Mexico travel warning 2026: Cruise lines skip Puerto Vallarta

Cruise stops in the popular Mexican resort town of Puerto Vallarta has been cancelled due to security concerns.
Holland America Line sent a statement to the publication Cruise Fever regarding the cancellation of a stop at Puerto Vallarta as part of the line’s 12-night Zuiderdam cruise that is currently at sea.
“Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and team members, we have cancelled our planned visit to Puerto Vallarta February 23,” the statement reads.
The cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Ensenada on Feb. 26. The Holland America vessel departed San Diego on Feb. 15 and is set to return back on Feb. 27, according to Cruise Fever.
Royal Princess has cancelled a stop scheduled to arrive in Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 25.
“To prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, we have cancelled Royal Princess’ planned visit to Puerto Vallarta on February 23rd. We are working on reviewing our onward itinerary and will update guests on a potential replacement port,” Princess Cruises said.
The ship is heading to Cabo San Lucas and is scheduled to return to San Pedro, California on Feb. 28.
The cancellation of the stop in Puerto Vallarta comes after the U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning on Sunday, Feb. 21 to U.S. citizens in certain areas of Mexico following the death of the cartel leader known as “El Mencho” in a military operation.
“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,” the notice said. “All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place. All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.”
The warning covers areas in Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara; Baja California State, including Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada; Quintana Roo State, including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum; and parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas states.
Due to ongoing security operations, roadblocks have affected airlines in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Some taxi services have been halted and businesses closed, according to the safety alert.