Travel advisory: Major cruise lines bypass some ports

The United States State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Nicaragua, warning Americans to reconsider visits to the Central American nation due to risks including arbitrary law enforcement and potential targeting of U.S. citizens.

The advisory affects the cruise port of San Juan del Sur, previously a destination for major cruise lines, though current sailings have already been adjusted to exclude the port.

According to State Department officials, "In the past year, the Government of Nicaragua has subjected U.S. citizens to arbitrary entry and exit bans, expulsions, arrests, revocations of Nicaraguan citizenship, and other actions." 

The agency detailed specific concerns about government practices, noting authorities may search personal devices for anti-government content, limit photography, seize electronics, and target individuals for political reasons regardless of nationality.

The warning places Nicaragua at a more serious advisory level than many other cruise destinations. While popular ports like those in the Bahamas operate under Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisories, the Level 3 status explicitly recommends Americans reconsider traveling to the region.

"The Government of Nicaragua may arbitrarily detain, accuse, and charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, or organized crime offenses," the State Department advisory stated. "They may do this without fair or transparent processes."

Royal Caribbean International, which previously included San Juan del Sur in its itineraries, currently shows no scheduled stops at the port. The cruise line had previously marketed the destination as an "idyllic beach town" known for surfing and natural beauty.

The advisory also highlighted health and safety concerns beyond political risks. "Government hospitals are understaffed, and some hospitals throughout the country may not be able to assist in emergencies. Tap water is not reliably potable. Drink only purified bottled water," it added.

The Level 3 designation ranks below only the most severe Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, which is currently in place for Haiti. Under the State Department's four-tier system, Level 1 advises normal precautions, while Level 2 calls for increased vigilance.

Among the specific concerns listed, the advisory warned that Nicaraguan authorities may confiscate private property, including land, homes, and financial assets, without warning or due process. Officials noted that the government has targeted pro-democracy advocates, business representatives, religious groups, journalists, and academics.

The State Department uses these travel advisories to provide U.S. citizens with official government recommendations about the safety of various international destinations. The system helps travelers make informed decisions about foreign travel by assessing risks, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, and health concerns.

For context, many cruise destinations operate under Level 1 advisories, which suggest standard safety awareness that would apply to most international travel. The Level 2 advisory in place for the Bahamas, for example, focuses on specific areas and types of crime rather than systemic government actions against visitors.

The advisory serves as a formal recommendation rather than a travel ban, leaving the final decision about visiting Nicaragua to individual travelers. However, major cruise lines typically adjust their itineraries in response to elevated travel warnings to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Beyond political and safety concerns, the advisory addressed practical travel considerations, noting that the Nicaraguan government maintains the right to deny entry or exit to both U.S. citizens and Nicaraguan nationals without providing justification for such decisions.