Norwegian Bliss Returns to Puerto Vallarta After Security Reroutes

Norwegian Bliss returned to Puerto Vallarta on March 13 with more than 4,300 passengers, a closely watched call that signaled cruise traffic beginning to resume after weeks of itinerary changes tied to cartel-related violence in western Mexico.

Several major cruise brands had temporarily removed the Mexican Riviera port from select sailings following a Mexican military operation on Feb. 22 that killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The aftermath included unrest in Jalisco state and nearby areas that prompted cruise lines to reroute certain voyages from Southern California, where Puerto Vallarta is a frequent stop on weeklong and longer itineraries sailing from Los Angeles/Long Beach and San Diego.

Security concerns and unrest that prompted itinerary adjustments

In the wake of the Feb. 22 operation, retaliatory violence and disruptions were reported across parts of the region, including torched vehicles and highway blockades, according to the reports. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert on Feb. 22 urging U.S. citizens in certain locations to shelter in place; that alert was fully lifted on Feb. 25.

In Puerto Vallarta, businesses and non-essential services were temporarily shut down under government directives as conditions were assessed, according to the reporting. Cruise lines said their decisions were precautionary and centered on passenger and crew safety.

Ships and sailings affected by Puerto Vallarta removals

Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line were among the brands that altered specific Mexican Riviera sailings during the disruption window. The changes included skipping Puerto Vallarta in favor of additional sea days or substitutions such as Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán.

A Carnival spokesperson said the line continued tracking conditions while other sailings in Mexico largely operated as planned, adding: “We’ve made the decision to shift itineraries on a handful of sailings to bypass Puerto Vallarta for the next few weeks.”

• Carnival Panorama: Carnival told guests on certain sailings that Puerto Vallarta would be skipped for a period of weeks. In one notice to passengers booked on a Feb. 28 Mexican Riviera cruise, the revised plan included additional time in Cabo San Lucas, including a two-day visit. One guest advisory also referenced scheduled calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and La Paz.
• Holland America Line Zuiderdam: The ship’s Puerto Vallarta call was replaced with a day at sea on a 12-day itinerary that departed San Diego on Feb. 15 and was scheduled to return on Feb. 27. The ship’s Ensenada visit remained scheduled for Feb. 26. Holland America said: “Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and team members, we have cancelled our planned visit to Puerto Vallarta February 23.”
• Princess Cruises: Royal Princess, Island Princess, and Ruby Princess were among the ships rerouted around Puerto Vallarta. In a statement shared regarding Royal Princess, the line said: “To prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, we have canceled Royal Princess’ planned visit to Puerto Vallarta,” adding that it was reviewing the onward itinerary and would update guests about substitute plans.

Norwegian Cruise Line also removed Puerto Vallarta from at least one itinerary during the period of heightened security operations. Norwegian said Norwegian Bliss’ Feb. 25, 2026 call was canceled due to “ongoing security operations” and “the recent U.S. travel warning issued for select areas in Mexico.” A Norwegian spokesperson said: “The safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always a top priority,” adding that any additional itinerary updates would be communicated directly to impacted guests.

Travel advisories issued as cruise lines monitored conditions

U.S. government messaging around travel continued to emphasize security risks beyond the immediate disruption period. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a Spring Break Travel Notice on March 2 warning that the risk of crime and kidnapping persists in Mexico, even after violence in Puerto Vallarta had ended.

The U.S. State Department’s broader Mexico guidance also remained in place. Mexico continued under a Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) advisory that had been issued in August 2025 and did not change following the unrest. The State Department also advised travelers to avoid certain Mexican states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

Most cruise calls in Mexico continued, industry group says

While Puerto Vallarta became a focal point for itinerary changes, cruise traffic in Mexico overall largely continued, according to an industry group. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association said: “While there have been some modifications of cruise itineraries in Mexico, more than 95% of cruise tourism in the country is currently operating normally,” adding that cruise lines work with security experts and government authorities to monitor routes and adjust plans as needed.

The FCCA also estimated Puerto Vallarta accounts for about 5% of cruise passenger stops in Mexico, helping explain how operators were able to reroute select sailings while maintaining most scheduled calls. Other ports, including Ensenada, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, continued operating normally, with only isolated cancellations attributed to weather conditions or logistical changes unrelated to security concerns, according to the reporting.

Puerto Vallarta points to returning cruise activity

As conditions stabilized, local officials highlighted the March 13 arrival of Norwegian Bliss as a visible sign that cruise activity was restarting. City Economic Manager Juan Pablo Martínez Torres described the visit as evidence the destination was ready to receive visitors and called it “a safe destination,” with local reporting also noting festive arrivals that included mariachi music and cultural showcases.

Cruise lines have continued to stress that itinerary decisions can change quickly based on evolving conditions, and that guests and travel advisors will be notified directly when a specific sailing is affected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did cruise ships temporarily suspend visits to Puerto Vallarta?

Cruise lines suspended or rerouted select calls after a Feb. 22 Mexican military operation killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The aftermath included cartel-related unrest in Jalisco state and nearby areas, prompting cruise operators to bypass Puerto Vallarta on certain sailings as a precaution tied to passenger and crew safety.

Are cruises resuming in Puerto Vallarta?

Cruise traffic has shown signs of resuming. Norwegian Bliss called in Puerto Vallarta on March 13 carrying more than 4,300 passengers, and local officials described the visit as a milestone and evidence the destination was ready to receive visitors.

What measures do cruise lines take during security risks?

Cruise operators said they coordinate with security experts and government authorities to monitor conditions and adjust routes. During the disruption window, lines rerouted certain sailings, swapped Puerto Vallarta for additional sea days or alternative ports, and told guests they would receive direct communications if an itinerary changed.

Are other Mexican ports affected by the violence?

According to the reporting, other ports such as Ensenada, Cozumel, and Costa Maya continued operating normally. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association also said more than 95% of cruise tourism in Mexico was operating normally during the period, even as some itineraries were modified.

How can travelers prepare for disruptions during cruises?

Guidance cited in the reporting included enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, carrying extra medication, prioritizing excursions offered by cruise lines, and working with a trusted travel advisor to help navigate potential disruptions if an itinerary changes.