Major cruise lines continue to make regular stops at Roatan, Honduras, despite a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department urging Americans to reconsider travel to the country. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and MSC Cruises maintain their scheduled visits to the popular Caribbean destination, with multiple vessels docking at the port daily.
The State Department’s advisory highlights significant security concerns throughout Honduras, including widespread violent crime such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Gang activity, extortion, street crime, and human trafficking remain persistent issues, with local authorities potentially lacking adequate resources to address serious criminal incidents effectively.
However, the advisory does note that the Bay Islands region, which includes Roatan, experiences better policing and has more concentrated security resources compared to mainland Honduras. This distinction has become a key point for local tourism operators defending the destination’s safety.
Bryan Tejada, General Manager of AT21 TOURS Roatán, has addressed these concerns in a public statement, emphasizing Roatan’s
geographical separation from mainland Honduras. Located approximately 40 miles off the northern coast, the island maintains its own distinct security environment and heavily relies on tourism for its economic stability.
The situation in Honduras remains complex, with the government having declared a “State of Exception” in December 2022 in response to high crime levels. This declaration, still in effect, permits law enforcement to suspend constitutional rights in 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities. While potentially concerning for visitors, the increased military and police presence, particularly around tourist areas, serves as both a deterrent to crime and a reminder of the broader security challenges.
Cruise ships dock in a secured, walled-off port area in Roatan. However, passengers can freely exit this protected zone on foot or via local transportation to explore the island. Cruise lines continue to offer excursions beyond the port area, showing confidence in local security measures.
The situation draws parallels to other cruise destinations facing similar challenges, such as Royal Caribbean’s continued operations at Labadee, Haiti, despite that country being under a more severe Level 4 advisory. The cruise industry often distinguishes between isolated tourist areas and broader regional security concerns.
Tourism officials emphasize Roatan’s dedication to maintaining visitor safety, citing cooperation between local authorities, law enforcement, and tourism organizations. The island’s economy depends heavily on cruise ship visitors, leading to enhanced security protocols in tourist-frequented areas.
While acknowledging the broader security situation, tourism operators recommend standard travel precautions such as maintaining awareness of surroundings and securing personal belongings – practices they suggest are prudent regardless of destination.
The contrast between mainland Honduras’s security challenges and Roatan’s tourist-oriented environment remains stark. The island continues to welcome thousands of visitors annually, with local businesses and tourism operators working to maintain its reputation as a safe Caribbean destination. Despite the State Department’s advisory, cruise lines show no signs of altering their schedules or limiting excursion options, suggesting confidence in the island’s ability to safely host international visitors within its tourism infrastructure.
Visitors to Roatan encounter visible security measures, including armed personnel, which serve as both reassurance and reminder of the broader regional security context. However, the island’s tourism industry maintains that these measures, combined with its geographical isolation and focused security resources, create a safe environment for cruise passengers and other visitors.