Cruise Line Cancels Puerto Vallarta as Region Plunges Into Unrest
Key Aspects:
Mexico’s Jalisco State, which includes the popular port of Puerto Vallarta, is under a “shelter in place” alert.
This is due to violent retaliation from cartel members following the death of their leader on February 22.
Holland America Line already cancelled a call to Puerto Vallarta for this weekend, and more itinerary changes could be coming.
It’s been a tense weekend in Mexico, making cruise destinations within the Jalisco State, such as Puerto Vallarta, dangerous to visiting passengers.
As such, the US Embassy & Consulate in Mexico has issued a “shelter in place” order for Americans in the area and Holland America Line has already cancelled Zuiderdam’s call to Puerto Vallarta on February 23.
“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 US government alert reads.
The notice is in effect for the Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), the Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of the Michoacan State, the Guerrero State, and the Nuevo Leon State.
While in effect, this advisory supersedes the existing Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory that the US government already had in place for the Jalisco State.
Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About
Specifically, this alert is the result of military action taken by the Special Forces of the Mexican Army on the morning of February 22.
This resulted in the death of at least four members of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), including its leader: Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. Cartel members have responded with violent retaliation. It’s unclear how long it will take to get the situation under control.
Pictures and videos taken of Puerto Vallarta show massive amounts of black smoke wafting into the city, with the sounds of sirens and gunfire echoing in the background of shared footage.
Puerto Vallarta Issues Its Own Warning
Puerto Vallarta, which is the primary cruise port in the Jalisco state, has received its own warning from the local government to try to keep everyone safe.
“In the state of Jalisco and in tourist towns, we inform the population of Puerto Vallarta that, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary travel,” Gobierno Municipal de Puerto Vallarta posted on social media.
“Trade and establishments in general are requested not to open operations until further notice, prioritizing the safety of collaborators and customers,” the advisory continued.
The municipal government echoed the US recommendation for citizens and visitors to stay home and minimize travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Non-essential businesses, such as tourist shops and tour operators, have been asked to close until further notice.
Zuiderdam Cancels Port Call
The 1,916-guest Zuiderdam is nearing the end of a 12-night sailing to Mexico and was supposed to call at Puerto Vallarta on February 23. Given the events of this weekend, this port call is no longer safe and has been cancelled.
“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,” Holland America Line said in a statement to Cruise Hive.
It’s unclear if the 81,769-gross ton ship will replace the visit with something else or simply spend the day at sea.
Her final port call of the trip, which is scheduled at Ensenada, Mexico, is still expected to go ahead as planned on February 26. She will then return to her homeport of San Diego, California, for debarkation on February 27.
Will More Cruise Ships Be Affected?
Aside from Holland America Line, no other cruise lines have announced itinerary changes for Puerto Vallarta-bound sailings – though they are surely monitoring the situation closely.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss and Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess are also scheduled to visit the Western Mexico destination on February 25, 2026, and are the most likely to be impacted.
Cruise Hive reached out to these cruise lines about possible itinerary changes, but did not hear back in time for publication. This is a developing situation, and Cruise Hive will share updates as they become available.
Cruise Line Cancels Puerto Vallarta as Region Plunges Into Unrest