Princess, HAL Drop Mazatlan Calls

Hot on the heels of our feature, Is Mexico Sunk without Mazatlan, both Princess and Holland America Line announced yesterday that they also intend to pull out of the troubled port for the remainder of the season, which typically ends in late April.

One of the many beaches surrounding Mazatlan. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Guests sailing on Holland America’s Oosterdam will spend an extra day docked in Puerto Vallarta, while those aboard Zaandam will return to Cabo San Lucas for an extra day.  Oosterdam‘s April 2 and April 23 departures will also substitute an extra day in Cabo.

For passengers aboard Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess, an extra day in Cabo San Lucas is also on the itinerary for the remainder of the season, which ends with the April 30, 2011 sailing from Los Angeles.

Recent spates of violence in Mazatlan have now caused every major cruise line sailing regularily to the region to scrap their calls to the city.

Passengers booked on Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 sailings should note their itineraries haven’t changed – yet.  All lines are taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach to fall sailings in the hopes that the situation may resolve itself before then.

Carnival, which operates Mexican Riviera voyages year-round aboard Carnival Splendor, has also cancelled calls in Mazatlan until further notice.