Travel Roundup: EU's Mexico and U.S. Travel Advisory, Tropicana Violations Close 560 Rooms, Cruise Ship Fends Off Pirates and More

European Union health ministers issue swine flu travel advisory — The European Union’s health chief advised travelers today not to head to Mexico and the United States, both places where swine flu has been discovered. Swine flu, a strain of influenza spread from pigs, has killed 103 people in Mexico and has a handful of cases in the United States. However, Spain has reported one case of the virus — the first in Europe. The EU did not issue any formal instructions to travelers but Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said travelers should avoid going to Mexico or the United States. [Source: Reuters]

Tropicana closes 560 rooms after building code violations — The Tropicana, a resort casino on the Las Vegas Strip, closed 560 hotel rooms after the hotel failed an inspection. The cause of the problem was a room renovation that violated building codes but the casino operator said the closures were only temporary. Tropicana Las Vegas President Ron Thacker says he and his staff are working with local authorities. The 1,800-room casino resort is owned by Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment LLC, which hopes to free itself from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this spring. [Source: Associated Press]

Israeli private security on Italian cruise ship exchange fire with pirates — Israeli private security forces aboard an Italian cruise ship fended off a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia. The ship, with 1,500 people on board, exchanged fire with the bandits and drove them away. Cmdr. Ciro Pinto told Italian state radio that six men in a small white speed boat approached the Msc Melody and opened fire Saturday night, but retreated after the Israeli security officers aboard the cruise ship returned fire. No passengers were hurt. The attack occurred about 200 miles north of the Seychelles, and 500 miles east of Somalia. [Source: Associated Press]

Severe weather in Dallas-Fort Worth area causes canceled flights — Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings have caused at least two American Airlines flight cancellations. Morning flights heading in or out of Dallas were also delayed. [Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times]