Key Aspects:
- As tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, cruisers are wondering how their sailings could be affected.
- So far, at least two voyages from Norwegian Cruise Line have been changed as a result of the conflict.
- Some also worry that more nearby cruise destinations, such as Trinidad and Aruba, could also be impacted.
As tensions between the US and Venezuela rise, cruisers are speculating about the potential fallout for the cruise industry – particularly in regards to Curacao.
The Southern Caribbean destination is only about 40 miles north of Venezuela, and has already been impacted by military activity.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic already had to skip her visit to Willemstad, Curacao, on December 17, 2025, due to “naval exercises” that required the 4,070-guest ship to steer clear of the area.
Norwegian Sky’s January 5th Caribbean sailing will also be skipping Willemstad due to “updated port availability.”
Between the fact that approximately 600,000 passengers visit Curacao annually – and that it is now the peak Caribbean cruise season – future guests can’t help but wonder how their itineraries could also be impacted.
In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line, popular brands like Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean (among others) are currently active in Curacao’s capital.
Are More Changes Coming?
The question on everyone’s minds isn’t so much about safety, but rather if their Curacao-bound sailings will be able to go ahead as planned.
Even with the US on the verge of possible war with nearby Venezuela, Curacao is under the lowest possible US travel advisory, which is “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.”
Cruisers on upcoming sailings early in the new year have taken to social media to try to gauge how likely they are to encounter itinerary changes.
“Hey all, booked on a 12-day princess on 1/16. (Yes I like cruising with old people because I can just chill) and we are set to go to Aruba, Curacao, and Trinidad, all very close to Venezuela what are the odds these ports will be cut or replaced,” one soon-to-be-passenger inquired on Reddit.
“I was wondering about this too. I have a cruise booked on the Horizon in about 6 weeks and was wondering what itinerary changes may happen. I understand if it needs to change but I hope it doesn’t change to the Bahamas!” another chimed in.
At the moment, many cruise lines appear to be taking a “wait and see” approach.
The cruise lines try not to disrupt itineraries unless absolutely necessary, and may not receive updated information about military operations impacting the port until the last minute.
Read Also: Aircraft Carrier vs Cruise Ship – Giant Size Comparison
And though there is currently no active threat to cruise ships, the cruise lines are carefully monitoring the situation to ensure any future visits are safe.
Could More Caribbean Ports Be Affected?
Some future cruisers are also worried that more destinations that often wind up on Caribbean itineraries may also be impacted.
Many also have concerns about Aruba and Trinidad, which are even closer to Venezuela than Curacao.
Aruba is only around 18 miles north of Venezuela, and is so close that it’s possible to see the Venezuelan mainland from Aruba on a clear day. Trinidad is even closer at only seven miles away.
“I am going on cruise next year in the Caribbean and am concerned with all the chaos that has been happening if it will even be safe. Some of the islands like Aruba, Curacao are very close. Also an embargo was placed on Venezuela by the US as well,” another person expressed on Reddit.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future. But rest assured that any itinerary changes that may be made as a result of the conflict will be done to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all onboard.
