When you’re thumbing through travel brochures and trying to decide on your next cruising vacation, you’re looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. You’re thinking about sipping sugary-sweet tropical drinks, lounging in the pool, and checking out some of the world’s most exotic destinations.
To be sure, cruises are amazing! But, there are some risks involved, particularly when it comes to cruising destinations.
Like it or not, some of the places that cruise ships visit are among the most dangerous places in the world. Sure, the cruise line will take every available precaution to shield your from danger, but the risk is there regardless. What are the 15 most dangerous places to cruise to in the world? You’re about to find out…
1. The U.S. Virgin Islands
A sluggish economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands has seen a concomitant rise in crime, something that has occasionally touched cruisers who venture there.
2. El Salvador
Home to a rampant crime problem that’s made this country one of the world’s murder capitals, there’s reason to be cautious when cruising here, even if cruise-goers are rarely if ever targeted.
3. The Ivory Coast
Although the piracy problem has been somewhat curbed in recent years, it still poses a risk for cruise ships that venture to the Ivory Coast.
4. Venezuela
A grave economic situation in this country has led to an explosion of violent crime. Best keep your wits about you if you find yourself cruising to a port of call like Caracas.
5. St. Kitts
Only a few years ago, a bus carrying a group of cruise-goers was robbed at gunpoint. Though an exception to the rule, the potential for encountering violent crime here does exist.
6. Colombia
Though not as dangerous as it once was only a decade ago, there are still risks in Colombia’s major cities of which cruise goers should be mindful.
7. The Philippines
Unsuspecting tourists have too often found themselves the victims of kidnappers in The Philippines. Be sure you keep your wits about you if you visit.
8. Guatemala
Particularly if you’re visiting Guatemala City, be mindful that street crime is quite common and that cruise goers are not immune to it.
9. Honduras
As a country that has one of the highest murder rates per capita on the planet, one needs to stay vigilant when traveling here.
10. St. Lucia
The travel brochures are all powder-sand beaches and tropical drinks, but poverty has led to a crime problem on this island that can’t be ignored.
11. The Bahamas
If you stick to the heavily trafficked tourist areas, you’ll be fine. But be sure you heed the warnings about specific neighborhoods that are known for crime.
12. Antigua
There’s a surprising amount of murders that take place on this island every years, something you should keep in mind when traveling there.
13. Israel
While things have been relatively stable here in recent years, it’s important to remember that Israel remains as ever an international flashpoint for conflict and terrorism.
14. Mexico
Though the major tourist destinations in Mexico are safe, if you’re venturing off the beaten path, don’t forget about the rampant problems posed by Mexican drug cartels.
15. Belize
Here’s another country that’s an important cog in the international drug trade. As such, it’s best to mindful when visiting on a cruise vacation.
