If you’re watching cruise ship tracking this week, you’ve probably noticed something unusual — several ships are suddenly skipping Puerto Vallarta.
The reason? Escalating cartel-related violence in parts of Western Mexico has prompted multiple cruise lines to make precautionary changes.
While not every Mexican port is affected, Puerto Vallarta is currently seeing cancellations.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Norwegian Bliss canceled her February 25 call.
- Royal Princess also dropped her visit.
- Holland America’s Zuiderdam skipped earlier this week.
- Other Mexican ports like Cabo and Cozumel remain open.
- Costa Maya cancellations are weather-related, not security.
Safety — as always — is the driving factor.
Norwegian Bliss Heads Straight to Mazatlán
Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Bliss received word that their scheduled Puerto Vallarta stop on February 25, 2026, would no longer happen.
The ship departed Los Angeles on February 22 — the same day a prominent cartel leader was killed in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about 105 miles from Puerto Vallarta.
Rather than risk bringing 4,000+ passengers and nearly 1,700 crew members into a potentially unstable situation, the ship adjusted course and continued directly toward Mazatlán.
Without an alternate port available, it appears the vessel may spend the day at sea instead.
Norwegian Cruise Line released a statement emphasizing:
- Guest and crew safety is the top priority.
- The cancellation was tied to ongoing security operations.
- U.S. travel advisories influenced the decision.
- The situation continues to be monitored.
Passengers onboard largely supported the move, acknowledging disappointment but agreeing that safety comes first.
Royal Princess and Zuiderdam Also Cancel
Norwegian Bliss isn’t alone. Royal Princess also canceled her February 25 call to Puerto Vallarta.
Princess Cruises confirmed its security team has been actively monitoring the situation in Western Mexico and made the decision to skip the port as a precaution.
Earlier in the week:
- Zuiderdam canceled its February 23 call.
This marks at least three confirmed cancellations tied to Puerto Vallarta.
Upcoming calls from:
- Zuiderdam
- Norwegian Bliss
- Royal Princess
- Carnival Panorama (March 3)
- Island Princess (March 10)
…may also be reevaluated depending on how conditions evolve.
Why Puerto Vallarta Specifically?
Puerto Vallarta sits in the state of Jalisco, where unrest has been concentrated.
While the port itself hasn’t reported direct incidents affecting cruise passengers, cruise lines tend to act cautiously when:
- Travel advisories are issued.
- Security operations increase.
- Regional instability is reported.
- U.S. government warnings escalate.
It’s important to note:
- These cancellations are precautionary.
- No onboard incidents have occurred.
- Cruise ships are avoiding risk proactively.
In short, better safe than sorry.
What About Other Mexican Ports?
Right now, most other Mexican cruise ports are operating as planned.
Cabo San Lucas
Both Royal Princess and Carnival Radiance remain on schedule for Cabo visits.
Ensenada
Quantum of the Seas visited Ensenada as planned.
Cozumel
Cozumel is especially busy, with seven ships in port, including:
- Disney Treasure
- Disney Magic
- Norwegian Viva
- Carnival Jubilee
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- MSC Grandiosa
- Carnival Valor
No security-related cancellations have been reported there.
Costa Maya Cancellations Explained
A satellite image shows cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, Feb. 22, 2026, following the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” in a military operation.
Four ships skipped Costa Maya this week — but not due to unrest. The cancellations were strictly weather-related, tied to poor docking conditions.
For example:
- Icon of the Seas spent the day at sea.
- Grandeur of the Seas diverted to Roatan.
Weather and security are separate issues, and cruise lines have clarified that Costa Maya’s situation is not related to cartel activity.
How Cruise Lines Make These Decisions
When instability arises, cruise operators evaluate several factors:
- U.S. State Department advisories.
- Real-time intelligence reports.
- Port authority updates.
- Local law enforcement guidance.
- Passenger safety risk assessments.
It’s rarely a snap decision. Security teams monitor developments constantly and adjust itineraries as needed.
Sometimes that means:
- Swapping ports
- Adding sea days
- Extending time at alternate destinations
- Skipping ports altogether
Flexibility is built into cruise operations for exactly these situations.
What Guests Should Expect Moving Forward
At this stage:
- Only Puerto Vallarta calls are being widely impacted.
- Other Mexican ports remain open.
- No fleetwide Mexico cancellations have been announced.
- Each sailing is being evaluated individually.
Cruise lines will continue monitoring the situation closely.
For guests sailing soon, that means:
- Watching email updates.
- Checking onboard announcements.
- Staying flexible with excursion plans.
While itinerary changes are disappointing, most travelers agree it’s better than risking unsafe conditions.
A Fluid Situation in Western Mexico
The situation remains dynamic.
Cruise lines are prioritizing:
- Ship safety
- Guest wellbeing
- Crew protection
- Responsible port operations
For now, the broader Mexican cruise market remains active — but Puerto Vallarta is clearly under extra scrutiny.
As always, cruise operators will adapt quickly if conditions change.
And for guests onboard this week, the ocean might offer an unexpected extra sea day — but also peace of mind knowing the decision was made with safety first.
