Cruises are one of the safest vacations you can take. However, that doesn't mean you should let your guard down onboard or ashore.
An increase in deadly gang violence resulted in the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago declaring a country-wide state of emergency on Monday.
The declaration came after a violent weekend, marked by gang-related shootings that left at least five men dead. While a curfew won't be implemented, residents should expect increased police and military presence. Law enforcement can also conduct searches and detain suspects for 48 hours without a warrant, the Associated Press reported.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we are dealing with an epidemic,” National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said at a press conference.
Acting Attorney General Stuart Young also stressed that there was particular unease about "increased and heightened brazen acts of criminal activity” by gangs carrying illegal weapons.
“The criminal gangs via the use of the high-powered assault weapons and other illegal firearms in areas of Trinidad and possibly Tobago are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago recorded 623 homicides for the year to date, with gang-related activities accounting for over 260 of them.
While Trinidad and Tobago have three cruise ports, the Caribbean islands aren't as popular as ports like St. Maarten, Cozumel, or Nassau. However, they offer unique attractions that set them apart.
Trinidad is famous for its rich history and bustling capital, Port of Spain. The island is also home to lush rainforests. Tobago is a smaller island where you can snorkel at Arnos Vale, kayaking through mangrove swamps, and more. It's also home to the largest brain coral in the world!
Five cruise ships, including Marella Voyager, Oceania Sirena, Costa Fortuna, Amera, and Ritz-Carlton Evrima, are scheduled to call at Scarborough, Tobago, in January 2025. Majestic Princess is the only ship slated to visit Port of Spain, Trinidad, in January, while three vessels—Seabourn Ovation, Star Pride, and HAL's Volendam—will call St Charlotteville, Tobago.
Because of the islands' location, Trinidad and Tobago are more common on Southern Caribbean itineraries alongside ports like Grenada, Barbados, and Martinique. 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Florida and Texas will call at popular destinations such as St. Thomas, Costa Maya, Roatán, and St. Maarten.
Venturing to the Southern Caribbean allows guests to explore a mix of island culture, beautiful beaches, and off-the-beaten path adventures.
The U.S. Department of State also lists Trinidad and Tobago on its travel advisory list, with a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" warning due to the increased violence and gang-related activity in certain areas.
"Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk," reads the advisory.
Though emergency measures are designed to improve safety, cruise passengers should remain vigilant when ashore.
Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
