Carnival Removes Puerto Vallarta from Mexican Riviera Schedule Amid Security Concerns – 28 February 2026

On 28 February 2026, Carnival Cruise Line announced the temporary suspension of Puerto Vallarta from its Mexican Riviera cruise schedule following heightened security concerns in western Mexico. The decision followed regional unrest linked to cartel violence in Jalisco State and a U.S. State Department Security Level 2 advisory recommending increased caution in parts of the region.

The cruise ship Carnival Panorama omitted its scheduled call at Puerto Vallarta on 28 February 2026, remaining at sea or spending additional time at alternate destinations. Carnival continues to coordinate with local authorities and monitor the security situation before reinstating the port in itineraries.

The Carnival Panorama did not dock at Puerto Vallarta on 28 February 2026 as originally scheduled. Instead, the vessel remained at sea or spent additional time at alternate Mexican Riviera destinations while Carnival evaluated conditions ashore. The suspension of Puerto Vallarta calls is expected to continue for several weeks, with no specific date announced for the resumption of visits to the port.

The decision followed violence associated with cartel activity in western Mexico after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera in Jalisco State. Although local shelter-in-place orders were later lifted, the U.S. State Department issued a Security Level 2 advisory recommending increased caution in parts of the region. Cruise lines adopted a precautionary approach to port calls in Jalisco State pending further developments.

Passengers booked on affected sailings were notified of the itinerary adjustments. Pre-purchased shore excursions in Puerto Vallarta were automatically canceled and refunded or replaced with excursions at alternative ports. When possible, ships have substituted other Mexican Riviera destinations including Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán. Other Mexican Pacific and Caribbean ports remain operational for cruise calls.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable — no maritime emergency or evacuation occurred.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to monitor the security situation in western Mexico and coordinate with local authorities. The suspension of Puerto Vallarta calls will remain in effect for several weeks while conditions are assessed. Other Mexican Pacific and Caribbean ports remain operational for cruise calls.