Last week, another round of violence took place along the Mexican Riviera causing several cruise lines to cancel cruises. In the past violence had been limited to non-touristy areas but this latest incident consisted of two men being shot in a hotel parking lot in Mazatlan.
Carnival, which has two ships (Carnival Splendor and Carnival Spirit) sailing the area has replaced the port with additional time in Cabo San Lucas. The Norwegian Star which was also sailing in the region has canceled its calls to the port through April 30th, which is also the end of its stay on the Riviera. Other cruise lines; Disney, Holland America and Princess replaced the Mazatlan with other ports earlier in the year. Holland America and Princess later resumed calls at the port.
My question to you is has this violence made the Mexican Riviera Un-cruiseable?
In my opinion the answer is yes. While I was able to bury my head in the sand and shrug off the violence amongst the locals, when it started to occur in the tourist areas my interest in the region was seriously curtailed. I pride myself on being a safe cruiser and the basis of that “cruise style” is not taking unnecessary risks.
When there is news of two people gunned down in the parking lot of a popular tourist hotel that is not okay. The truth is there are way too many great ports to visit to take what I view as an un-necessary risk. The Mexican Riviera has much to offer but I cannot advocate cruising there at this time. While Cabo San Lucas seems to be pretty safe; in the past year there have been beheadings in Acapulco, grenades in Puerto Vallarta and now with shootings in Mazatlan. To me even if perceived violence is greater than the real thing, the reward doesn’t out way the risk.
I grew up in a major city, currently live 20 minutes from center city Philadelphia and go to concerts in Camden, New Jersey (probably one of the most dangerous cities in America). Over time I’ve learned to be on my guard, not walk down the wrong streets and to plan the most direct route out of or through any dangerous areas. Metaphorically speaking in this instance the Mexican Riviera is the wrong street I won’t be walking down and the most direct route in avoiding danger is to not put myself in the region in the first place.
So tell me, how do you feel about cruising on the Mexican Riviera?
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[...] Earlier this week Holland America announced the M.S. Oosterdam will stop sailing out of San Diego in favor of Australia. This change will take place starting in April of 2012 and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The Oosterdam had been sailing seven-day cruises along the Mexican Riviera a market which is diminishing, thanks in large part to the escalation in violence in Mexico. [...]