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GALVESTON, Texas — Travelers sailing out of Galveston are urged to take precautions when making stops in Mexico after U.S. officials issued an alert for parts of the country due to escalating violence and security operations.
Several cruises sailing out of Galveston in late February and March include stops in Mexican ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.
The warning follows a major security event in Mexico involving the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation on Sunday in Jalisco, according to Mexico’s Defense Department.
RELATED: Who ‘El Mencho’ was and what to know about the cartel he led
U.S. officials say the aftermath of that operation has triggered road blockages, criminal activity, and ongoing security concerns across multiple Mexican states — including some popular cruise destinations.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is urging Texans traveling in Mexico, or with family members there, to closely follow U.S. government guidance.
According to cruise schedules, the following sailings out of Galveston include planned stops in Mexico:
Late February 2026
March 2026
KHOU 11 News has reached out to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Regal Princess, and Norwegian to see whether they are making any changes to their itineraries.
Royal Caribbean
Here is a statement from a spokesperson of Royal Caribbean: “The safety and security of our guests and crew are always our top priority. There are currently no changes regarding our visits. Should there be, we will contact impacted guests and travel agents directly.”
MSC Cruises
Here’s a statement from MSC Cruises: “MSC Cruises continuously monitors international developments that may influence our ships’ itineraries or shore activities, and the safety of our guests and crew always comes first. Our sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, are currently operating as planned; however, out of an abundance of caution, some shore excursions may be adjusted or cancelled. We remain in close contact with the relevant authorities.”
Norwegian Cruise Line
Here’s a statement from a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line: “The safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are always a top priority. Due to ongoing security operations and the recent U.S. travel warning issued for select areas in Mexico, Norwegian Bliss’ scheduled call to Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2026 has been canceled. We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation and any additional itinerary updates for ships scheduled to call to Mexico in the near future will be communicated directly with impacted guests.”
The U.S. Department of State says Americans in several Mexican states are being urged to shelter in place because of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
Late Sunday, the State Department updated its list of impacted areas, which includes:
According to the State Department and U.S. Embassy officials, Americans in impacted regions should:
U.S. citizens needing assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico at (55) 8526-2561 from within Mexico or +1-844-528-6611 from the U.S. Additional help is available through the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs at +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444.
Officials recommend that Americans traveling to Mexico, including cruise passengers, closely monitor federal travel advisories, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain regular contact with family, and be prepared to follow shelter-in-place guidance if conditions change.
Travelers are also encouraged to keep emergency contact numbers readily available and stay alert to updates from cruise operators and U.S. officials as the situation continues to evolve.
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