Usually, the US State Department issues travel warnings due to political unrest.
In most cases, the most serious warnings are due to the government of a country being unable to maintain control. When that happens, the State Dept. shares a warning on its four-level warning system that’s very easy to understand:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautionsLevel 2: Exercise increased cautionLevel 3: Reconsider travelLevel 4: Do not travel
Both Level 1 and Level 2 warnings are routinely ignored by cruise lines. Both essentially mean “be a little careful,” and the actual warning often shares specific areas of a country that Americans should avoid.
Related: Despite warning, cruise lines visit ‘violent’ Caribbean port
Sometimes, a travel warning is issued because a natural disaster creates problems in a country. A hurricane, snowstorm, or, in this case, an earthquake, can create situations where the local government’s resources get stressed to the point where safety can’t be guaranteed for visiting tourists.
That’s what has happened in one popular cruise port that’s regularly visited by Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Vanuatu suffered a devestating earthquake.
Image source: Pixabay
Popular cruise port crippled by earthquake
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all have multiple cruise ships sailing cruises out of Australia. Many of those cruises call on Port Vila, in Vanuatu.
That country was hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on Dec. 17. That was followed the next day by a second 6.1 magnitude quake the next day.
“The magnitude 7.3 earthquake which struck Port Vila killed at least 16 people, injuring at least 200 and causing massive damage to the city and surrounding areas. The number of deaths and injuries is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue,” The Guardian reported. “A potential health crisis also looms as aid workers believe about 20,000 people on the island cannot access clean water.”
In the wake of that disastrous event, the US State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning for Vanuatu.
“The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Vanuatu following the December 17, 2024, earthquake, which caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu is limited, and departure options have been disrupted. Within Vanuatu, numerous buildings sustained severe damage, and curfews are in effect in some areas,” the government agency shared.
Cruise lines are still calling on Port Vila, Vanuatu
Royal Caribbean paints a beautiful picture of pre-earthquake Vanuatu on its website.
“In Port Vila, Vanuatu’s energetic capital, you’ll be greeted by friendly Bislama-speaking locals and street-side markets. Walk around the centre of town – you’ll see a touch of French influence still remains in the form of bistros and murals. Cruise to Port Vila to explore the hidden waterfalls of the Mele Cascades, tucked away in the Mele village rainforest with plenty of gently sloping hiking trails,” the cruise line shared.
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line still have cruise ships scheduled to dock in Port Vila this month, according to CruiseMapper.
It’s likely that those port calls get cancelled based on not just the US State Dept. travel advisory, but also what Vanuatu’s government has said.
“The Government of Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew for seven days in the worst-affected areas, including Port Vila. The curfew runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.,” it shared in a press release.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
That curfew would expire on Dec, 28.
Americans were also given a further warning.
“The U.S. Embassy in Port Vila has sustained considerable damage during the earthquake and is closed until further notice. U.S. citizens in Vanuatu should contact U.S. Embassy Port Moresby if they are in need of assistance,” Vanuatu added.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
