I am planning a trip to Cancun with 4 other women in early April. Is it safe for Americans in Cancun at this time with all of the violence there now. Last week, 13 were killed in Acapulco, another tourist destination (even though on the other side of the country).

There was just a thread about this last week - try a search or reading through the next few pages. Yes, it's safe with good common sense was the consensus - I've been to the region twice in the last 7 or 8 months. You wouldn't say "Don't visit Oregon because there's violence in parts of Chicago", right? Happy trails!

Yes it is OK for tourists to go to Cancun. As you said, it's nowhere near Acapulco.

But Mexico is a foreign country and it's a good suggestion to use common sense and keep your wits about you. I'd be more worried about someone getting drunk, going off with a stranger, doing something dumb like that, than likely you'll personally run into violence from the Mexican drug cartels.

Just a few days ago I heard on the news that Cancun was considered the safest resort area in Mexico.

Steel Not sure where you read that BUT Manzanillo is statistically one of the safest cities in the world & THE safest in Mexico.
Now having said that unless you are going to get wasted, attempt to buy'sell illegal drugs, Flash money or go to bad areas you will have no problems.

Just came back from a trip there with my family - kids 12, 15, 18. Felt very safe. Mostly hung at hotel, but did go to ruins, Isla Mujeres, downtown and walked for miles each morning on main road. Never felt a minute of concern. Of course my husband works off of wall street - was there on 9/11 - watched towers fall. Everything is relative. Can't live in fear. BTW from airport throughout the stay and back to airport - nicest, most polite, sweetest people on the planet... Cancun is all tourism - they can't jeopardize that.