does anyone know if all the drug cartels killings in mexico is making it not a safe port of call for cruise-goers?  Cabo , Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta are my stops on a 7day cruise . .   should I reconsider going on this cruise?  The violence in mexico right now is scaring me.   

There is a another discussion about this on another area on this website.  Mostly people now fighting back and forth that have nothing to do with the original topic at hand.  I have friends who are traveling to Mexico (not on a cruise they are flying & staying for a week).  We did some research and I believe it was the us department homeland website or one similar by the gov't that discussed all the cautions of travel in Mexico.  Matter of fact, the way we read the article and from our research the US Gov't has had this a similar caution about travel to mexico for many years.  Only you know if you should reconsider the cruise and if it was me I wouldn't want others to "make" that decision for me either.  I feel use common sense or go with what you are comfortable with.  If you feel scared and are uncomfortable about the whole thing then don't go.  I am very adventureous when I travel and feel anything can happen at anytime.  I also believe this type of violence exists and the fact it is being put in the new recently does not really mean things similar to this weren't happening before.  We have travel fly & stay to Mexico many times and have never had a problem personally.  However, our last visit we were stuck in a traffic jam on the highway because a riot had broken out between Mexican workers.  It was a little concerning at one point but when traveling to counties with economic problems even worse than the ours; one should be aware of problems.  Even with a recent trip to Italy many warned us about the pick pockets and gypsies in Rome and I was cautioned not to walk by myself (I stick out blonde hair).  But I was very cautious had my eyes open and on my 4th day in went into rome via train all ALONE and spent the entire day there.  Again you have to be comfortable about what you are doing.  Sorry for rambling.....here is one of the links we looked at.  Hope it helps.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

Ok, here is one of the webpage we reviewed about this and the start of the article.  There is more to the article but I did not want to post everything here.....hope this helps. 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html 

This information is current as of today, document.write(Date()+".") Tue Mar 10 15:23:17 2009.

Mexico

February 20, 2009

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

I mentioned in another post (somewhere) you have to be aware of your surroundings and listen to your inner self when out and about. One thing I will caution people about is:

If you go to a jewlery store do not drink alcohol until AFTER you have made your purchases. Your judgement is impaired with the alcohol because they make their drinks strong. You could end up buying more then you anticipated and not paying attention to the quality.

We buy quite a bit of gemstones and went with our dinner mates one day on a shopping trip. We helped them with their purchases and then went on our way. When we met up that night she showed off a ring they had purchased at another store that also provided free tequila. Needless to say the ring was returned with the ship guarantee.