Ever wondered which cruise ports around the world are considered risky?
Cruising is a fantastic way to see the world, offering relaxation, adventure and the chance to experience diverse cultures. However, like any form of travel, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks at certain destinations.
Some cruise ports around the globe come with unique safety challenges, which travellers should know about in advance.
Although cruise lines do their best to minimise risks, being an informed traveller is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
So, I’ve taken a look at the ports that seasoned travellers consider to be the most dangerous. Not so you can avoid them, but so you can be aware and plan accordingly.
Understanding Cruise Port Safety
What makes a cruise port dangerous? Safety concerns at ports aren’t just about the logistics of docking. They often relate to external factors like local crime, political stability, environmental risks and the availability of emergency services.
Ports that are deemed risky may be located in areas with any of the following:
- High crime rates, especially where tourists are targeted.
- Political unrest and civil disturbances.
- Natural disasters and environmental risks.
- Insufficient local police or emergency services.
Cruise lines work closely with security experts to monitor conditions and adjust itineraries when necessary. But as Salvatore Grasso, a security expert, notes: “Don’t assume cruise lines will always avoid dangerous ports – profits are part of the equation too.”
With that in mind, here’s a closer look at some ports that are known for being less secure.
Top 8 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports
1. Nassau, Bahamas
Although it’s a favourite stop for many, Nassau does have a dark side. The US government has issued warnings about crime here, including nurders, armed robberies and assaults.
These incidents tend to happen outside the main tourist areas, so it’s important to stick to well-travelled paths.
The area around the port itself is pretty safe, as are the resorts that cruise lines will take you to. They aren’t perfect, so you should still keep your wits about you. It’s best to always leave your valuables in the safe in your stateroom, just to be sure.
2. Roatán, Honduras
Roatán is famous for its coral reefs and beaches, but also has a more negative reputation with reports of robberies and assaults.
Local police are often under-resourced, which limits their effectiveness in protecting tourists. If you are the victim of crime, you shouldn’t expect any kind of speedy resolution!
Staying with fellow travellers and avoiding isolated spots, especially at night, can help reduce risks.
3. Falmouth and Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Jamaica is famous for its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, but some areas near the ports of Falmouth and Ocho Rios can feel less secure.
Visitors often report feeling uneasy when leaving the more protected areas of the port. The aggressive nature of some local vendors can make the experience uncomfortable.
If you’re feeling harassed, just say a stern ‘no’ and walk away, making sure you stick to a crowded area. Don’t be afraid to be louder if you need to be – drawing attention can help you to be left alone.
As with most of the ports on this list, using organised tours with the cruise ship is often your best bet.
Read more: The Best & Worst Cruise Ports In Jamaica
4. Colon, Panama
Colon is frequently mentioned as one of Panama’s more dangerous cities, with crime rates that are higher than in other popular tourist areas. Some cruise lines have even cancelled tours due to safety concerns.
If you stop here on a cruise visit, it’s best to stick with organised tours and avoid venturing off on your own. If you do want to go exploring, do so in a group. Don’t venture too far away from the main tourist areas.
5. Belize City, Belize
Belize itself offers breathtaking scenery and exciting excursions, but Belize City can be a risky place to explore solo.
Tourists are often advised to stick to organised activities, as venturing out independently can lead to encounters with crime. These may include theft, scams and even violent attacks in rare cases.
6. St. Lucia
Although it looks like a picture-postcard destination, St. Lucia has had a few notable safety incidents involving tourists.
In one extreme case, a group of 55 cruise passengers were robbed at gunpoint during an excursion. Although such events are rare, it’s worth taking precautions and staying aware of your surroundings. And it’s another reason to leave valuables on the ship when you explore a port.
7. Manila, Philippines
Manila is a bustling, vibrant city but is also known for its high crime rate, including theft and assault.
It’s particularly noted for pickpocketing, especially around the port area, where local criminals love to target unsuspecting tourists.
If you plan to explore the city, it’s best to stay with a group, stick to organised tours and be cautious with personal belongings. Don’t wear any jewellery that attracts attention, or flash the cash while you’re shopping.
8. Egypt (various ports)
Egypt’s ports offer access to incredible historical sites, yet ongoing political unrest has created some security concerns for tourists.
Some Nile ports, particularly on river cruises, and other popular areas may have limited medical facilities, which can be an added risk.
When visiting Egypt, it’s recommended to join well-organised, cruise-led excursions to stay in secure zones.
Staying safe in high-risk ports
Just because a cruise port is considered to be more dangerous, that doesn’t mean you must stay onboard the ship when your cruise calls there.
None of the ports featured here are guaranteed to cause you problems. Cruise lines want to be profitable, but they won’t be if they keep taking guests to places that are iconsistently unsafe!
Still, here are a few essential tips to help keep you safe when visiting high-risk cruise ports:
- Do your research: Before heading ashore, look into the port’s safety record and review any travel advisories. Do this for all ports you will visit, whether they are highlighted on this list or not.
