest warning level possible. What makes this situation unprecedented is that Royal Caribbean, which owns the Labadee peninsula as a private destination, has cancelled all visits through December 2026.
I've been to Labadee twice in the past, and it was always marketed as a "safe" private destination. But the reality on the ground has changed dramatically. Gang violence now controls approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince, and the security situation has deteriorated to the point where even a private, secured peninsula isn't considered safe for cruise passengers.
Why Labadee is off-limits:
Celebrity Cruises has also joined Royal Caribbean in completely eliminating Labadee from all 2026 itineraries. This marks the most extreme action I've seen any major cruise line take regarding a destination.
Want to discuss alternative Caribbean destinations? Join the conversation in our Caribbean Ports forum!
Jamaica (Level 3 Advisory)
Jamaica was downgraded from Level 4 to Level 3 in May 2025, but it still requires serious caution. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay see regular cruise traffic, but violent crime rates remain among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. I always book cruise line excursions here – never venture out independently.
Roatan, Honduras (Level 3 Advisory)
This beautiful island has some of the world's best snorkeling, but Honduras has one of the highest murder rates globally. The cruise port area is relatively secure, but stepping outside the tourist bubble carries real risks.
Nassau, Bahamas (Level 2 Advisory)
Surprising to many first-time cruisers, Nassau isn't as safe as you'd expect. Armed robberies targeting tourists have increased, particularly in areas away from the main cruise port. Paradise Island and Atlantis are generally safe, but downtown Nassau requires vigilance.
Venezuela Ports (Level 4 Advisory)
Most cruise lines have already eliminated Venezuelan ports like La Guaira and Margarita Island. The few ships that still call here typically keep passengers on organized excursions only.
Share your port safety experiences in our Port Reviews forum!
Turkey (Kusadasi/Istanbul)
While not under a travel advisory, Turkey's proximity to regional conflicts means situations can change quickly. I cruised to Kusadasi in 2023 and felt safe, but I've noticed some cruise lines reducing Turkish port calls in 2026.
Egypt (Port Said/Alexandria)
The gateway ports to visit the Pyramids carry Level 3 advisories. Most cruisers take organized excursions to Cairo, but the 3-hour drive each way through unstable regions adds risk.
Morocco (Casablanca/Tangier)
Generally safe, but petty crime targeting cruise passengers has increased. The aggressive vendor culture can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
After decades of cruising, here's my practical safety playbook:
Before You Book:
During Port Days:
What I Always Pack:
The Labadee situation isn't isolated – I've experienced multiple itinerary changes due to safety concerns. Here's what you should know:
Your Rights:
Cruise lines can change itineraries for safety reasons without offering refunds. However, many provide onboard credit ($50-$100 per passenger is typical) or substitute ports.
What Usually Happens:
My Advice:
Don't book a cruise solely for one specific port. I've had amazing experiences when ships diverted to unexpected destinations – sometimes the substitutes are better than the originals!
Cruise port safety is dynamic – situations change rapidly. What was safe last year might not be safe today. The key is staying informed and making smart decisions based on current conditions, not outdated guidebook information.
I've been to over 100 ports worldwide, and the vast majority are perfectly safe with basic precautions. But the ports I've highlighted here require extra vigilance or, in Haiti's case, complete avoidance.
Remember: cruise lines have significant financial incentives to visit ports safely. When they cancel destinations entirely, like Royal Caribbean has done with Labadee, it's because the risks are genuinely serious.
Stay informed, be smart, and don't let safety concerns prevent you from exploring the world – just do it wisely.
Have questions about specific ports or want to share your safety experiences? Connect with fellow cruisers in our Port Reviews forum where real cruisers share real experiences!
The Current Most Dangerous Cruise Port: Haiti (Labadee)
Haiti's Labadee currently tops the list of dangerous cruise destinations. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory – the highest warning level possible. What makes this situation unprecedented is that Royal Caribbean, which owns the Labadee peninsula as a private destination, has cancelled all visits through December 2026.
I've been to Labadee twice in the past, and it was always marketed as a "safe" private destination. But the reality on the ground has changed dramatically. Gang violence now controls approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince, and the security situation has deteriorated to the point where even a private, secured peninsula isn't considered safe for cruise passengers.
