Dangerous Caribbean/Mexican Ports - Which ones?

[Mekamax]

Roatan - be very careful! Crack is everywhere there and it is not as safe as it looks at all. So I know many people love the island but just be aware of your surroundings. Debbie

[Kurbanfan]

Roatan - be very careful! Crack is everywhere there and it is not as safe as it looks at all. So I know many people love the island but just be aware of your surroundings. Debbie

 

That's odd.....crack is everywhere here in the States also:rolleyes:

[Fredr]

A few years ago we were doing the Mexican Riviera and we stopped at Zihuatanejo. We got to the end of the pier and there were maybe 6 guys in uniform with machine guns. I thought maybe they knew who I was. Turns out the Mexican President has a house there and they were his guards. I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore.

 

Hello,

 

Zijuan is one of the most pleasant places to visit that we have been to (29 countries and 42 out of the 50 US States). We have walked all over this wonderful little city and never did I feel threatened at all. Though I cannot provide statistics on this, I believe that Zijuan is far safer than parts of Topeka and other cities in Kansas.

 

As every country, Mexico has a military and there will be soldiers carrying rifles, and you will see these in every Mexican port.

 

I write this to make sure that CCers and others interested in a Mexican cruise do not rule out a visit to Zijuan. It is my favorite Mexican port because of its beauty, charm, and people.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

[TravlGrl]

New York City

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Miami

Seattle

 

 

There is danger lurking everywhere, not just in ports outside the U.S.

 

LOL! Am only laughing because I am in Seattle (near you, of course!) and I don't feel danger at the cruise ports here at all. Maybe 'cause I have lived in a "city" my whole life????

[newmexicoNita]

That's odd.....crack is everywhere here in the States also:rolleyes:

you can say that again. We live in what some think is the crack county of the world, others would say places in Arkansas, etc. This doesn't mean any of us should tour with our eyes closed and ears full of ear plugs, but part of vacationing is experiencing different cultures. If I have to worry about the ports I will stay at home.

 

Nita

[Grandpaul]

Hello,

 

Zijuan is one of the most pleasant places to visit that we have been to (29 countries and 42 out of the 50 US States). We have walked all over this wonderful little city and never did I feel threatened at all. Though I cannot provide statistics on this, I believe that Zijuan is far safer than parts of Topeka and other cities in Kansas.

 

As every country, Mexico has a military and there will be soldiers carrying rifles, and you will see these in every Mexican port.

 

I write this to make sure that CCers and others interested in a Mexican cruise do not rule out a visit to Zijuan. It is my favorite Mexican port because of its beauty, charm, and people.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

 

I probably sounded negative on this post but I did have a good time there. I have a friend that has a condo in Ixstapa(?) and he likes it a lot. It just seemed unusual to see a bunch of guys with machine guns instead of other guns. I don't think they have any in Kansas.

[mousey]

Just my experience, I've cruised all over the Caribbean, been to Jamaica twice, and have cruised both the Mexican Baja and the Caribbean side. I have never, ever had a problem of any kind. However, I was almost raped in a parking garage in Beverly Hills, CA, a guy stuck his hand up my dress one time in Florida while I was walking home from work, and on my first cruise when I was 19, a crew member tried to get me into his room. :eek: Its when you think you're somewhere safe and let your guard down that you really aren't! Just be cautious at all times wherever you are.

 

The only time we were ever warned about a port was this past Spring Break in Acapulco. They warned us not to stray too far from the tourist areas. Hey, they didn't have to tell me twice!;)

 

I would never let fear stop me from traveling. I will always be cautious no matter where I am. :D

[Jimmers]

The next day we walked form Tel Aviv to Jaffa on our own for 5 miles one way along the boardwalk before our tour started the next day. I felt safer than walking the streets of sections of Memphis, Tenn. We walked 10 miles that day and not one person bothered us. Never felt uncomfortable.

 

However, I would not do that in Jamaica or Belize.

 

I guess you have to weigh the risk between getting blown up in a bus or cafe by a fanatical suicide bomber to being verbally harassed, touched, or maybe robbed by a poor islander who just wants your money, NOT YOUR LIFE.

 

Personally I'd prefer the latter. But that's just me. I could be wrong. As I said earlier, life is full of risk. You either accept the risk and do what you can to minimize it or you stay home and miss out on some great experiences.

 

Jimmers:)

[newmexicoNita]

I probably sounded negative on this post but I did have a good time there. I have a friend that has a condo in Ixstapa(?) and he likes it a lot. It just seemed unusual to see a bunch of guys with machine guns instead of other guns. I don't think they have any in Kansas.

the first time we were in Santa Domingo (land trip) we experienced the machine gun policy. As our taxi driver that became our personal tour guide pointed out: you are safer the police are carrying them. We got over our fear and enjoyed the rest of our stay.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

I guess you have to weigh the risk between getting blown up in a bus or cafe by a fanatical suicide bomber to being verbally harassed, touched, or maybe robbed by a poor islander who just wants your money, NOT YOUR LIFE.

