Key Aspects:

• The US government has raised Grenada’s travel advisory from a Level 1 to a Level 2.
• The reason for the elevated status is crime within the Caribbean destination.
• Guests who visit the island nation should exercise increased caution and stay aware of their surroundings.

The US Department of State is feeling a bit spicy toward the “Island of Spice,” a popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean.

Due to crime, the US government has raised Grenada from a Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) travel advisory to a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory on January 5, 2026.

“Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape,” the advisory states.

“In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States,” it continues.

In 2024, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) reported that the Caribbean nation had experienced a 1.6% increase in crime from the previous year.

However, the RGBF also celebrated a high solvency rate of 74.8% for all crimes reported in 2024, which they hoped to grow to reach 80% in 2025.

Crime statistics for 2025 have not been released publicly at this time.

Is Tension Between the US and Venezuela a Factor?

At only 90-100 miles away from Venezuela, there is a possibility that Grenada could be impacted by the rising tensions between the South American country and the US.

So far, no port calls have been skipped over the conflict. However, flights to and from Grenada were negatively impacted due to the US military attack on Venezuela on January 3, 2026.

Even though the travel advisory upgrade came just two days after this event, the tensions were not cited as a reason.

Cruise Ships Continue Sailing to Grenada

Hundreds of thousands of cruise guests visit Grenada every year, primarily calling at Port St. George’s on the Caribbean destination’s southwestern coast. At this time, there are no plans to slow this momentum.

But rest assured, the cruise lines will continue to monitor the safety of the port and will make adjustments if the need arises.

31 ship calls are still to come in the month of January alone, with major brands like Royal Caribbean, Cunard Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises on the schedule.

Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About

Smaller luxury vessels will sometimes also stop at Carriacou, which is a tender port and the largest of Grenada’s sister islands – though this port doesn’t see nearly as much action.

Star Clippers’ 166-guest Star Clipper is expected to visit Carriacou twice in February and twice in March, which are the only remaining calls for this year on the schedule.

Should Passengers Worry?

If it ever gets too dangerous to visit a port, the cruise lines will make itinerary changes accordingly.

At least for the foreseeable future, the US State Department is simply advising guests who do visit the island to exercise increased caution and stay aware of their surroundings.

In the grand scheme of things, a Level 2 advisory is only one step above the lowest risk. More concern is understandable for a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory.

If you’re worried, booking a vetted tour or shore excursion through your cruise line is usually a good way to have fun and stay safe while in port.

US Raises Travel Advisory for Caribbean Cruise Island After New Concerns Emerge