Belize is under a 30-day state of emergency in parts of Belize City and nearby districts, declared after a sharp rise in violent crime, and Royal Caribbean ships are still calling at Belize City as scheduled this month.
The Government of Belize declared the state of emergency on Saturday, October 31, and it runs for 30 days. It covers parts of Northside and Southside Belize City, Ladyville Village in Belize District, and Cotton Tree and Unitedville in Cayo District. Canada's advisory also lists the Coastal Highway between La Democracia and Hope Creek. During the emergency, security forces have added powers, including restricting movement and conducting searches, and visitors should expect a heavier police and military presence in the affected areas.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize issued a security alert on November 4 reminding U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in and around Belize City due to gang violence, and warning that an increased police presence with checkpoints on major roads may lead to increased traffic. Its advice: be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Global Affairs Canada, which updated its Belize advisory on November 3, tells visitors in the affected areas to carry valid identification and remain vigilant at all times, anticipate transportation delays and disruptions, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Canada also advises avoiding non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence.
Royal Caribbean has five Belize calls scheduled during the emergency, all at Belize City, where guests tender ashore to the Fort Street Tourism Village in the eastern section of downtown. Mariner of the Seas called on November 4, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no issues reported among passengers. Enchantment of the Seas is due on November 17 and again on November 26, and Radiance of the Seas is due on November 18 and November 25. Royal Caribbean has not issued a statement about the calls and has made no changes to the sailings. It is far from alone in still visiting: 27 cruise ships across the major lines are scheduled to call in Belize in November. Photo: The Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City, by eurimaco, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
What it means for your sailing: if your cruise calls at Belize City this month, your sailing is unchanged, and no excursion changes have been announced. When you go ashore, carry valid identification, stay aware of your surroundings, and allow extra time for road excursions, since police checkpoints can slow traffic. Sticking with ship-sponsored excursions or the Fort Street Tourism Village area is the simplest way to keep the day low-stress. If Royal Caribbean does change anything, booked guests will hear it from the line directly, so watch your email as your port day approaches.
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