- Stick to tourist areas: It’s usually safer to stay within well-trafficked zones, and avoid venturing into more secluded areas. Most areas close to the actual ports are relatively friendly. If you need to travel farther inland to reach the main ‘attractions’, don’t wander off once you get there.
- Book organised excursions: Tours offered through your cruise line are often the safest option, as they’re vetted for security and reliability. Third-party excursions are similar, but they come with other risks. You need to verify that the excursion provider is reputable, since you don’t want to risk missing the ship on your return!
- Be aware of your belongings: Keep valuables like jewellery and electronics out of sight. Carry minimal cash. Split your money and important documents between different locations. Your stateroom will have a safe – don’t be afraid to use it!
- Use official transport: Avoid unlicensed taxis or buses. Stick to transport recommended by the cruise line or reputable providers.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation.
The importance of travel insurance
When visiting high-risk destinations, having comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Standard insurance provided by your cruise line may not cover all contingencies. It’s worth considering an additional policy that includes:
- Trip cancellations or interruptions due to safety concerns.
- Medical evacuations in case of serious illness or injury.
- Theft protection for your personal belongings.
- Legal assistance if you encounter trouble with local authorities.
Make sure to review your policy carefully to ensure you’re covered for high-risk situations. If you don’t buy proper cruise insurance, then your policy might not be valid when you make a claim.
Cruise insurance covers you in a range of destinations. It may include other perks too, such as missed port cover for destinations that your cruise has to skip.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
Misconceptions about cruise port safety
There are a few common myths about safety on cruises that should be debunked.
Myth: All cruise ports are safe because cruise lines wouldn’t stop there otherwise.
Reality: Cruise lines balance safety with profit. They may visit destinations with known risks if they are profitable enough. However, they’ll wash their hands of responsibility if something happens to you, especially if you ignored any advice they gave.
Myth: You’re always safe in tourist areas.
Reality: Tourist areas often have more security, but can still be targeted by criminals looking to exploit visitors who are unfamiliar with the area. It’s best to be vigilant, even when you think you’re in a safe space.
Myth: Crime only happens at night.
Reality: Criminals often target tourists during the day when they’re out and about exploring. Most cruise guests will only visit destinations during daytime hours, and crime does still happen!
Myth: Local police prioritise tourists.
Reality: In many risky destinations, law enforcement can be under-resourced and less focused on tourist-related crime. They can be more dismissive, especially of cruise guests who won’t be a ‘problem’ come 3pm or 4pm, when you have to board your ship again.
Cruise lines do have some obligations!
Cruise lines have a responsibility to provide passengers with a reasonable level of safety. This includes:
- Warning passengers about known dangers in specific destinations.
- Monitoring shore excursion providers to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Maintaining security on board and in port areas.
However, it’s important to understand that cruise lines are not legally responsible for every incident that occurs, especially if you’re exploring independently.
So you can’t rely on a cruise line ‘making things right’ if you are a victim of a crime. That safety net does not exist.
If you are a victim while you’re ashore, you should still report it to the onboard security team. They’ll help you in whatever way they can.
But don’t expect them to be liable to replace any stolen goods, or pay for your medical treatment if you’re injured.
Private resorts – a shift in itinerary planning
As concerns over safety grow, cruise lines are increasingly investing in private islands and exclusive resorts, designed with traveller security in mind.
These private destinations provide a controlled environment, often staffed by personnel directly employed by the cruise line (although still hired locally, to support residents). This allows for a more secure and comfortable experience.
Private islands, like those operated by major cruise lines in the Bahamas and Caribbean, allow passengers to enjoy a day ashore without the potential safety issues associated with public ports.
Access is restricted to passengers and authorised personnel. Therefore, they are far less susceptible to the crime risks present in some high-traffic tourist areas.
Private islands and resorts also offer a range of amenities such as pristine beaches, dining options and unique excursions.
Examples include Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye. These provide an idyllic setting for swimming, dining and watersports.
Find out more about the best cruise line private islands.
Private resorts within popular cruise destinations are also growing in popularity. In some areas, cruise lines have partnered with local businesses to create exclusive beach clubs and adventure parks, which only their passengers can visit during port days.
Of course, they aren’t guaranteed to be safe. Royal Caribbean halted calls at Labadee, the private resort on Haiti, for several months due to unrest in the country. Those port visits have since resumed, but it shows that cruise lines still need to be careful even when a destination is considered ‘private’.
Final word
You know what the most dangerous ports are? The ones that cruise lines don’t visit, and likely never will.
So don’t panic if you’re on a cruise that visits one of the ports I’ve highlighted in this guide. These are the most dangerous ports among all those that cruise lines are comfortable visiting. They are NOT the most dangerous places in the world!
Use this information to plan your trip, and make sure you understand the safety guidelines for exploring the ports. Being informed and vigilant will help you to have a great time during your cruise.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
