Not all U.S. State Department travel advisories are created equal.
A Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, like the ones currently issued for Haiti and parts of Mexico, stands as a stern warning. You really should not visit those countries unless you have special security measures in place, an arrangement few people would make.
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When the State Department issues a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, it’s basically telling Americans not to visit that country. In those cases, however, cruise ports may be an exception.
Honduras, for example, is under a Level 3 advisory, but that notice specifically calls out the cruise port in Roatan:
“Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, remains common,” the advisory says. “Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking, is widespread. … Around resort areas in the Bay Islands, which include Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, there is a concentration of resources and these areas are better policed.”
The port area in Roatan still hosts ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival and other cruise lines.
When the U.S, State Department issues a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory, it’s not so much telling Americans not to visit a country. Instead, those warnings are a bit like your mom telling you to be careful or a news report pointing out specific dangers.
Now, the State Department has released a Level 1 travel advisory for a popular European cruise port most Americans would consider safe to visit. Â
Image source: Getty Images
Norway has long been a popular cruise destination
Many cruisers consider the fjords in Norway a bucket-list cruise. Royal Caribbean’s website certainly makes the country seem like a can’t-miss destination.
“In Norway, you’ll admire everything from the deep blue fjords to the snow-capped mountain peaks,” it says. “Cruise to Norway and head to the inner end of the stunning Aurlandsfjorden to join a fairy tale ride along the Flam Railway, one of the steepest railway tracks in the world.”
Royal Caribbean calls on multiple ports in Norway and builds cruises around calling on the country.
“In Honningsvag, situated above the Arctic Circle, admire the views across the sea to the Svalbard Islands and the North Pole, and watch the indigenous Sami people herd raucous reindeer through the area,” the cruise line adds.Â
“Stroll through Bergen’s Bryggen neighborhood, with its medieval cobblestone alleyways and colorfully painted houses, or go shopping in the small boutiques that offer handmade Sami crafts.
“Whether you’re looking to feast on traditional Nordic king crab or hoping to see the massive glacial walls of the Svalbard Islands, you can do it all in this northern paradise.”
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U.S. State Department issues Norway warning
Nobody should be the least bit scared of the U.S. State Department’s warning about travel to Norway. It’s a Level 1: Exercise normal precautions advisory, and no specific threats are pointed out in the posting on the federal agency’s website.
The warnings do point, however, to postings about increased tension over the U.S.’s relationship with Israel.
“Social media posts on various platforms are calling for demonstrations at U.S. and Israeli facilities on Friday, October 25, 2024,” the State Department website says.Â
“The U.S. government reminds U.S. citizens to: Avoid rallies and demonstrations whenever possible and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings as even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without warning.”
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Basically, the warning points out that political rallies could target American citizens.
The State Department also issued a small warning that cruise passengers should be aware of.
“Medical facilities are widely available and of high quality but may be limited outside larger urban areas,” it says. “The remote and sparse populations in northern Norway and the dependence on ferries to cross fjords of western Norway may affect transportation and ready access to medical facilities.”
No cruise line has made any changes to its itineraries based on this warning. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival’s Holland America all offer regular Norway-heavy itineraries.
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