Is it safe to cruise to Mexico right now? Some ships change plans

Cruisers sailing out of California are urged to take precautions when stopping in Mexico after U.S. officials issued alerts for parts of the country due to growing violence following the death of an infamous cartel leader. 

Many voyages originating in Long Beach, California, in late February and March include stops in Mexican ports like Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. 

Earlier this week, three ships canceled their scheduled visits to Puerto Vallarta as a wave of violence escalated after Mexico’s most-wanted cartel boss, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed during a planned military operation. 

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Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam, Princess Cruises's Royal Princess, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Bliss all adjusted their itineraries to avoid the port. 

Now, cruise lines are always making decisions about future visits, starting with Carnival Panorama. Guests aboard the February 28 sailing were informed that they would no longer be calling at Puerto Vallarta. Instead, those on the 8-night round-trip cruise will have more time to enjoy Cabo San Lucas. 

"Our team has been closely monitoring the situation in Mexico and while the cruise industry has largely sailed itineraries as planned this week, Carnival Corporation has made the decision to wait a few weeks before turning to Puerto Vallarta, resulting in a change to your upcoming itinerary," the email notice reads. 

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Originally, passengers were supposed to call at Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, March 3, according to Cruise Mapper. Now, the ship will sail directly to Cabo San Lucas, visiting from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Carnival Panorama's revised itinerary is as follows:

• Saturday, Feb. 28: Long Beach (Los Angeles), California (Depart 4:00 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 1: Fun Day at Sea
• Monday, March 2: Fun Day at Sea
• Tuesday, March 3: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., previously Puerto Vallarta)
• Wednesday, March 4: Mazatlán, Mexico (8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.)
• Thursday, March 5: La Paz, Mexico (9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.)
• Friday, March 6: Fun Day at Sea (previously Cabo San Lucas)
• Saturday, March 7: Fun Day at Sea
• Sunday, March 8: Long Beach (Los Angeles), California (Arrive 9:00 a.m.)

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"Pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions will be automatically adjusted based on these changes, and refunds for Puerto Vallarta tours will be issued to your onboard account," the email continues. 

Read more: Cruise lines cancel visits to Mexican port as violence grips parts of the country

Unrest in Puerto Vallarta causes security concerns

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Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on Sunday during a U.S. intelligence-aided Mexican military operation, CNN reported. 

He had evaded capture for years, despite a $15 million U.S. bounty for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

"CJNG was formed in 2009 and has grown into one of the most violent drug cartels in Mexico. It has been assessed to have the highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico, and over the past few years, includes the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States," states the U.S. Department of State's website.

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"Under Oseguera Cervantes’ leadership, CJNG has been responsible for many homicides against rival trafficking groups and Mexican law enforcement officers. More recently, CJNG operatives, allegedly under Oseguera Cervantes’ direction, were involved in assassination attempts of Mexican government officials."

After his death, widespread unrest spread through parts of western Mexico, particularly in Jalisco and neighboring states, with suspected gang members setting buses and businesses on fire.

In response, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a shelter-in-place warning, urging Americans and U.S. government personnel to remain indoors.