CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has adjusted its operations in the Pacific by temporarily removing Puerto Vallarta from its Mexican Riviera schedule following unrest in that region of Mexico. Recent violence tied to cartel activity after the death of a cartel leader in western Mexico led to heightened security alerts and a U.S. government travel advisory recommending increased caution; although shelter-in-place orders were later lifted, cruise lines have taken a cautious approach to port calls in Jalisco State.
As a result, Carnival Panorama’s scheduled call at Puerto Vallarta on February 28th, 2026 was canceled, and the vessel remained at sea or spent additional time at alternative ports while the carrier assessed conditions ashore. The suspension of calls to that destination is being extended over the coming weeks, with no firm date set for resumption.
Other cruise operators have made similar adjustments, with several vessels electing to bypass Puerto Vallarta amid the broader Security Level 2 advisory issued by the U.S. State Department for parts of Mexico; alternative ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán have been substituted on itineraries where feasible. Despite the local unrest, other Mexican Pacific and Caribbean ports continue to be visited as scheduled, and Carnival’s modifications affect only the Gulf of California leg of affected voyages. Operational notices issued to passengers confirmed that excursions previously booked for Puerto Vallarta would be refunded or adjusted in line with the updated routing.
Cruises on other legs of the Mexican Riviera remain in service, and Carnival alongside other lines continues to monitor developments and work with local authorities to determine when it may be appropriate to reinstate calls at the port once conditions permit.