 

Personally I'd prefer the latter. But that's just me. I could be wrong. As I said earlier, life is full of risk. You either accept the risk and do what you can to minimize it or you stay home and miss out on some great experiences.

 

Jimmers:)

I agree!!!

[seawyllow]

My God people, listen to yourselves. If you have to live life in that sort of fear you may as well stay in your homes with the alarm on and windows barred.

 

How on earth do you ever fly. Don't you realize that planes crash once in a while............. just like there are tourist related crimes ONCE in while.

 

Don't you watch the news or read the papers. What about the crime ON the cruiseships. If you believe the news, people are being murdered and raped and robbed on those things.

 

There are places in any city in the world that you don't want to go into unless you have a police escort. A smart person visiting these cities knows to keep away from them. That is where the bulk of the violent crime takes place. Not in the tourist areas.

 

But yes, there are risks anywhere you go, in this country or another country. You accept those risks just like you accept the risks of air travel, etc.. You go with organized tours or with guides. You travel in groups and you don't carry anything you're not prepared to lose.

 

 

Regards,

Jimmers:)

 

You said it! And to KLFrodo.......Did you run into me in Manhattan??? I can be pretty scary on Monday morning!

 

As for danger in certain ports in the Caribbean and Mexico, you keep your eyes open, realize that it is a different culture, and stay alert. You wouldn't walk around with a $100 pinned to your shirt at 2AM at the local 7-11, would you?

 

After 9/11, is anywhere safe? Go live your life and enjoy what you can!

[cruiserbryce]

I would suggest then that you stay FAR AWAY from any port in Jamaica.

 

Jamaica gets such a bad wrap...the vendors are pushy but there are some great excursions and its a wonderul stop on a cruise. Like others have said...just be smart about what you do there, and in any port for that matter

[Darstime]

I too live in Seattle and would not walk the streets at night.

We were in Jamaca and in the Burger King DH went to the restroom was being pressured to do drugs,the door opened and he ran out grabing my hand heading straight for the ship.It was just bad the pushing stupid things on us,not getting any change back.I will always stay on the ship in that port.

Darlene

[Philip217]

The most dangerous Caribbean / Mexican ports I have visited are Miami, St. Thomas (after 5 pm) and New Orleans.

I hear gunshots everytime I go ashore in Miami; many of my crew have been robbed, beaten, and generally harrassed there.

We won't even let our crew stay onshore after 5pm in St Thomas. There is just too much trouble there.

Since the demise of New Oreleans, crime there is just out of control. We won't even go ashore there.

[Latino81]

Mexico particularly Puerto Vallarta buses. Have been going there for some 30 yrs. and almost every trip someone has been pick pocketed of their wallets.

The bandits work in groups and use the pushing/bumping method. They get the wallet and then pass off to friend who then gets off at next stop.

Also the cops are corrupt and will stop u for speeding then ask u tp give yr driver licence and u can pick up next day at city hall. But if u offer to pay the fine on the spot (which isn't much) you'll get yr licence back and off u go. It has happened to me once. But hasn't stopped me from going back.

These kind of things happen all over the world. It's often too easy to target travellers as we stand out quite obvious.

[maurick]

We have always felt very safe in Bermuda.

[traveler/]

We did not like the pushy vendors in Jamaica, felt uncomfortable there.

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

 

Though as a group, we want to exchange information on cruises and not solve the world's problems, I hope that the government of Jamaica takes notice of what is being stated on these boards.

 

Sadly, if the cruise lines stop visiting ports such as Montego Bay, many law abiding Jamaicians will be adversely impacted financially. And hopefully the cruise lines acting together will bring pressure upon the Jamaican government to develop policies that will eventually reduce crime.

 

Hope that this helps,

 

Fred

[Jimmers]

Hello,

 

 

And hopefully the cruise lines acting together will bring pressure upon the Jamaican government to develop policies that will eventually reduce crime.

 

 

Yea, they really need to crack down on those pushy vendors, the homeless people in the streets and those scary people who try to sell you drugs. That's the extent of what a typical tourist might encounter in Jamaica.

 

Our efforts at reducing crime are best utilized in our own Countrys. Especially if our home Country happens to be the US.

 

Jimmers:)

[tasha78]

THE ONE PORT I FELT UNEASY AND UNSAFE WAS THE PORT OF JAMAICA, MONTEGO BAY, THEY ARE VERY PUSHY AND AGGRESIVE, JUST LIKE ANYWHERE YOU VISIT WHETHER IN CRUISING OR EVERYDAY LIFE, YOU NEED TO ALWAYS WATCH YOUR SURROUNDINGS, AND NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN.:cool:

[Jimmers]

THE ONE PORT I FELT UNEASY AND UNSAFE WAS THE PORT OF JAMAICA, MONTEGO BAY, THEY ARE VERY PUSHY AND AGGRESIVE,

 

You know, I understand what you mean about the pushy and aggresive vendors, etc.. It would be nice not to have to contend with that. But that's Jamaica and Haiti and alot of other poor islands. I've found that a simple no thank you and while walking away works fine.

