WPBF 25 News is hearing from local cruise lines, travel advisors and Bahamian residents following the state department issuing a travel advisory following a recent spike in murders in Nassau.On Friday, the U.S. State Department posted a travel advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing crime.“Gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population,” the advisory reads, calling out the most affected islands of New Providence, including Nassau and Grand Bahama, where Freeport is located.The State Department advisory comes on the heels of a security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau on Jan. 24 calling attention to 18 murders that have taken place in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The alert cites gang violence as the primary motive, noting murders have occurred at all hours, “including in broad daylight.”Margaritaville at Sea Cruises, which sails out of the Port of Palm Beach, visits Freeport. The cruise line sent the following statement to WPBF 25 News:"As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are the top priority for FCCA and our cruise line members. We are aware of the U.S. State Department travel advisory urging increased caution and have been working closely with global security experts and government authorities – including the US Embassy – to monitor the situation."As with visiting any foreign location, we urge travelers to practice common-sense security measures for their safety and to make informed decisions about their travel. We also recommend they pay close attention to updates from their travel advisor or cruise line, including referring to shipboard announcements no matter the destination."We and our cruise line members will continue monitoring conditions in all the destinations we visit to make decisions that prioritize safety."A South Florida travel advisory, Leslie Tillem of Eltee Travel, says she has not seen a reduction in the number of travelers who want to visit the Bahamas following the travel advisory."I have not seen a decrease. What I have seen are more questions about going to the Bahamas,” said Tillem.She also says advisory or no advisory, she always shares some important tips before someone goes on vacation."Avoid designer handbags, avoid fancy jewelry, fancy watches, use, of course, most important, common sense. Visit tourist areas, where if you’re going to the market in the Bahamas, go with other people, don’t walk down side streets and don’t go wondering at nighttime. Use safe transportation. Ask your concierge at your hotel where you should and shouldn’t be going," said Tillem.Arlene Poitier lives on Grand Bahama Island and says the recent spike in murders in Nassau has not made them feel like they’re in any more danger. "I feel safe," said Poitier. "I feel safe in Grand Bahama and when I go to Nassau, I feel safe, so I would not discourage any person from going to a particular place because things happen everywhere, but you just have to be careful of the areas and you just have to be vigilant wherever you go."The US State Department says gang violence has been the primary cause of the murders in Nassau this year.The US embassy in Nassau says people should have extreme caution on New Providence Island, keep a low profile and do not physically resist any robbery attempt.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25 Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.