Ports go to MARSEC 2 after Ecuador declares state of emergency (updated)

MARSEC has three tiers.

Jan. 11 update: At least one cruise line has canceled a call. Silversea Cruises' recently christened Silver Nova dropped its Jan. 12 visit to Manta, part of a 71-day grand voyage. 

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency, imposing a nationwide curfew and authorizing military action after violence erupted when a prominent gang leader escaped from prison.

A US Department of State alert said Noboa acted following 'numerous attacks by organized criminal gangs across Ecuador against private, public and government institutions.'

The New York Times reported explosions, looting, gunfire and burning vehicles and uprisings in several prisons and said gunmen stormed a television studio in Guayaquil during a live broadcast. At least 11 people were reported dead.

Ports 'open and operating normally'

'The ports have increased MARSEC security to level 2; however, they are open and operating normally,' Inchcape Shipping Services said in an alert, adding that most violence was centered around Guayaquil in the south.

Most lines that offer South America itineraries in the austral summer season (October to March), including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, have already made their calls at Ecuador en route to the Southern Cone.

Longer cruises

However, this is a time of year when some ships undertake South America circumnavigations such as Silver Nova's, or world cruises.

Costa Deliziosa's world cruise, which embarked in Trieste on Jan. 6, is scheduled for an overnight call in Manta on Jan. 30.

Galápagos travelers fly via Quito

Travelers bound for Galápagos Island cruises typically fly to Quito, the capital, then continue by air to the archipelago where they embark their ship, and fly back via Quito afterward. Some trips include a hotel stay in Quito en route.

The nationwide curfew is from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. According to the US State Department, one of the curfew exceptions is for individuals traveling to and from airports with a scheduled flight during curfew hours. US citizens traveling to or from the airport for a scheduled flight are advised to carry their flight itinerary.

'Closely watching the situation'

In a statement to Seatrade Cruise News, Holland America Line said its next visit to Ecuador is March 28 on Oosterdam 'and for now, the itinerary is scheduled to operate as planned. If this itinerary is adjusted, we will directly notify affected guests and their travel advisors.'

The statement added: 'We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. While we don't have ships in the area currently, our global security team is closely watching the situation. We will continue working in consultation with global experts and authorities to make decisions that prioritize safety, including adjusting our itineraries if necessary.'