Travel warning - Guatemala - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 06-10-2006, 06:56 AM

This is from the UK Foreign Office but applies to all nationalities...

10th June 2006

Guatemala crime-wave

The favourite destination of British backpackers in Central America is Guatemala - but a bulletin this week from the Foreign Office says the country is getting more dangerous.

"Most of the UK's consular assistance in Guatemala is for victims of violent crime, such as armed robbery and mugging," says the FCO.

"Be on your guard and exercise great caution as violent crime is common throughout Guatemala. The number of tourists being targeted by criminals is increasing, especially those arriving at the airport/ports."

Besides an upsurge in violence in the capital, the Foreign Office says "Armed robbery is becoming more usual in the city of Antigua Guatemala, and even the main areas of town during daylight hours have seen attacks."

LuLu · 06-16-2006, 09:08 PM

WOW! Good Warning!

Are there any cruise lines (especially mass market cruise lines) with port stops in Guatemala?

sue miller · 06-16-2006, 09:13 PM

I don't believe so, that was a travel warning for land travel!!

canarymoon · 06-16-2006, 10:00 PM

Actually, NCL sails there...

the port of call is Santo Tomas de Castilla.

The NCL Sun's itinerary (out of New Orleans) includes this port, starting in the fall.

sue miller · 06-17-2006, 06:15 AM

Thanks Sheila, Surprised it is a port!!

canarymoon · 06-17-2006, 07:20 AM

Yes - but only the Sun, apparently, so you were basically right.

The Sun is the one that HAD been going to Roatan, so looks like they have replaced Honduras with Guatemala for that ship for some reason.

sue miller · 06-17-2006, 08:01 AM

I wouldn't go there!!

houch · 06-17-2006, 10:12 AM

Not happy to read this. We have a group from our church that goes there every year. To a sister church inland at a small village. It is comprised mostly of youth with a few adults including one of our pastors and a spanish teacher. Their next trip is coming up real soon. I am not planning to visit there.

sue miller · 06-17-2006, 10:21 AM

It is very sad when good people are hurt by the violent people!!

LuLu · 06-17-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sue miller

It is very sad when good people are hurt by the violent people!!

Isn't that the darn TRUTH! So sad it's the way things often are!