Why Labadee is off-limits:
- Widespread armed crimes including kidnapping and armed robbery
- Political instability with no functioning government structure
- Gang violence has escalated beyond containment
- State of emergency declared and maintained since early 2024
Celebrity Cruises has also joined Royal Caribbean in completely eliminating Labadee from all 2026 itineraries. This marks the most extreme action I've seen any major cruise line take regarding a destination.
Want to discuss alternative Caribbean destinations? Join the conversation in our Caribbean Ports forum!
Other High-Risk Ports You Should Know About
Jamaica (Level 3 Advisory)
Jamaica was downgraded from Level 4 to Level 3 in May 2025, but it still requires serious caution. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay see regular cruise traffic, but violent crime rates remain among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. I always book cruise line excursions here – never venture out independently.
Roatan, Honduras (Level 3 Advisory)
This beautiful island has some of the world's best snorkeling, but Honduras has one of the highest murder rates globally. The cruise port area is relatively secure, but stepping outside the tourist bubble carries real risks.
Nassau, Bahamas (Level 2 Advisory)
Surprising to many first-time cruisers, Nassau isn't as safe as you'd expect. Armed robberies targeting tourists have increased, particularly in areas away from the main cruise port. Paradise Island and Atlantis are generally safe, but downtown Nassau requires vigilance.
Venezuela Ports (Level 4 Advisory)
Most cruise lines have already eliminated Venezuelan ports like La Guaira and Margarita Island. The few ships that still call here typically keep passengers on organized excursions only.
Share your port safety experiences in our Port Reviews forum!
Mediterranean and Other Global Concerns
Turkey (Kusadasi/Istanbul)
While not under a travel advisory, Turkey's proximity to regional conflicts means situations can change quickly. I cruised to Kusadasi in 2023 and felt safe, but I've noticed some cruise lines reducing Turkish port calls in 2026.
Egypt (Port Said/Alexandria)
The gateway ports to visit the Pyramids carry Level 3 advisories. Most cruisers take organized excursions to Cairo, but the 3-hour drive each way through unstable regions adds risk.
Morocco (Casablanca/Tangier)
Generally safe, but petty crime targeting cruise passengers has increased. The aggressive vendor culture can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
How to Cruise Safely to High-Risk Ports
After decades of cruising, here's my practical safety playbook:
Before You Book:
- Check current State Department advisories at travel.state.gov
- Research recent cruise passenger incidents on CruiseVoices forums
- Consider staying onboard if you're uncomfortable with the destination
During Port Days:
- Book only cruise line excursions in Level 3+ destinations
- Never wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash
- Stay in groups and within designated tourist areas
- Keep your ship card and ID separate from other valuables
- Return to the ship well before all-aboard time
What I Always Pack:
- Copies of important documents in separate bags
- Basic first aid supplies
- Emergency contact information for U.S. embassy/consulate
- Minimal cash in local currency
When Cruise Lines Change Itineraries
The Labadee situation isn't isolated – I've experienced multiple itinerary changes due to safety concerns. Here's what you should know:
Your Rights:
Cruise lines can change itineraries for safety reasons without offering refunds. However, many provide onboard credit ($50-$100 per passenger is typical) or substitute ports.
What Usually Happens:
- Notification comes 1-4 weeks before sailing
- Alternative ports are usually announced simultaneously
- Extra sea days might be added to fill the schedule
- Onboard credit is applied to your account before embarkation
My Advice:
Don't book a cruise solely for one specific port. I've had amazing experiences when ships diverted to unexpected destinations – sometimes the substitutes are better than the originals!
The Bottom Line on Cruise Port Safety
Cruise port safety is dynamic – situations change rapidly. What was safe last year might not be safe today. The key is staying informed and making smart decisions based on current conditions, not outdated guidebook information.
I've been to over 100 ports worldwide, and the vast majority are perfectly safe with basic precautions. But the ports I've highlighted here require extra vigilance or, in Haiti's case, complete avoidance.
Remember: cruise lines have significant financial incentives to visit ports safely. When they cancel destinations entirely, like Royal Caribbean has done with Labadee, it's because the risks are genuinely serious.
Stay informed, be smart, and don't let safety concerns prevent you from exploring the world – just do it wisely.
Have questions about specific ports or want to share your safety experiences? Connect with fellow cruisers in our Port Reviews forum where real cruisers share real experiences!
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