Port Rating:

In Acapulco we decided to get off the ship - we've been there before and just weanted to stretch our legs and walk across to see the old fort. As others noticed and reported there was a "Tuner's Car" show in front of the ship. Police presence was heavy - 8-10 motor officers. We went across the street (over the bridgeway) and visited the fort. There were gov't guides there and that was a nice time. My wife asked about where we could walk to see a little bit by the ocean and the guides cautioned against going left (towards the hotel zone) due to potential purse snatchers, etc. We elected to go right. We crossed the bridge - you could see our cabin on the ship - its that close to the street! We walked on the sidewalk along the import/export car impound garage for about 100 yards. There were people local and ships passengers here and there along the way - not many however. We were looking around when my wife suddenly yelled and dropped to the ground - right next to me. Two young men had run up behind her and pulled their hands over her face from behind - their intent to strip earrings by ripping and clawing at a her neck for a tiny chain. This took all of about 3-4 seconds and they raced across the 4 lane divided road towards the OXXO store and disappeared. My wife was stunned and upset to say the least, and I to a similar, if lesser degree, The muggers got one earring and broke a sunglass holder string in their assault.

My wife and I have travelled the world - and know how to be a "non-target" and at low risk. We carry less than 100$ - in a "belly band" wallet. No credit cards, Seapass and a dupicate driver license. Stay in public areas. Don't wander away, etc. Don't wear or take jewelry on the ship - especially off the ship. We never thought about the earrings - which were tiny - could fit around a pencil eraser. They were real gold, however. For all the muggers knew, they could be gold plate from Walmart (BTW That is where the other assault happened to a crewmember that day).

My wife was lucky that the earrings were the wire and pinch variety - if they were the post type she would ve had her earlobes ripped apart. She suffered some abrasions.

We turned around and headed back to the ship. Within two minutes we came upon a female port authority police woman on an electric tricycle. Of course we stopped and told her what happened just moments before. In english. And spanish. She said "that's too bad. Don't file a report because nothing can be done. I cannot help you".

After re-boarding I went to guest relations. I was told to make a handwriiten report, which I did in detail (one assailant can be seen in my pictures taken earlier at the car show by the way). I turned the account in around 3:30 PM. The ship reported this and a police chief came aboard to talk to us but we were in the loud pool area nad never heard the pages for our names. We received a followup copy from Radiance guest relations sent to the Acapulco police and acknowlegement from Acapulco and that was it.

In summary:

We think that Mexico is getting worse in terms of safety. We don't hold Royal Caribbean liable in any way Don't wear any jewelry off the ship. Travel in packs Tell others this "story"