Anyone else concerned about stopping in Mexico?

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Thank you kjd for your opinions. They really do help.

That being said, we will take a DCL excursion but only because there are 8 ships in port that day. 8 ships - . My biggest fear is missing the boat. So I figure that they will get me back in time or hold the boat for me so we should be okay. I'm more afraid of the quantity of tourists in town then the crime. Heck, I work in NYC everyday. Cozumel doesn't frighten me.

 

[wwwosie]

KJD where do you live? Glad you are enjoying Mexico!

 

[nenner1]

I do believe that there is an issue now. I would recomend watching the warnings and not allow the fear to take control. I would only do a DCL excursion. Please remember that Cozumel is an Island and less likely to be on a major drug route. Going to the mainland is an increased risk but again if you go with a DCL group you will be safer.

As much as I believe that there is an issue in Mexico now I also trust that DCL will not take us anywhere that there is a large risk of us dying. If it continues to worsen DCL will change the ports they visit. We can all feel safe on a cruise and not feel like we need to stay on board. Why cruise if you are not willing to get off the ship. Just isn't my kind of fun.

Hi Lois!!

 

[kjd469]

We live in Puebla Mexico, which is south-central Mexico. It is a very beautiful city, the 4th largest in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We really love living here, (we're here due to DH's job) and find the Mexican people to be so warm and welcoming. They really do count on the tourist dollars to support the economy, especially in the coastal cities, and it would be a shame if people stopped coming because of what's happening in the North.

 

[wwwosie]

We live in Puebla Mexico, which is south-central Mexico. It is a very beautiful city, the 4th largest in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We really love living here, (we're here due to DH's job) and find the Mexican people to be so warm and welcoming. They really do count on the tourist dollars to support the economy, especially in the coastal cities, and it would be a shame if people stopped coming because of what's happening in the North.

I grew up in Mexico City and you are right Puebla is very pretty with lots of good eats! My aunt's family are all from there...

Even my Nogales' cousins feel safe in their little town which is on the warning list...

And now to tune in to Stereo Joya from Mexico City!

 

[Disney-Bride2005]

I totally agree with you.........don't take a cab anywhere. I am latina and I wouldn't even risk it. However on the shopping strip that is on the ocean I feel is totally safe. It is crowded like a shopping mall and mostly everyone speaks english as well. You can find the cutest stuff to buy. Definitely get off the ship and walk around. Do not go walking into alley ways and you should never get a feeling of being unsafe. Everyone is friendly and needs to make money like everyone else.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We have stayed in Cozumel and felt safe. We have also cruised via DCL to Cozumel. It would be a shame to be there and not see the East Side. It is beautiful. The first time there was on DCL and we stayed right at the port and came back saying that we didn't like Cozumel. Unless you experience the whole island, you will never know what you are missing.

We have taken a taxi right from the airport. We have rented a jeep and explored on our own. Can't wait to go back.

 

[ubermama]

We are booked for the 7 night Western. To be honest the ports were not that interesting to us. The ship is the trip and Castaway Cay can not be beat. However, we are rethinking our cruise. The news we have gotten in Canada does confirm that the bulk of the violence is in the border towns but it is not resticted to those areas. We are travelling with our daughter and the idea of being the least bit nervous about our safety is really making us rethink the Western may be a better choice. I know I am being paranoid so please don't call me crazy. I think each family has to make theire own decision based on there comfort levels.

 

[laura001]

Thank you kjd for your opinions. They really do help.

That being said, we will take a DCL excursion but only because there are 8 ships in port that day. 8 ships - . My biggest fear is missing the boat. So I figure that they will get me back in time or hold the boat for me so we should be okay. I'm more afraid of the quantity of tourists in town then the crime. Heck, I work in NYC everyday. Cozumel doesn't frighten me.

Hey! How do you find out how many ships will be in the port with you that day?

 

[cats mom]

Everyone does realize that Cozumel is an island, not even connected to the Mexican mainland, right?

Of course I'm not naive enough to say there could never be any violence on Cozumel, but there certainly hasn't been to date.

If you're really concerned you could just stay in the port area, I'm sure security there is tighter than it's ever been.
Like JiminyC_fan that just isn't our way of vacationing, but to each their own.

The LA times has an interactive map showing where drug related violence has occured. I'm a little hesitant about posting it since some people seem so freaked out anyway... but if you're just concerned about Cozumel, I would think it should calm your fears.

Here you go:

http://projects.latimes.com/mexico-drug-war/#/interactive-map

 

[kjd469]

Thank you Cats mom for posting that link...I think it will be very helpful.

Let me just say this, and this is not to insult anyone. Having lived in Mexico for 2 years, we have heard every positive and negative statement from people regarding our choice to live here....basically, we have found there are 2 types of people...the first type of person has heard all of the negativity in the news, etc., and absolutely nothing that you say will convince them that there is not an armed murderer on every street corner just waiting to kill them - they can't help thinking that way, it's just the way they think. The other type of person is totally interested in hearing our perspective, since we do live here, and wants to educate themselves on what's really going on...they are open to and willing to listen to someone other than the media. Generally speaking, most people will be like the second person, but if you are like the first, and truly believe that you are putting your self and family in danger by stepping foot in Mexico, than by all means, go with your gut...people who are fearful tend to exude that fear outwardly, and by doing so, you may actually be setting yourself up to be a victim of crime.

We have had some wonderful experiences in Cozumel - they have so much to offer. We did the Jeep/Snorkelling tour with DCL and it was a wonderful day -I highly recommend this tour!

 

[magicron]

I booked an excursion on my own to Chankanaab park for Dolphin Discovery. We walked from the pier to the shopping area, then to a taxi stand, where there's a guy who calls the next taxi in line, and helps tell him where you want go, what it will cost, etc (BTW, $10 total each way to Chankanaab).

I never felt unsafe in the least bit. Very nice people every place we went. As others have stated: media overstates what's going on, this is a tourist island, stay in the tourist areas. Also, there is a U.S. Coast Guard presence at the port.

It reminded me of my time in southern Ireland several years ago; the terrorist problems where in Northern Ireland, completely isolated from other parts of Ireland.

I'm resting at my mom's place in Florida today - will post a full trip report later in the week. Short night last night getting packed, saying goodbye to the staff, then up early for 7:00 am breakfast.

Go out an enjoy Cozumel!

 

[dizneyfan23]

The couple of times that I've been to Mexico on cruises, I've never felt unsafe walking around town shopping, dining or whatever. That includes Cabo, Puerta Vallarta, Acapulco and Cozumel.

Well, I take that back, there was one time in Cozumel (playing golf) where I almost stepped on a snake in the fairway and it tried to bite me. That was probably not safe.

Other than that, Mexico has been wonderful.