Cruise Lines Cancel Cozumel Shore Excursions After Explosive Devices Found On A Tourist Ferry

Mar 02, 2018

Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have canceled all shore excursions involving ferries in Cozumel, following the U.S. State Department warning.

“On March 1, undetonated explosive devices were found by Mexican law enforcement on a tourist ferry that operates between Cozumel-Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Also on March 1, we issued a security alert informing U.S. citizens that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using tourist ferries on this route until further notice. On February 21, an explosion on a tourist ferry that operates between Cozumel-Playa del Carmen, Mexico, injured 27 people, including several U.S. citizens. We urge all travelers to review our information on travel.state.gov before they travel. We will continue to provide safety and security updates as they become available.” A statement released by U.S. State Department reads.

This is a Video of the ferry explosion in Playa del Carmen on February 21, that left 25 tourists injured. The US embassy in Mexico City confirmed that seven US tourists had suffered injuries during the incident.

Carnival Cruise Lines Cancels shore excursion with tourist ferry

John Heald, Brand Ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line released the following information:

“Some of you may have read about an explosion on a passenger ferry in Playa De Carmen recently.

So we are informing all our guests of the following starting today with the Carnival Breeze which is docked in Cozumel today

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel ban for all government personnel from traveling on tourist ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. In an abundance of caution, we have cancelled all tours that make use of ferries and we strongly advise that ferries from Cozumel to the mainland be avoided. Guests with scheduled tours impacted by these changes will have their tickets refunded to their account.

I apologize for this unexpected change in plans and trust you understand everyone’s safety is my number one priority.

I have no idea at the moment how long this will be in place for but I will, of course, keep you posted and updated. I felt that I needed to let you all know this here and of course, there are so many brilliant excursions to do in Cozumel and full details can be found at”

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cancels shore excursions involving tourist ferry

Allure of the Seas passengers received a letter regarding the cancelation of all shore excursions that involve taking a ferry and they will be refunded.  Royal Caribbean advised guests on board Allure of the Seas not to go on their own for independent excursions that involve tourist ferries. Allure of the Sea is on 7 Nights Western Caribbean and is scheduled to arrive in Cozumel today.

Regal Princess Cruises Cancels shore excursions involving tourist ferry

Regal Princess which is currently on a 14 Night Caribbean East/West Adventurer Cruise, scheduled to arrive in Cozumel today, has also canceled all shore excursion involving ferries. A latter by Captain Fabrizio Marseca informed guests on board that the excursions involving ferries in Cozumel are canceled. Princess Cruises included the following in the letter:

“As the safety and security of our guest and crew is our highest priority, our security department remains in close contact with government and private sources as well our local agents and tour operators and continues to monitor the situation.”

princess cruises letter cozumel shore ex