That's the same method I use when confronted by a panhandler in NYC, Philadelphia, or other US city. Never had a problem.

 

You have to appreciate that for the most part these are extremely poor people who are desperate for money. In their eyes, we are RICH tourists and indeed by their standards anyone who can go on a cruise or even a vacation, is rich.

 

You also have to appreciate that at least they're trying to EARN a living. They're not sitting on the corner trying to bum a dollar off passerbys.

 

I think it's fine to warn potential tourists and cruisers of what to expect at the various islands, i.e., the pushy and aggressive vendors in Jamaica. What I object to is how some posters go into hysterics over some isolated incident of tourist crime when in fact crimes against tourists are extremely rare either in Jamaica or on the other islands.

 

Jimmers:)

[newmexicoNita]

You know, I understand what you mean about the pushy and aggresive vendors, etc.. It would be nice not to have to contend with that. But that's Jamaica and Haiti and alot of other poor islands. I've found that a simple no thank you and while walking away works fine.

That's the same method I use when confronted by a panhandler in NYC, Philadelphia, or other US city. Never had a problem.

 

You have to appreciate that for the most part these are extremely poor people who are desperate for money. In their eyes, we are RICH tourists and indeed by their standards anyone who can go on a cruise or even a vacation, is rich.

 

You also have to appreciate that at least they're trying to EARN a living. They're not sitting on the corner trying to bum a dollar off passerbys.

 

I think it's fine to warn potential tourists and cruisers of what to expect at the various islands, i.e., the pushy and aggressive vendors in Jamaica. What I object to is how some posters go into hysterics over some isolated incident of tourist crime when in fact crimes against tourists are extremely rare either in Jamaica or on the other islands.

 

Jimmers:)

I pretty much agree with what you are saying, yes, to them we are the rich Americans. I do have to admit I was a littel uneasy in Montego Bay. It has been several years, also had a less then pleasant experience in St Lucia. I wasn't particularly scared, just uneasy and ticked off.

Nita

[Jimmers]

I do have to admit I was a littel uneasy in Montego Bay. It has been several years, also had a less then pleasant experience in St Lucia. I wasn't particularly scared, just uneasy and ticked off.

 

Yes, we too have had our share of unpleasant experiences on the islands. We learned on our first visit to Jamaica in 95 to avoid any thing that looks like an open market. Now, when we do any shopping there we usually go to the shopping centers that are closed off to the locals.

 

I would never purchase anything from a vendor that was pushy or aggressive in any way. I just ignore them and keep walking. But apparently some people do or the they wouldn't still be in business and still using such "coercive" selling tactics. It must work for them.

 

Jimmers:)

[sunsurf]

You also have to appreciate that at least they're trying to EARN a living. They're not sitting on the corner trying to bum a dollar off passerbys.

 

I think it's fine to warn potential tourists and cruisers of what to expect at the various islands, i.e., the pushy and aggressive vendors in Jamaica. What I object to is how some posters go into hysterics over some isolated incident of tourist crime when in fact crimes against tourists are extremely rare either in Jamaica or on the other islands.

 

Jimmers:)

 

 

Agree with your comments 100%!

 

To all, as many posters have stated.."stay away from Jamaica" it unsafe etc. I feel the opposite. I've been there numerous times and stayed at small boutique style hotels to a couple of resorts and have nothing but great things to say about the island and its people. Sure some areas are unsafe, avoid them. The majority of islands have "those" areas. We all just need to use caution as we would anywhere else. A little reaserch on the island before travelling there goes a long way. Re: vendors....they can be pushy anywhere you go. . If we're not interested, we give a simple " no thanks ". Many times, we've actually sat down and talked with them for a while and found them to be really nice. For many, its how they make a living and earn their money. For them...its life.

 

BTW...We have travelled to so many islands and countires over the years and our "real" only unpleasant experience was in Aruba.

[newmexicoNita]

Agree with your comments 100%!

 

To all, as many posters have stated.."stay away from Jamaica" it unsafe etc. I feel the opposite. I've been there numerous times and stayed at small boutique style hotels to a couple of resorts and have nothing but great things to say about the island and its people. Sure some areas are unsafe, avoid them. The majority of islands have "those" areas. We all just need to use caution as we would anywhere else. A little reaserch on the island before travelling there goes a long way. Re: vendors....they can be pushy anywhere you go. . If we're not interested, we give a simple " no thanks ". Many times, we've actually sat down and talked with them for a while and found them to be really nice. For many, its how they make a living and earn their money. For them...its life.

 

BTW...We have travelled to so many islands and countires over the years and our "real" only unpleasant experience was in Aruba.

I guess this just demonstrates the difference we are experience: We have done Aruba both land and on cruises, never have we had one single unpleasant experience. When in Ocho Rios several years ago (all inclusive and a very nice one) we were advised not to leave the resort without a guide with us, not for any reason.

 

Nita