Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta Removed from Carnival Cruise Itineraries Amid Rising Unrest in Jalisco Region

Published on February 26, 2026

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Carnival Cruise Line has made the significant decision to cancel all planned visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the next few weeks, as unrest continues to escalate in the region. The shift in itinerary, which notably affects the upcoming Carnival Panorama sailing on February 28, 2026, highlights the cruise line’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew. Puerto Vallarta, a popular port on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has long been a sought-after destination for cruise travelers. However, recent events, including the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, have prompted the cruise line to adjust its schedule. With Mexico’s Jalisco state now under a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department, safety concerns have risen to the forefront, forcing the cancellation of port calls.

This article explores the reasons behind this decision, the ripple effects across Carnival Cruise Line’s entire fleet, and what this means for passengers and the cruise industry as a whole. Passengers who had planned to visit Puerto Vallarta will now have to look forward to an alternative itinerary, but there’s still hope for other Mexican Riviera destinations.

Carnival’s Bold Move Amid Rising Tensions

Carnival Cruise Line’s decision to suspend visits to Puerto Vallarta follows similar moves by other major cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises. This is the fourth cruise line to remove Puerto Vallarta from its itinerary due to the ongoing violence in Jalisco. The violence stems from the increasing power struggle between criminal cartels in the region, creating an environment of instability that can affect both locals and tourists. This decision, while disruptive, underscores the cruise line’s emphasis on guest safety and demonstrates the broader industry’s willingness to adjust course in the face of geopolitical challenges.

The Carnival Panorama was originally scheduled to visit Puerto Vallarta on March 3, 2026, as part of an 8-night Mexican Riviera cruise. This cruise was set to include visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas. Instead, the ship will skip Puerto Vallarta and will spend additional time at Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. These changes are expected to affect not only the upcoming sailing but possibly multiple itineraries in the coming weeks, as Carnival Cruise Line waits to reassess the situation in Puerto Vallarta.

Impact on Passengers and Itinerary Changes

For guests who had booked excursions in Puerto Vallarta, Carnival Cruise Line is offering full refunds or alternative arrangements for their shore tours. The cruise line has also adjusted the schedule to provide more time in Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, ensuring that travelers still get the opportunity to explore two other stunning Mexican Riviera destinations.

Passengers scheduled to board the Carnival Panorama on February 28, 2026, will experience a slightly different journey. While Mazatlán remains on the itinerary, passengers will get an additional 30 minutes to explore the city. The real highlight, however, is an extended stay in Cabo San Lucas, with an additional hour added to the itinerary. This adjustment gives guests more time to relax and explore the beautiful resort town located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.

Though the decision to skip Puerto Vallarta has caused some inconvenience for those who were eagerly anticipating the destination, Carnival Cruise Line is committed to ensuring that the overall cruise experience remains exceptional. Guests affected by the changes are being notified well in advance, with the cruise line emphasizing that their safety and satisfaction are top priorities.

Why Is Puerto Vallarta Being Skipped?

The recent violence in Jalisco, particularly surrounding the death of notorious cartel leader El Mencho, has raised safety concerns in several Mexican tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta. On February 22, 2026, the death of Oseguera triggered waves of unrest across the state, with gang violence spilling over into both urban and rural areas. The violence has reportedly been linked to turf wars among rival drug cartels, which have become increasingly violent in their attempts to control drug trafficking routes in the region.

As a result, Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination for American and international visitors, has become part of the growing list of areas in Mexico with elevated travel advisories. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 advisory for Jalisco due to the increasing risk of violence, terrorism, and kidnapping, which has further added to the uncertainty. The U.S. government has also warned that bystanders, including tourists, could be inadvertently caught in the crossfire of cartel violence.

Despite this, other parts of Mexico—including popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán—remain unaffected by the recent unrest, and the cruise lines have confirmed that their operations in these areas will continue as planned. At this point, no other regions in Mexico have faced similar levels of disruption, making it clear that the decision to cancel Puerto Vallarta visits is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting cruise passengers.

A Broader Industry Trend

The decision by Carnival Cruise Line to cancel Puerto Vallarta calls is not an isolated case. Other cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, have already made similar changes to their itineraries due to the escalating violence in the region. This marks a growing trend in the cruise industry, where passenger safety and geopolitical considerations are increasingly influencing itineraries.

As cruise lines prioritize the well-being of their guests, it’s likely that other companies will follow suit, either adjusting their routes or cancelling port visits in areas with escalating risks. While these changes are disruptive for travelers who have planned their vacations around specific destinations, the cruise industry remains flexible, offering guests alternative ports of call and adjusted itineraries that still provide an enjoyable and safe experience.

What’s Next for Puerto Vallarta?

Currently, Carnival Cruise Line has not set a confirmed date for the resumption of Puerto Vallarta calls. The decision to hold off on future visits reflects the ongoing instability in the region and the cruise line’s commitment to passenger safety. It remains unclear how long this pause will last, but the situation will likely continue to evolve as local authorities and cruise lines closely monitor developments.

Puerto Vallarta, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent local cuisine, will undoubtedly remain a key port of call in the Mexican Riviera once the situation stabilizes. In the meantime, cruise lines are working hard to ensure that their guests can enjoy alternative destinations that provide just as much beauty and charm, albeit without the uncertainties currently surrounding Puerto Vallarta.

The recent unrest in Puerto Vallarta has forced Carnival Cruise Line to rethink its itineraries and put the safety of its passengers first. Although Puerto Vallarta remains a beloved destination on the Mexican Riviera, the ongoing violence has prompted the cruise line to cancel several calls to the port in the coming weeks. Travelers can still look forward to other vibrant Mexican destinations such as Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, which remain unaffected by the violence. The decision by Carnival Cruise Line highlights the importance of adaptability in the cruise industry, as operators continue to adjust to changing geopolitical conditions while striving to provide memorable vacation experiences.