>>1044768State Dept Travel warnings are specific by town and state, get into the details.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.htmlAlso, cruise companies have a vested interest in keeping incidents against their passenger quite quiet, but not as much control to silence them on forums. If people made police reports, they probably also posted online about something that happened. Search on specific keywords to get into these forums, often run by expats who live in these places. They are kind of like sounding boards of the local expats to keep in touch overall, some of which are seasonal to their 2nd homes, or come in "the season." Not specifically there, but even tour operators have had their whole groups robbed on buses on cruise arranged tours. So, be in the know. At times where say a celebrity is having a big giant security-filled wedding, local criminals know police are busy and that's a risky time for the rest of a town. And, often the bold kind of crimes are during things like that. Drug crimes aren't just being in bad neighborhoods, they seem to happen anywhere in Mexico.
I'd be okay with a camera on a tour, for sure. On foot, by myself, I'd at least have a backpack or other cross body bag I can stow it if I got a weird feeling I was being sized up for theft. It's not like you can't get held up, but the snatch and grab guy would have a hassle and delay, and could then choose another target.
I get that you're an camera-enthusiast, but I honestly don't travel with a big camera most of the time anymore. My picture quality suffers a little, but the fully-loaded compact of the professional line seems to draw less attention than big lenses. They aren't inexpensive at all, but they don't scream re-sale value to thieves at first glance. No one is gonna be able to start a wedding picture business with it, LOL.
I also feel a little funny on cruises with valuables in my room that can't go into the safe.
